Page 89 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“Oh, yes,” he replied and quickly walked over and set it down. Walking back to the door, he looked at Ava’s back one last time. “Is that what they did to you?” he whispered, unable to stop the question.

She sniffled as she responded, “Yes… and then some.”

He clenched his fists and replied, “I’m sorry.” Not knowing what else to say. He turned on his heel and left.

Dammit, Cas.He chastised himself.

Locating the book he wanted, he grabbed it off the shelf and walked back into his room, running his fingers through his hair. He wasn’t thinking when he barged in there. Forgot she was lying there, vulnerable on the table, in a world she didn’t know. Seeing those wounds covering her body had infuriated him. Though he didn’t even know her, something deep and carnal awoke and he wanted to hunt down The Scourge and listen to his screams as he cut him up slowly.

Piece by piece.

Ava’s heartraced as she lay on the table. Casimir had barged in, mumbled something about food, asked about her injuries, and awkwardly left.

“What was that about?” she asked Kai.

“I have no idea.”

But it wasn’t just that Casimir was speechless. His demeanor had changed when she confirmed her injuries were a result of her torture. His face had filled with rage and he had clenched his fists as he walked out. As if he was bothered by someone hurting her.

“I’m finished,” Kai interrupted her thoughts.

Kai walked back over to his table and packed up his supplies. “You did well. I’m leaving two things here for you to speed up the rest of the healing process. One is an oil; place four drops in your bathwater every day and stay in the bathtub for at least ten minutes. Afterward, rub this salve all over your body.”

“Thank you so much.” She looked at him. “You’ve made me feel safe here.”

“You’re so welcome,” he said, squeezing her shoulder. He picked up his wooden box, Ivy following him after stopping to let Ava pet her one last time and opened her door. Pausing, he turned to her. “If you need anything else, send for me or find me in the medical wing. And remember, we’ve all been through horrors due to this never-ending war,” he added, eyes sad. “If you ever need to talk about yours, we will listen. It was nice to meet you, Ava.”

“You too,” she whispered.

Alone now, she climbed off the healing bed. Though she still had quite a limp, her leg was already feeling better as were the rest of her injuries. A light ivory nightgown had been placed on her bed, and she pulled it on over her head. It had thin straps and reached to just above her knees. She caressedthe delicate fabric, glad to be in something clean for the first time in weeks.

She was about to settle into her bed and devour the whole tray of food sitting on her side table, when something sprang into her room from the balcony.

“Luna!” she cried, hobbling toward the cat. Her companion had remained hidden for the last few days. “Where have you been? I missed you.”

Luna jumped onto Ava’s bed, regarding her with her lilac purple eyes.I’ve stayed close but I can’t be seen yet. Not until they know who you are.

“Okay. I understand. Will you at least visit when you can?” Ava asked, realizing how truly lonely she felt. Luna was the only piece of home she still had with her, which was ironic since she wasn’t even supposed to be there.

I’ll stay the nights with you.

“Okay.” Ava smiled and climbed into bed, rubbing the cat’s soft head and put some pillows behind her back to prop herself up.

She leaned over, grabbing the tray of food, and set it before her, legs crossed as she sat on her bed. Her stomach growled as she inspected her meal. It looked delicious. Roasted quail, root vegetables with an herbed sauce, potatoes covered in butter and spices, a fluffy roll and a small fruit-filled pastry were piled upon the plate. There was also a goblet of wine, and she took a sip, savoring the tannins.

When her stomach felt like she couldn’t handle any more, she placed the tray back on her table and settled under the covers. Luna was already asleep at the foot of her bed, a comfort she didn’t realize she needed.

The blankets wrapped her in their warmth, and she laid her head on the pillow, relaxing. The soft sounds of nocturnal insects and birds floated through the windows as a light breezerustled the vines hanging around the room, lulling her quickly to sleep as Luna snoozed at her feet.

33

Ava slept off and on for almost two days. She would awake for brief moments to see to her needs, take a bath and apply the balm Kai had left, and wolf down the tray of food that was always left for her. Then she’d crawl back under the covers and lose herself to exhaustion once more. Luna kept her company whenever she could but was now hiding as Ava emerged from her bathroom, Cirilla waiting to help her dress. Raine was taking her on the tour this morning.

“Off with your robe, girl.” She waved her hands.

“Okay.”

She walked to the bed where Cirilla had laid out her clothing and took off her robe. The attendant handed her a cotton shift she pulled over her head and helped her don the rest of her outfit. She wore an ivory shirt with long sleeves that puffed near her forearm before the cuffs cinched around her wrists. The shirt had a leather tie below her collar bone, the small gap showing a hint of cleavage, something she was pleased to realize had not completely disappeared despite her starvation, and there were green leaves embroidered around the hem of the sleeves.

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