Page 119 of The Study of Magic
At one point, he spotted Yelena fighting with Alea. He shouted to Leif. When Yelena’s brother looked over at Valek, he pointed to the women fighting. Leif nodded, and the two of them maneuvered through the crowd so they stood between the Daviians and the women, keeping the Warpers from helping Alea. From the brief glances he managed, Yelena held her own. Her bo staff countered Alea’s short swords with ease.
Moon Man sprinted toward them. “Time to retreat,” he called.
Valek ran over to Yelena. She stood above the now prone magician. “Next time,” she said to Alea. “We’ll finish this.”
No, you won’t, love.He couldn’t leave Alea to come after Yelena or the Commander again.
Valek knelt beside Alea, picked up her knife, and said, “How fitting that I’m going to slice your throat the same way I sliced your brother’s. This is what happens when you come after the people I love.” He cut deep into her neck with one smooth move.
When Valek caught up to Yelena, he said, “We can’t afford to play favorites.”
They raced back toward the plains. The Daviians gave up the chase once they reached the border. However, they kept running until they arrived at the rocky outcropping where Kiki and Rusalka waited.
“No doubt they will move their camp farther into the plateau,” Moon Man said. The effort of running had not winded him but sweat shone on his brow. “I will need to bring more soldiers. To have deceived my scout and me means their Warpers are more powerful than we suspected. I must consult with our clan’s elders.”
Moon Man inclined his head in farewell and disappeared into the tall grass.
“What now?” Leif asked.
Yelena met Valek’s gaze. His heart lurched.
“You go home and so will I,” she said to Leif.
Home. With him? Valek’s heart thumped its approval.
“You’re coming with me to the Keep?” Leif asked.
“I…” Her gaze stared into the distance.
Valek wished he could communicate with her mind to mind. Would he encourage her to return to Ixia? What about the execution order the Commander had signed? She’d changed so much, but she still had more to learn.
“I think you’re afraid to go back to the Keep,” Leif said.
Her attention snapped back. “What?”
“It will be much easier for you to stay away and not have to deal with being a Soulfinder, being a daughter, and being a sister.”
Soulfinder? That was new.
“I’m not afraid. I tried to find a place in Sitia, but I keep getting pushed away. How many hints do I need? I’m not a glutton for punishment. And what if the council decides that being a Soulfinder makes me evil? And they burn me alive for violating their Ethical Code?”
Valek straightened. Not on his watch.
“Youareafraid,” Leif said.
“Am not.”
“Are too.”
“Am not.”
“Then prove it,” Leif challenged.
She opened her mouth, but then closed it. After a moment, she said, “I hate you.”
Leif smiled. “The feeling is mutual.” He paused for a moment. “Are you coming?”
“Not now. I’ll think about it.”
