Chapter 245: Embers of Resolve
I averted my eyes, avoiding Rasce’s stare. Tana coughed uncomfortably, leaning over to nudge him.
"That’s enough for one day," she murmured. "She’s been through hell tonight, as have we all. Let’s take it easy and ask the questions later. A little while longer won’t hurt."
Rasce grunted, but reluctantly nodded. "Fine, you’re right. And I’m sorry, Starlight. It’s not my intention to scare you. I only want to understand what’s going on, and what dangers we might meet because of you. Tonight was a good example of that, and we’re fortunate we even survived. It’s not something I want to see happen again."
I nodded, a bare dip of my head, but couldn’t bring myself to return his gaze. Rasce had every right to inquire about my secrets, and I felt ashamed of my weakness and inability to earn their trust.
Fable hummed, a heavy reverberation deep in his chest. The vibrations flowed into my body, loosening my muscles and relaxing my mind. I absently rested a hand on his head, rubbing between his horns, tangling my fingers through the long, thick hair. The seconds passed, and, rocked by his gentle intonations, my eyes slid closed, and I fell asleep.
Scarcely had I closed my eyes than I startled awake, eyes flashing open. Terrible, cold tendrils laced through my body, clawing through my muscles and veins. Whimpering softly, I curled up tightly, nestling into blankets. They curled around me in a soft, loving embrace, practically a furnace of warmth and comfort.
Slowly, the cold left, leaving me shivering at their memory, tears seeping from tightly shut eyes. The blanket rustled and something slid across my cheek, dabbing at my tears. It was warm, and unexpectedly wet, carrying a familiar, musty scent.
"Fable?" I whispered, opening my eyes to mere slits. His large, golden eyes stared back at me, filled with concern, and he licked my cheek again.
Looking around, I found myself in the private dining room, curled up with Fable before the fireplace. The fire’s coals were dusty gray, leaking only faint traces of warmth. The rest of the party, the Dawn Blades, and the freed beastkin were strewed around the room, sleeping on tables, rugs, or bedrolls they’d proffered from their spatial items. Tana and Sorrin snuggled against each other, their backs to the wall.
I sat up, rubbing one of my horns, and looked around. "Where’s Rasce?" I murmured to no one in particular.
"He left about an hour ago," Dyson answered.