Page 107 of A Flame of the Phoenix

“How did you find me?” Faythe asked.

“I heard what happened at the inn. People are whispering about the Phoenix Queen. Then I tracked you.”

Her guilt surged once again. “I didn’t mean to do that.”

“I know.”

“How could you?”

Nerida’s smile always inspired a warmth like no one else’s. One that freed souls from burden just for a moment.

“It’s not your heart,” Nerida said.

Faythe’s head bowed. Then she had to ask, “Have you found anything for Tarly since you’ve been here?”

The sorrow that dropped on the fae’s face was answer enough.

“I haven’t been here much longer than you, and a lot has happened since we parted.”

Nerida rolled open her pouch of herbs and medicines.

“What’s happened?” Faythe pressed.

Finding what she was looking for, Nerida uncorked a small vial and handed it to Faythe. “This will help with the pain of the Magestone.”

She didn’t really care about that, but Faythe accepted the kindness.

When she swallowed the sour liquid, Faythe’s head snapped around. “Reylan…”

“He’ll be out for at least another couple of hours. The tonic I slipped into his water at the stream should hold someone unconscious until morning, but I would anticipate the ruin’s magick will burn it off far faster.”

Faythe’s helpless look swung back to the healer.

“I don’t know what to do,” Faythe confessed.

“Luckily for you, I have some theories and options. But I need you to listen carefully, and none of this is without risk. There’s something I need to tell you first, and I hope you’ll still see me the same.”

“Of course I will,” Faythe said with absolute certainty.

Nerida remained uncertain. She broke Faythe’s stare to pack away her pouch with a new edge of nerves.

Faythe took her hand and held her beautiful hazel eyes. “None of us are just friends anymore, Nerida. We’re family. Whatever you have to say, that never changes, and how we fight this…is together.”

“Family,” Nerida whispered, lost in her own thoughts at the word, until an endearing smile twitched at her lips.

Unexpectedly, she leaned in and embraced Faythe tightly. When she relaxed, Faythe treasured the blessing of Nerida’s comfort.

“I can’t stay with you, and what I’m going to propose will be dangerous, but I don’t know if there’s any other way.”

Faythe’s arms tightened a fraction—from fear, from anticipation—but when she let Nerida go…she was ready for whatever had to come next.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Tarly

“It’s your lucky day,” a male voice sang into his cell.

Tarly turned taut. He’d been wondering when he’d hear it again.

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