Page 27 of Forsaken Secrets

Then those damned hands were running through my hair again, caressing my neck and sending heat through my body with every touch.

She leaned closer, soft breasts pressing into my shoulder, and I had to hold back a groan. I'd thought I would burst into flames when she'd tied that rope around my waist, but this was worse.

So much worse.

"I — I'm okay, my lady." I swallowed. "Just a bit sore."

Her hands dropped from my head, and I had to restrain myself from following them.

Gods — what was wrong with me?

"Just a bit sore?" Her voice was chiding. "You likely have a severe concussion, Eli. I'm surprised you're still conscious."

She stared at me, lips pursed.

I searched her face for some sign of awareness, but she just sat there, hazel eyes bright and full of concern. Completely unaware of the turmoil she was causing within me. "No, really. It's okay. I've had much worse."

Her right eyebrow arched. "This is no time to play hero. I can't carry you by myself, but I'll see if I can find Lynk. He should be able to help me get you home."

I nodded slowly, careful not to set my head off again.

That would be perfect. If she left, I'd have time to heal.

"Could you toss me my bag before you go?" I asked, motioning to the brown leather sack on the ground. Thank the gods Riarlo had saved it.

She passed it to me, cheeks darkening as the leather made a wet plopping sound in my lap. "I — I'm sorry about the notebook inside — it's a bit … wet."

"My notebook?" I'd tucked that away at the bottom. "What did you do, dump the whole thing out?"

Her cheeks turned a brighter red, and I tried not to laugh.

I should probably care more, but I was still reeling from the near-death experience. And really, a damp notebook was nothing in the larger scheme of things. Though hopefully it wasn't so ruined that I'd have to re-copy it all.

"I'll be right back. Okay?" She patted my shoulder twice, warm heat spreading from the contact, then walked away, bare legs visible for all to see.

My cheeks heated, and I cleared my throat. "Uh — my lady … you know you're missing your skirts, right?"

She looked down and froze. Her cheeks flushed bright red as she rushed to a small pile by the wall and pulled the items on. "What kind of seventh hell is today?" Her voice was barely audible over the sounds of the storm, but it made my lips quirk into a grin.

She looked back once more, cheeks pink, before disappearing behind the ruins.

A few moments later, Riarlo flew down and perched in front of me."You should be safe now, my lord. I think she's far enough away."

"Thanks."I reached into my bag and pulled out the amulet. "Can you tell if she's a mage?"

"Her korra looks normal, but I can't shake the feeling that something is off. The way she looked at that amulet … and this morning, when I — oh, never mind. You heal and I'll keep an eye out."

Nodding, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, focusing on the amulet nestled in my palm.

I reached for it in my mind, letting the warmth and life inside me connect with the little pixie inside it. Searing heat quickly spread through my body.

It wasn't the right type of relic for my affinity, but even the reduced effect would be helpful.

I relaxed into the warmth and comfort, almost forgetting the insanity of the day as the familiar strength enveloped me.

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