Page 129 of Blood of the Stars

“Why did you let Sylmar hurt you?” he asked.

Aeliana’s arms tingled where she remembered the burn of his staff, but it had been worth it. She’d produced small shields of light, and while they weren’t anything like the one she’d created with Durriken, the process became more familiar, the ability to create one faster like her muscles’ memory with aiming an arrow.

“It’s the same as when you and Riveran wrestle,” she said. “He’s teaching you to be able to defend yourself if something attacks you.”

The silence stretched. She turned to study Felk’s profile, his large eyes scanning the skies, darting as he watched the Stars in their dance.

“Why do they hate me?” Felk asked.

Aeliana stilled. “What? Who hates you?”

“The others. Riveran and Gaeren play with me. Even Cyrus likes me. But the rest don’t. They won’t eat with me or talk to me. They don’t even smile.” His lips quivered.

Aeliana sighed. “They don’t hate you. They just don’t understand you. We’ve talked about how other winex are different. How they don’t like people. It’s hard for them to forget that.”

He nodded but seemed unconvinced. Probably because she wasn’t convinced of her own words. All the friendships she’d formed with her companions had halted their growth. If it had just been Durriken’s release, they might have moved on, but now Felk was a constant reminder that she might not be trustworthy. The distance was painful after she’d tasted the sweetness of friendship.

Which made what she needed to do even harder.

“You know how to fish now. How to find food in the forest.”

“Riveran says I’m a quick learner.” He grinned, his dozens of teeth flashing.

“You are. You’re the smartest winex I know.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m the only one you know.”

She hesitated. “I think it would be good for you to meet more winex. We’ve taught you all we can, and now you need to be with other winex. To learn from them.”

Felk’s eyes widened, and he stood, shaking his head violently before she even finished speaking. “I can’t. I won’t.”

“If you don’t, Sylmar will make you go.”

A tiny growl escaped Felk’s lips before he shut them tight. His gaze flicked over Aeliana’s shoulder, and she turned to find Gaeren at her back.

“Everything good?”

She shrugged.

“My mama doesn’t want me anymore.” Felk’s voice grew louder, threatening to wake the rest of the camp.

Aeliana pressed her lips together. Maybe it was best he believed that lie.

“I doubt that’s what she meant.” Gaeren approached Felk, hands out cautiously. “She’s just trying to do what’s best for you—and us.” His hand wrapped around Felk’s wrist. At first Felk tried pulling away, but then he went still, his eyes glazing over.

Aeliana stepped forward. “What are you doing to him?”

Felk gasped, finally jerking out of Gaeren’s grip. He landed on all fours, snarling at Gaeren. With all his teeth bared, he finally looked the way Aeliana remembered seeing him, and she shuddered.

“That’s not real,” Felk said, his voice rising in panic. “That didn’t happen.” His eyes volleyed from Aeliana to Gaeren.

“What did you show him?” she demanded.

“Did I try to hurt you, Mama?” Felk’s voice cracked, his eyes filling with tears. “Did you shoot me with an arrow?”

Aeliana glared at Gaeren. “Why would you show him that? He was different then. It’s in the past.”

Felk took a step back, shaking his head. “But it’s true?”