Vexation by Rye Brewer

Author:Rye Brewer [Brewer, Rye]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B07J5YBLH2
Goodreads: 42358785
Published: 2018-12-03T05:00:00+00:00

22

Anissa

I walked the courtyard, back and forth, arms wrapped around me to block out the chill from the sea breeze. It was unusual to feel a chill in the air at Hallowthorn Landing unless a storm blew through. Otherwise, the air was generally warm and pleasant.

I wondered if some presence surrounding the fortress understood the stress we were under, but that was ridiculous. Or so I needed to believe.

Maybe it was all in my head. That was easier to accept. I was imagining the change in the air because I was so concerned over Stark and Branwen. “It’s taking too long.”

Sirene only shook her head, making her black waves tumble around her shoulders. “It isn’t.”

“I’ve been through that mansion and walked that map step by step more times than I can remember, and I’m telling you it’s taking too long. They ran into trouble. It’s the only explanation.”

“I have no doubt that if they did, they shall find their way through it. I have the utmost faith in them. My brother is quite powerful. Remember, I brought Sara here to train with him. I would not have entrusted her future to him if I did not trust him.”

My stomach turned at the mention of my sister’s name. Yes, Sirene had brought Sara here to train with her brother. Look where that had led. But Sirene’s heart was in the right place, and I could hardly blame her for the way things had turned.

“I should’ve gone,” I argued. “I could’ve stood lookout or something.”

“And what, my dear, would have transpired if the Carvers found you there? I highly doubt Will Carver would welcome you back into the fold with open arms.”

I snorted. “As if I would ever accept such an act.”

“There you are. It would not have gone well for anyone involved. Lena needs her sister-in-law here, looking out for her.”

I couldn’t help but warm at the reference, even though it made me think of Jonah and the ring on my finger. I loved looking at it, knowing what it symbolized—but boy, did it make me long for him more than ever.

Lena slept in the basket which Sirene had repurposed for such use. She’d carried the baby around in a sling, either on her back or against her chest, for as long as possible. Now that Lena had grown so rapidly and was still growing all the time, it seemed smarter and kinder to Sirene’s body to find other ways to carry her around and leave her to nap in the shadow of the fortress. Fresh air helped her sleep better, and she loved being outside.

She was nestled in a pile of blankets, a contented smile on her sweet face. My heart melted as always at the sight of her.

“It makes me laugh at myself,” I admitted.

“What does?”

“The way she’s turned my heart. I was never hard-hearted before, mind you, and I would’ve done anything for Sara.”

“You did, at that.”

I shrugged. “She’s my sister. My blood. This little girl, on the other hand…”

“Not of your blood.

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