Page 43 of A Winter Crush
That was true. Even if Ori rightly decided he wanted nothing to do with Wareth, he’d at least get the apology he deserved. Wareth owed him that much.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
Aunty Yelan sat by the cave entrance, gazing up at the stars. As Ori approached, she took one look at him and stood, pulling him into her strong, wiry arms. He let out a breath, his body relaxing in her embrace.
“Is Liney still all right?” Ori asked. He looked past her, to his brother and aunties, already asleep amongst the furs.
His aunty nodded, and she pulled back, studying his face. “Now tell me what happened.”
“What makes you think something is wrong?” Ori said.
She tilted her head and pursed her lips. “Ever since we took you and your brother in, you’ve always tried to be strong. But I know you. And I know when you are hurting.”
Ori looked away from her piercing gaze and swallowed. He’d never been able to hide anything from Aunty Yelan. She took his arm firmly in hers and led him away from the cave.
As they strolled arm in arm through the valley, Ori found himself pouring out all the details of what had happened. Even when he was a youngling, he’d always found himself confiding in Aunty Yelan. She’d always been such a constant source of strength and calm.
“I’m sorry. You deserve better than that,” Aunty Yelan said. “And I know it doesn’t stop the pain, but in time, you’ll find someone who will love, cherish, and look after you as you deserve.”
Ori nodded, but he felt empty inside. His heart still wanted Wareth.
They returned to the cave.
“I just… I don’t know what to do now.” Ori rubbed his arms. “After everything… Do I just forget it all ever happened?”
She squeezed his shoulder. “Right now, all you need to do is lie down, surround yourself with your family—with those who care for you and will always be there for you,—and get some sleep. You can deal with everything else tomorrow.” She guided him to the cave entrance and gave him a nudge. “And remember, no matter what, you will never be alone. No matter what some dumb human does.”
Ori entered and lay down on the furs. For several moments, he watched his brother sleeping peacefully. He listened to the breathing of his aunts and his brother, his family, letting it soothe him. And despite the sorrow and pain, sleep pulled him under.
He woke sometime after dawn to voices, low and indistinguishable outside the cave. His brother and his Aunty Suroth still slept soundly on the floor. Standing, he walked to the entrance. He inhaled sharply.
There, outside his aunties’ cave, stood Wareth. His Aunty Yelan stood in front of him, arms crossed as she glared up at him. Aunty Lela smiled brightly at the potter, clasping her hands together.
“We’ve heard all about you. I’m Aunty Lela. I was so looking forward to meeting you today in the village, but here you are!” Aunty Lela laughed. “Come, Ori is sleeping, but he’ll be so happy to see you when he wakes.”
“No. You should go home and leave him in peace!” Aunty Yelan said, voice firm and flat.
Warmth filled Ori’s chest at the sight of his tiny aunty standing up to Wareth, protecting him.
Aunty Lela gasped. “Yelan! This is Ori’s human!” She glanced back and forth between the two, clearly not understanding.
“I knowexactlywho he is.” She leaned towards him, eyes narrowed. “And I knowexactlywhat he’s done.”
Wareth seemed to shrink at her words.
“What did he do?” Aunty Lela said.
“Can I wait here?” Wareth’s eyes were red, heavy bags underneath. “I’ll just sit quietly until he wakes.”
Aunty Yelan opened her mouth to speak, but Ori jumped in.
“It’s all right,” Ori said, stepping towards the trio. “I’m awake now.”
“Are you sure?” Aunty Yelan asked, switching to the oread tongue so Wareth wouldn’t understand. “I can make him leave. You don’t need to deal with him, Ori. We can protect you.”
He felt a surge of love for his aunty.
“It’s fine, but thank you, Aunty.”
