Page 18 of Bones
“It’s fine.”
Clarity led the way outside where Trey leaned against the building, frowning down at his feet. His head jerked up when he heard us approach and he straightened, his eyes widening at the sight of me. My face warmed under his scrutiny, but then Clarity turned and startled me by grasping both my hands in hers.
“If you ever need anything, you know where to find me,” she said, her voice low and serious.
I met her gaze and regretted it at the sight of the same gentleness I’d seen in Trey. She squeezed my hands and then let go. She turned to Trey and threw her arms around him in a tight hug that he returned. When she pulled away, she gave him a sweet smile.
“See you later, Trey. Glad you’re back.”
Trey’s answering smile looked soft and sad. Clarity didn’t linger, turning and hurrying back into the brothel. I glanced at Trey, curiosity pricking at me despite my best efforts. Were they lovers? He watched Clarity vanish and sighed as the door shut behind her before meeting my gaze.
“Are you ok?” he asked.
“I’ll be fine,” I repeated the lie shortly.
“You look nice.”
I looked away and didn’t respond. In the early morning light, the hold bustled with activity. A group of people, including several children who couldn’t have been older than eight, passed by wielding shovels and crude axes. A few chickens darted through the dirt, chasing bugs and squawking. We were surrounded by ramshackle structures, and most of the people looked tired, hungry, and dirty. All the brothels I’d seen had been in the poor districts and that seemed to be true here too.
“Bones—” Trey started, but I cut him off.
“Where’s the clinic?” I asked, swinging my gaze back to him.
He studied me and didn’t respond.
“Trey,” I snapped irritably. I was still weak and tired, and the air had warmed enough to make me sweat under my flannel. I didn’t want to stand here any longer than I had to.
“It’s on the other side of the hold,” he said finally. “It’s a long walk. You sure you can make it?”
I tried to choke down my annoyance. “I said I’ll be fine.”
Trey didn’t look convinced, but thankfully he just led the way. I trailed behind him. It wasn’t long before the whispers started, and I dropped my eyes to the heels of Trey’s boots. I tried not to hear what they said, but I heard “magic” thrown out more than once. Word had spread fast. I wasn’t used to so many people knowing what I could do. I’d spent the last twelve years trying to be invisible, and now all this attention on me feltborderline painful.
This was the largest hold I’d ever seen, and we hadn’t walked far before my legs started feeling dangerously shaky. I forced myself to keep pace with Trey, stubbornly refusing to admit how difficult I found this trek. Sweat trickled down my back as my breathing grew heavier. Still, I kept my jaw clenched shut. Trey’s silhouette in front of me seemed to sway. I could do this. I was fine. I just?—
“Bones!”
I cracked my eyes open, confused to see Trey leaning over me.
“Hey, it’s ok. You just passed out.”
I ignored Trey’s offered hand and hauled myself up to sit from where I’d been lying in the dirt. Several people had stopped to stare, and I felt their gazes on me like unwanted hands.
“I’m fine,” I said, trying to push myself up to my feet.
Trey grabbed my elbow, helping me up, but he didn’t let go after I stood. I tried to jerk my arm free, but his grip tightened.
“Bones, you justpassed out.”
I hated the concern on his face.
“I’mfine.”I tried to yank my arm free again.
“I want to help. Will you let me help you?” he asked softer.
“I’ve had enough of yourhelp,” I snarled and this time when I jerked away, he let go.
I started trudging forward again, hoping I went the right way. I still felt sick and dizzy, but I kept going. My throat ached with thirst, and I wished I would have drunk more of the water Clarity had offered.
