Page 23 of Restored

The two larger Maladras lower four large, flopping fish at my feet with a bow. The smaller one then kneels, holding up a small, beautiful shell.

“The legends say if a Maladra presents you with a shell, it is a symbol they are eternally indebted to you,” Mia says, coming to stand beside me. “Take the shell.”

Ledger’s arm flexes around my middle as I hesitantly reach out. I take the shell. The Maladra stays on its kneeswith its head bowed. “I think it’s waiting for your permission,” Archie says from behind me.

“Uh, thank you. You may go?” As soon as the words are spoken the Maladra dives into the clear water and disappears.

I sag against Ledger, my palm closed tightly over the shell, eyes transfixed on the now smooth water.

“That was totally awesome,” Cam proclaims.

“Not to be insensitive, but they do have great timing because I, for one, am starving.” Archie steps up to the fish. “Do you mind?”

“Archie,” Ledger growls.

“I’ll make you guys a plate.” He grabs the fish by their tails and walks away.

I’m still staring unblinkingly at the water as Ledger pulls me away from the edge to set me down against a tree. He studies me for a long moment before his hand moves to graze a strand of soaked hair off my cheek. “You okay?” The question is soft and genuine as if he truly cares to know the answer.

I blink and then smack his hand away. “No, I am not okay. I was almost drowned and eaten alive by the most terrifying creature I have ever seen in my godsdamn life. A creature I didn’t even know existed!” My throat is raw and painful as I speak.

“Shake it off. I wouldn’t have let them harm you. Your power is too valuable. Maladras—while unpredictable, arecurious creatures, peaceful even, usually only harming those with corrupted souls.”

“Shake. It. Off? You’ve got to be kidding me.” I push myself up off the ground, and when he stands, I shove him roughly in the chest. “There is no way in hell I am getting back on that horse and riding further into the woods to whatever other nightmarish creatures await us. Take. Me. Back,” I demand, my finger prodding his chest with each word.

He glares at me, his gaze snagging lower before he looks away and clenches his jaw. “You know I can’t do that. Maybe if you hadn’t been so busy staring at me like I was the first man you had ever seen shirtless, you could have avoided the interaction.” He mashes his teeth together. “I am your captor, and it would do you good to remember that.”

My mouth drops open, and I let out an exasperated breath. “You’re really making this about you? I was not looking at you, I was looking at the…waterfall,” I trip over my words and will the redness from my cheeks.

“Of course you were,” He glances down again. “Go put your clothes back on and get rid of that god’s forsaken dress.” He leans down, grabbing his black tunic off the ground and tossing it at my face.

I don’t have time to be offended as I look down realizing I am in a very see-through, very wet, white dress. I gasp, covering my breasts with Ledger’s tunic, and when I look up, the rest of my clothes are floating in front of me.

“Thought you might want these.” Archie is grilling up the fish by the fire he must have started. “However, you will hear no complaints from me if you stay in the dress.” He looks up from the fire, his eyes doing a quick sweep of me. “Zero complaints.”

My face heats further as I snatch my clothes from the air and dart behind a tree. I’ve never dressed so fast in my life.

As I slide Ledger’s shirt on, I’m hit with the woodsy, manly scent of him. I curiously pick up the collar and inhale. It smells like cedar and leather, and I immediately want to take it off. It would make me feel immensely better if this man could have the decency to smell bad.

I place the small shell in my pocket and wad my wet shirt up, stepping out from behind the tree. Everyone is gathered around the fire eating the fish I almost perished for.

With no eyes on me, I decide to take my chances as I crouch down, making my way as quietly as I can over to the horses.

I creep over to Ledger’s horse, untying the reins from the tree. He begins nickering, and I shush him. “Listen, while I may not know how to ride you, I can assure you I am much more pleasant than that belligerent man that’s been riding you.” I pull the reins, attempting to turn him around back the way we came, but he won’t budge. “Come on, if you move, I will feed you as many apples, leaves, grass—whatever the hell horses eat—as you want. Work with me here.”I continue to whisper to the animal, pulling his reins as he resists me.

“Belligerent, am I? I’m offended.” Ledger’s voice startles me as he saunters up behind me. I close my eyes and sigh.

“Having trouble? Apollo and I have been bonded for many years. He won’t listen to anyone but me, but it was a nice try.” He grips the reins and yanks them out of my hand.

My eyes narrow, and my arms fold stubbornly over my chest. “I do not wish to go any further.” I bite out, knowing I have no choice in the matter.

“I do not need to tell you this, but I do not care what you wish or what you want. Youwillget on this horse and make it to our destination, where youwillcomplete the task needed from you.” He’s now in my face, and my fists are itching to punch him right in his stupid, full mouth.

“In case I haven’t mentioned it, you are unbelievably unlikeable, and I hope to make this trip as unpleasant as possible for you.”

“Mission already accomplished, blondie, and it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.”

Seething with anger,I sit next to Archie, and he hands me a plate of food.

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