Page 54 of Halfling
The salve won’t fix this.
Her stomach revolted again.
A humming noise reverberated from his chest, and one huge green hand landed on hers, stopping her from rummaging.
“Leave it,” he said. His voice carried a reedy quality that scared her more than the other orc’s leer.
“You’ve got to have something in here,” she said. “I can stitch it. We just need—”
“Leave it,” he said again. “Leaveme.”
Everything inside her stilled and went cold. Her gaze snapped to his, only to find his eyes heavy-lidded, resignation drawing his mouth into a grim line.
“Stop it,” she hissed.
“Silas could’ve survived. He could be just downriver. You have to run.”
“I’m not leaving you.”
He shook his head before leaning it back against the tree. “I can’t move. I’ll slow you down.”
“You’re the only reason I’ve made it this far. I’m not going to abandon—” Her throat caught on the word and then the sob that followed.
He pushed Darrah into her hands, the kit trembling and terrified. “Take the kit, take the coins, and go. There’s a town a day’s travel north. Someone will help you.”
“No.”
“Sorcha.” His free hand lifted to touch her, and she gasped at the sight of it shaking with fatigue. She’d grown so used to her big, strong halfling, to the idea that he could do anything. That strength made her feel safe, cared for, and she hated seeing him in pain,resigned.
That big hand with its blunt fingertips, that had just fought off a bigger orc, touched her so, so gently, it nearly broke her heart. With his thumb, he wiped at the tears that’d begun streaming down her face.
“Please.”
The one word, soft and pleading,didbreak her heart.
Sorcha pulled in a wet, wobbling breath. She saw it then, his determination, carved in the stark lines under his eyes and around his mouth. He wouldn’t let her take the time to see to his wounds. He wouldn’t let her take care of him.
Anger sparked in her belly, giving her the strength to stand.
He was determined to be a hero? Sacrifice himself?Fine.
She could be determined, too.
“Thank you,” she said, and took his big hand in hers. She turned her head and kissed his palm, his warm skin jumping under her lips.
He sucked in a breath, his pupils expanding as he watched her.
When she released his hand, he curled it into a fist, as if to save the kiss.
Wordlessly, she pulled on her pack and situated Darrah in her arms. Nodding once, she spared him one last long look, resolve hardening in her gut.
She turned and ran into the forest.
But if her halfling thought she’d abandon him, leave him to the forest and his fate, he’d truly learned nothing about her at all.
13
Dusk brought a chill to the forest, making Sorcha’s breath puff in the purpling air. Her heart hammered against the anvil of her ribs, a painful beat, but she didn’t let it slow her.
