42. Finnian

Chapter forty-two

Finnian

Intense discussions of war planning filled the days that came after the Elora twins’ arrival as we aimed to devise a new plan to bring our mother's war to an end. Once Jace finished clearing enough soldiers, and Veli believed we had knowledgeable healers to minimize casualties, Lia intended to move the troops south.

Lia and Jace’s biggest fear was being unprepared. With time running out constantly looming over our heads, we needed to do everything we could to ensure my sister’s victory—starting with all these preparations.

The mortal’s House of Healers was tucked away in a secluded corner of the city, where my days were now spent. Lia had decided that while Veli worked to teach me, she also may as well bring in as many humans that sought alternate ways to assist in the looming battles.

As the days passed, Veli, along with the other hidden healers that fled Isla, taught us the art of brewing potion remedies, blending salves with herbs, and the proper way to stitch wounds efficiently. Over time, our lessons moved into herbology, where she educated us on healing plants and how to identify their uses by scent, touch, and taste. As I delved deeper into our studies, I grew to be fascinated by not only the differences within fragrances but also the contrasts between a leaf’s smooth and prickled touch.

We each practiced the arts of ailments and stitching, and while none of us could mend broken bones or carved-up skin the way Veli could, aided by her magic, together we could all make a difference and save lives.

Veli approached me after dismissing today's session.

“You are doing significantly well for someone who is only learning. Perhaps you are not such a foolish male after all,” she offered.

I lifted a brow at her. “Who are you, and what have you done with Veli?”

She scoffed and jokingly swiped a taloned hand near my face. “I am only speaking the truth. I believe this was a wise choice. You are much better suited here than where you were planning to be.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” I said with a shrug as we both moved to the door. “You also terrify most of your students. So, perhaps, I just stand out,” I said with a laugh.

She stared up at me through furrowed brows. “The humans need to get over their stance on magical beings.”

“They fear you for good reason,” I stated as we walked down the steps and into the bustling streets.

“You and your siblings learned not to fear me—one day, they will as well.”

I laughed. “You think we don’t fear you?”

Her lips twisted into a full, menacing grin as a small shadow danced around the side of her cheek, popping out from the cover of her silver hair .

“You’re learning to control those better, I see,” I offered as I suppressed a shiver that threatened to work its way up my spine.

She glanced to her shoulder where the shadow form hovered. “They are not so bad.”

“Whatever you say,” I said as I focused in on her eyes. They were a constant fuchsia now that she used her preferred dark magic frequently. Although the change wasn't discussed often, we all made an effort to adapt to it.

“If I do not dabble and learn control in times of peace, I will not know how to tame them and their thoughts in times of horror. It is a necessary evil.”

I contemplated her words and was inclined to agree.

We turned a street corner to find Landon making his way to us as he moved through the crowd.

“I will see you this evening, Finnian,” Veli offered as her steps quickened and she wisped herself away within the masses.

“There he is,” Landon greeted as he pulled me into a hug and kissed my forehead. “How’s my favorite healer doing?”

I let out a short laugh. “I’m no healer. Not yet, anyway.”

“Well, you’re a hell of a lot better than I would be,” he teased himself, and guided me through the streets.

“That doesn’t take much,” I joked back. “Did training end early? You’re normally down in the fields still.”

“Zaela let most of us head home early today for a job well done,” he stated.

“Most of you? ”

He glanced at me and the corner of his lips tipped up as he huffed out a breath through his nostrils. “It appears that your sister needed a little more…one-on-one training.”

My eyes bulged. “I’m assuming it’s not the sister who has led armies and is a skilled warrior…”

“You would be correct.” His face was riddled with amusement.

A laugh worked its way out of me, even after trying to suppress it. “And she didn’t want an audience for such a thing?”

“I think after watching what happened with you, she threw a fit thinking about everyone deciding her role in the war together.”

“Classic Avery,” I huffed. “How much coin are we betting on how well this goes?” I said with a laugh.

“I’m not brave enough to bet coin against either of those females.” We both began chuckling as we walked down the street. “But, needless to say, we’re off the hook for the rest of the afternoon.” Landon offered me his arm. “Care to join me for dinner?”

Lacing my arm through his, I sent up a silent thank you to the gods that Veli was able to save his life the day he almost succumbed to his wounds in Ellecaster. The growth he had shown since only a few months ago, when he was just a stable hand on the castle grounds, was admirable.

“I would be honored,” I answered, allowing him to lead the way.