Page 18 of A Lick of Flame

“We do get sent there sometimes.” His voice is hesitant. I hear the rustling of clothing as he speaks. “I’m in a state of undress because I needed to get clean. I decided that the estuary leading to the ocean was the best place for it. I left my clothes under a rock at the entrance to the cave. I can’t help it if you have bad timing and that you’re overly modest.”

I start to turn and then catch myself. “It’s you who is the problem. You don’t have a single modest bone in your body.”

I take my flint from the bag and start trying to create a spark. I need to start a small fire so that I can light my lantern. I suddenly have this urge to go to see little Raila. I hear a crackle from behind me, and the kindling takes all at once in a fiery blast. The fae has used his magic. I can scent it in the air. Then the lantern sparks to life as well, with another crackle and more of that scent. It’s the same smell in the air as when there is a huge lightning storm. When the sky lights up with cracks of thunder.

“You’re welcome,” he says.

I square my shoulders and purse my lips. I’m not thanking him. He can forget it. I make a small noise that tells him I’m not impressed because I’m not.

“I’m decent.”

I turn, noting that he is only in his braies, and gasp. “You’re not decent at all.” He’s still wet, so they are clinging to him like a second skin in an obscene fashion that draws my eye against my will.

I look away.

He laughs again. The audacity of the man…fae…him! Arghhh! I want to beat him with my fists or kick him where it hurts. Instead, I fold my arms across my chest.

“Your cheeks are as red as freshly pulled beets.” He chuckles some more as he pulls on his leather pants.

“It isn’t funny at all.” I turn and look him in the eye.

He doesn’t say anything, and his face turns somber. “I am assuming that something has happened to you. Something that made you come back.” He pulls his pants the rest of the way up, tucking himself inside them.

If my cheeks were hot before, they’re burning up right now. It’s almost worse now that he is dressed. I know what he looks like under his clothes. I push those thoughts aside and tell him of my two episodes.

“That’s twice in half a day,” I tell him.

“Do you believe me now? The two of you are tethered.”

“Begrudgingly,” I say. “What choice do I have? I thought of Raila each time. I felt intense longing. I saw an image of her inside my head, and then the headache started. It wouldn’t abate. I’m not sure I can make the type of journey you are suggesting.” I shake my head. “Not with episodes such as that.” My eyes prickle with tears, but I refuse to cry. This is all such a mess.

“You’re trying to block Raila. That’s why it’s so bad. You shouldn’t be getting sick just yet…it’s too soon.” He looks to the side, narrowing his eyes and scratching his jaw.

“What happened to me, then?”

“I don’t know of a human ever bonding with a dragon before, so I’m not sure how this is going to unfold. I suspect that you will deteriorate quicker than a weak fae, since you don’t have any magic to speak of. I mean, you don’t have any magic, do you?” He frowns, keeping his eyes on me.

I shake my head. “No, none that I know of,” I mutter.

“You would’ve known by now if you had any; I mean, you are very much a woman.” His eyes drift to my chest for a heartbeat. It happens so quickly I almost miss it. “How many winters have you seen? And, for the love of Kakara, you will need to tell me your name.”

I hate the idea of him knowing my name or anything about me. My mother always said that you give away some of your power as soon as another person knows your name. I don’t want to do this. I certainly don’t want to give him anything. The beastfae already took everything from me. Every blasted thing.

No!

I refuse!

“We are not friends. We are never going to be friends,” I blurt. “We have to find this witch and break the bond. We do not need to get along in order to do it. I will call you ‘Fae.’”

“Fae.” He snorts. “My name is Orion. Of course we need to get along. We need to work together, or we will not make it to the Windsar Forest. It will take us days traveling by horseback just to get there, and I will need to call you by something. If you call me ‘Fae’ and we are overheard, it could spell disaster. And then, as to what to call you…” He licks his lips like he’s thinking about it. “‘Hey, you’ doesn’t quite cut it. Although ‘Maiden’ has a nice ring to it. Perhaps I’ll call you—”

“Don’t you dare call me that. You can call me ‘Sister,’” I tell him.

His eyes flare. “Oh! So you’ve given your life in service?” I see skepticism all over his face.

The word “Yes” hovers on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t bring myself to say it. I finally shake my head. “Although I have given my life in service, I am not one of Kakara’s ladies.”

I had thought of entering into her service, but I ultimately want to wed; I want children of my own. Kakara’s ladies are married to the Great Mother. It was a sacrifice I was not willing to make. I’m almost sorry now.

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