Page 28 of Forsaken Secrets

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Eli

"She returns, my lord."

I jolted awake. "Thanks, Riarlo."

It had been a while since I'd fallen asleep while healing. The injury must have been worse than I thought.

I rolled my shoulders and stretched.

Gah — I always forgot how much more tiring it was when the relic didn't match my affinity. I opened my hand and stared at the amber crystal, familiar as my own hand. The pixie inside glowed brightly for one moment, then darkened back to normal.

Still, my head didn't swim anymore, so that was progress. I quickly returned the amulet to my bag, taking a moment to pull out a pack of lemon bread, and relaxed back onto my elbows before opening it and taking a bite.

The bitter sweetness made me groan. Gods, it was good!

I took another bite and waited for Kaiya to return.

"Does she have the mage?"

"She's alone … though she is muttering to herself about a damn barbarian."

I chuckled. She was a fiery one. Gram and Mirrim would like her.

Sure enough, within seconds she stepped through the collapsed alcove, muttering to herself.

Gods. She really didn't like that Lynk fellow.

"I'm so sorry, Eli. I can't find him anywhere." Her brows were pinched, and her lips tight.

I waved my hand. "No worries. I ate a bit and am feeling much better."

Her eyes narrowed, and she strode to my side, then dropped to her knees and reached for my hair.

I leaned back and held my hands up. "You know, you can only feel my head so many times before I start to think you just like the feel of my hair, my lady."

She glared at me, then pressed her hands into my hair again, fingers gentle but sure. It sent a weird tingle through my body, and I had to hold back a completely inappropriate groan.

"Ah, yes. The feel of blood encrusted hair. How sexy …"

I grinned.

I had to stay unentangled for this job, but would a new friend really hurt?

Kaiya continued her inspection, careful not to touch any of the sore areas, as she muttered to herself.

Once I got to my rooms, I'd take the time to fully heal, but I felt well enough now to at least walk without passing out.

First, though, I needed some answers.

The only way for Lynk to pull that stunt off was if he were a mage. I'd never heard of anyone's affinity expressing that way … but what did I know?

Curiosity burned like an ember in the pit of my stomach.

What would the Rogues give me for recruiting powerful mage like him? Perhaps I'd finally get to be the lead on a project? Even Jaiel couldn't deny that he'd be a good asset for our team.

"Well, you do seem to be healing." Kaiya's voice broke through my thoughts. "Though unless that bread was some kind of magical healing bread, I don't understand it!"

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