Page 20 of Restored

“Is she healthy?” he asks, and by now the other party members are staring at us.

“Of body but not of mind. You need to return me.” I glance over at them nervously.

“I can’t do that,” he responds. I push the dagger further into his skin until red droplets soak through his shirt. “Do it, stab it right into my heart.” He leans back and the knife slips further into his skin.

I gasp and my grip falters.

Ledger moves swiftly. He turns, and his foot knocks into my ankles, sending me careening to the ground.

He’s on top of me in a breath, the dagger still in my hand between us. His palm closes over mine, forcing my wrists towards myself.

The cool metal of the dagger brushes the delicate skin of my neck.

“I’m sorry about your mother but that is none of my concern. Just like my loved one was not of your concern.” His nostrils flare. Vines wrap around my already bound wrists replacing his hand and squeezing so tightly my fingers spasms, releasing the dagger.

Ledger grabs the blade and stands, leaving me struggling on the ground. Mia appears in front of me, shaking her head. Her dark skin gleams in the sunlight, her hair shiny and neat, tied in a long braid that hangs to her lower back. “I’m Mia,” she says, and I kneel awkwardly in front of her.

“Is this really necessary, Ledger?” She takes out a knife and slashes at the vines and binds until I’m free. I sigh with relief as I rub my wrists, moving my fingers to get blood flow. Ledger steps up to us, and she places a hand on his chest. “I’ve got her.”

She raises her eyebrow until he relaxes and turns back to the horse. “If she attempts to escape, it will be you that goes after her.” He scowls down at me.

“Gladly.” She grins. Her demeanor is light and playful, and despite the circumstances, I instantly like her. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m so relieved to have a female joinus; men are such headaches to travel with.” She glances obviously at Ledger and my lip twitches.

“Do you know how to swim?” she asks; her teeth are a dazzling white as she smiles at me.

“No, I can’t swim. There aren’t many bodies of water in Bellehaven.” Embarrassment floods me, and I fight to keep it off my face.

“No worries—the water doesn’t get very deep here.” She begins to remove her clothes until she is left in her undergarments. I blush at her nudity, looking away. “Come on, Layla, the water feels amazing.” She calls, fully submerged in the enticing water.

I look around, seeing Ledger and Cam tending to the horses.

Archie approaches me when I catch his eye. “Hey, we didn’t get off to the best start yesterday. I’m Archie.” He holds out his hand, and I stare at it, remembering the way he sent that knife towards Maddox’s chest.

He drops his hand after a few moments and rubs at the back of his neck. He looks to be in his mid-twenties with smooth unblemished skin. I wonder idly if he is capable of growing facial hair. He’s very handsome with thick blonde hair that is tousled and down-turned bedroom eyes.

“Sorry about last night. We had to get you away from Sandor. I thought you’d come willingly, but clearly, I was mistaken.” He looks at me sheepishly. “How about we startover? I promise you’re going to like me; I’ve yet to meet a female that doesn’t.”

I have no doubt that much is true. He winks at me, and it reminds me so much of Maddox it melts some of my initial reserve.

“Let’s all go for a swim, maybe if I smelled better, it would help my case.” He sniffs his armpit and makes a face, tugging off his shirt.

I catch a glimpse of gruesome scars littering his back before he jumps into the water.

Cam shoots me a nervous look before moving a few feet away and shucking off his clothes. The guilt I felt the previous night returns when I make out purple bruising at his temple.

Everyone swims through the crystal waters. They all look so happy and carefree. I can’t remember the last time I truly let go and enjoyed something like that. I wasn’t sure if I was capable of those emotions.

My eyes snag on Ledger, who is removing his shirt. He folds it neatly next to him, leaving him in only a pair of briefs.

My blood heats at the sight of him and my power surges to the surface. He is all muscle, scars, and tanned skin—a harsh kind of beautiful. I can’t decide what is more breathtaking, the spring or him.

I force myself to look away, annoyed by my thoughts. My own pale skin is dirty and stained, and my bones ache for reprieve. I itch with the desire to feel the enchanting watersagainst my skin. I’d only ever read and heard about places as magnificent as this, and it would pain me to miss the opportunity.

It doesn’t take me long before I remove my boots. Once I have them off, I test the water with my bare toes. It feels glorious.

Spotting a bush, I walk over and remove my leggings. I opt to keep on my dress, cursing myself for not putting anything under it before leaving the castle.

I walk hesitantly into the water until I am shoulder-deep, and sigh when the water laps against my heated skin. My head tips back, and my hair splays around me.

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