Page 53 of Shadow and Smite

“Vanessa says we made good time traveling with Leo. We’ll reach the Isle of Shadow tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I choked. “What time is it?”

“Midnight, maybe.” He shook his head, still stirring from his sullen thoughts. “Sorry. You must be hungry. Let me get you something.”

“I’m fine. I didn’t mean to interrupt… If you need space—”

“Stay.” He stood, pressing me back into my seat. “You need to eat.”

He placed a rough cloth over the barrel-turned-table. From nearby containers—one of which was an ice- blue cooler box—he retrieved provisions for our dinner.

There was bread, baked fresh that morning. A spreadable cheese and savory sausage. A sweet apple jam and a spicy pepper sauce. Crackers for good measure and—

“Are those…dates?” I licked my lips.

“Glad you don’t find the meal too humble,Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty?”I snorted with laughter. “I’ve learned not to expect much from you,princeling.”

He chuckled too, adding a waterskin to the table.

It was nice, the laughter, the jokes. It was strange too. We retreated into silence, the wind and starlight becoming our companions. After my first bite, I found I was quite hungry.

He shifted a few times, like he didn’t know what to do with himself now that he had company.

“You should eat too,” I offered. “Tomorrow will be a big day.”

“Tomorrow. Yes.”

He was worried. I didn’t know how to help him.

I loaded slices of bread with meat and cheese, making up for my missed meal. Our silence continued as I ate. I tried to give Zayne the space to contemplate.

For dessert, I reached for the dates. They only grew on the Isles—Valterra was much too cold. As I bit into the dried fruit, the world slowed. No matter the chaos, there could be presence in a bite of food.

Zayne smiled shyly, tilting his head. “Are you feeling better?”

“The food helps.”

“I’m glad.”

“It’s also a beautiful night. If we’re facing Inarus soon, why shouldn’t I enjoy food with fine company?”

“You think my company is fine?” he asked.

“I didn’t say it wasgreat.”

He laughed, the sound shallow, as it often was. At least he had laughed at all. His lips drew tight, serious again. “How is your Brand?”

“It’s still small. Your second healing seems to have lasted a lot longer.”

“Is it… quiet?”

“Very quiet,” I admitted. Since the gnome’s vision of the shallow-rooted tree scarred with gray ash, the Brand hadn’t bothered me. Not in the same way. “Maybe the gnomes helped.”

“Let’s hope,” he mused. “Regardless, I’m curious. Whatdidthe gnomes show you?”

“I don’t understand it,” I said it too fast.

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