Page 42 of Forsaken Secrets

"My problems are not your problems, Eli," I bit out. "I know you feel you owe me something, but I just did what anyone else would have done. Besides, I can handle this on my own."

He looked at me with narrowed eyes, then to the house, then back at me. "Do you owe the Ellingsworths money?" he blurted out, then grimaced. "Sorry — I just … people were oddly willing to tell me about you, and I didn't want you to think I didn't know, and —"

"Yes." I interrupted, stopping to face him. "They manage the loan that we have through the Empire Bank." I hated that he knew, but he'd probably heard worse from the people he'd spoken with.

Air hissed through his teeth and his body tensed as he glared at the carriage turning down their drive.

I winced. "It was a stupid decision, but in my defense, I was young and both my aunt and uncle were sick."

"You aren't to blame for that!" he said, glaring in the direction they'd gone. "They took advantage of you. Was there no one else around to help?"

I grimaced. "Does it really matter? We ended up under their thumb and now we need a lot of money in a short time. But there's no way for us to get it."

"I'm assuming there's a hefty consequence if you fail?" His words were full of quiet fury.

I gritted my teeth and nodded before turning back to the road.

We were quiet for a bit as we walked. The breeze rustled the leafy trees above us and small creatures wove in and out of the path, startled by our presence.

Perhaps I could prove that the Ellingsworths were faking the condition of our land?

No. Who'd listen to me?

Could I join the Reaper Guild and earn money there? No. I'd have to come up with the funds to join first. Besides, one week would be nowhere near enough time to make the amount of money we needed.

Perhaps I could go to the Capital and make money there?

I looked down at myself and scowled. What could I even do there? Sell my body?

I cringed. If it came to that in order to keep Aunt Grace safe, I'd do it. But surely there had to be some other way …

"I know you refused my job offer, but I honestly think it might be the perfect opportunity for you."

Eli's words jerked me out of my thoughts and I paused to look at him, quirking my brow. "So you're willing to let me hunt by myself?"

I might not make much money, but at least I could explore those ruins I'd seen in the cliffs. Not being able to go down and look had been eating at me.

I'd almost gone with Lynk's rope last night. But with no anchors and a loose cliff face, it would have been a death sentence. I couldn't do that to my aunt.

If Eli let me go in his stead, though … surely I could sneak a few little hunts in my free-time?

He shook his head stubbornly, though.

I gritted my teeth. "I don't work with people. Besides, there is no way you have the funds to make it worth me hauling your incompetent self around."

His eyes went wide, and I realized that might have been a bit harsh. True … but harsh. Still, he needed to understand.

He recovered quickly. "What if I had something else in mind?"

There was only one thing that paid that well, and the thought of it with him made my cheeks burn.

I dropped my voice to a whisper and leaned closer. "I won't sleep with you, either." He was handsome enough, but the last thing I needed right now was a romantic entanglement.

"Sleep — " he coughed out, eyes wide, " — with me?"

I nodded, neck hot. He was acting as though I'd just asked him to eat a forest slug! I mean, I might not be charming or witty, but surely I wasn't that undesirable?

I looked down at myself, taking in the old gown and ragged hems.

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