Page 112 of A Drop of Anguish
“I wouldn’t bring Laithe either way, though. That really just gives them a sense of purpose rather than sitting around waiting to find out if we need help.”
“What do you mean?”
“Our link means they’re able to know if I’m in danger and where I am. Keeping them behind, where they can act as a messenger to Ms. Bhatt or my family, is the best help to our mission.”
“I see.” My stomach clenches. “Are we ready, then?” I say, mostly to ignore the anxiety swirling in me.
“I was hoping Thompson would show,” Jarron says, looking disappointed.
“What is going on with you two anyway?” I did not miss his comment about being his ally. Has he made him promises? And if so, in exchange for what?
Rustling from the end of the room catches our attention. “I’m here!” Thompson calls, clomping down the hall.
“We nearly left without you,” Jarron says, like a teacher chiding a student.
“Sorry. I had something to put together before I came.”
Thompson stops short, panting. Jarron stomps forward and points to Thompson’s chest. “Your job is to keep her safe. Do that, and I’ll give you anything you want. Understand?”
Thompson’s eyes flare, then he nods eagerly.
Oh great, more questions for me to be anxious over. What the hell? I’m going to have stomach ulcers before this is over.
Based on their interactions, I have to assume that they’ve had conversations about me in private. Does Jarron know what Thompson is after? He’s uncovered the secret and believes he can trust him?
Or did Thompson tell him?
Why would he tell Jarron and not me? Why hasn’t Jarron told me?
And most of all, why do I care so much?
44
I Don’t Want to be a Pawn
The zing of the portal magic sends an uncomfortable shiver through my whole body, but then it’s gone, replaced by the much more pleasant sensation of Jarron’s arms around me.
An icy breeze bites into the bit of exposed skin at my neck. We are in the middle of a small forest clearing. Jarron tugs me a few feet away from the tree behind us, and in the next moment, Thompson is barreling out of the bark. He stumbles but keeps his balance.
Whoa.That’s not like any other portal I’ve ever seen. Portals are usually in a blank space with some kind of border—a doorway, stone arches, or even between two trees. But I’ve never seen one that allows someone to travelthrough the tree.
“What is that?”
Jarron raises his finger to my lips. “Dryad magic,” he whispers. “Ask questions later.”
Right. No noise. Memorize the area so I can find it again. I never mentioned that I’m directionally disadvantaged. I couldn’t say which way is south for my life. And those mountains? All look the exact same. So…
Jarron leans into the tree and taps a strip of bark that’s lighter than the others. I’m not sure I’d have noticed it without him pointing it out. I guess that’s how I’m supposed to find the tree?
That’s helpful… I suppose. We’ll see if I’ll be able to find it again when I’m looking at three hundred trees all at once. He leans into me, moving slow, almost sensually. My heart patters at the thought.
He taps my ear three times.
Listen? I focus on the sounds of the forest and find—there aren’t any. No rustling leaves, despite the cool breeze. No birds or bugs. It’s unnervingly still.
Another hint. That one is easier to notice. I’ll just have to pay attention to when sounds return so I’ll know the radius of the sound barrier.
Janet and Lola exit the portal next and look around with surprised stares. Jarron reminds them to remain quiet with a tap to his lips, then he grabs my hand, and together we walk toward our collective enemies.
