Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

T he inn was his only refuge in this godsforsaken village, and he had it in his sights. Carter shuffled behind him, but he was distracted by the hole, like so many others. For a moment, Luc couldn’t help but watch. Carter’s eyes darted around the depths in a pattern Luc was all too familiar with. He was searching for the bottom. But where others gave up quickly, realizing it didn’t exist, Carter’s gaze lingered, squinting and focusing on something Luc couldn’t perceive.

He left Carter to it. The faster he could get to his room, away from the eyes that trailed him around Loch, the better. It had been foolish to come here. When he realized the compass wouldn’t change course, he should have told Rose what was happening and met them on the village outskirts when they were ready to leave. It was unlikely that Aterra was hiding here. They would have been fine without him for a night.

His magic was loath to be away from Rose, though. He was having a hard enough time keeping it in check when she was close. The struggle if they separated might be insurmountable. But he probably should have tried.

No, he had to admit he was a glutton for punishment. Rose would learn of his past here, and though he’d been too much of a coward to force the conversation ahead of time, he wanted to be available when she learned it. Maybe this was the thing that would change her mind about him. Would she finally stop looking at him with that unquenchable thirst? He was kidding himself—it wasn’t only lust that colored her glances at him—nor his at her. It was more. It was the more that kept him on his toes and striving to be worthy of it—whatever it was.

Unaware of his surroundings, Luc slammed into someone in the street. He looked down at the child he knocked over. No apology left his lips, but he offered a hand to help him back up. He was Suden, like most in this village.

“Thanks,” the fae said, dusting off his trousers as he got to his feet. “You might want to watch…” The child must have glimpsed beneath the hood as his words faltered. “Sorry, sir. That was my mistake.” He hurried off, and Luc was unsure what to say if he tried to call him back.

“I wouldn’t have let you off so easily,” another voice said, crossing Luc’s path. “No matter who you are under the hood.”

Bold words, Luc thought. Did this second fae already know who he was, or would he be just as surprised as the first?

“You really do owe the child an apology—” The older fae’s words cut off. He must not have known to whom he spoke. He did now. Luc was too damn recognizable in this place. This Suden was older, an adult. He was tall, and his skin was brown. Luc looked at him as his words dissolved. There was a fierce pride in his green eyes. He was smart enough to speak more carefully now that he knew who Luc was, but the fire in his gaze said he didn’t regret his original words.

“I do,” Luc replied. “Unfortunately, he left too quickly. I’d guess he was uninterested in my apology once he realized who I am.”

“Are you surprised?” The fae replied wryly.

Luc laughed. The reaction was expected. However, he was delighted by this Suden’s commentary on it. “I am not,” Luc said, glancing around. The inn was still within reach, but this fae’s honesty was refreshing.

“Why are you here?” the ever-impertinent fae asked.

Luc always made himself available to the Suden. And in eight years, no one had spoken to him this way. Members of his court had sought him to ask for things, to make him aware of their concerns—but all with a deference he couldn’t overcome. Not when the mark of his power hung so heavy in Loch. “Not many would think it’s their business to know what the Suden Point does,” he replied.

The fae shrugged. “You’re known to make time for the Suden, no matter how much they fear you. I find it unlikely one who does that would kill me for asking a question.”

Luc’s lip tugged into a smile under his hood. “What’s your name?”

“Darren,” the fae replied.

“How long have you been in Loch?” Luc asked. He thought he was familiar with all the residents.

“Only since yesterday. I used to live in the village just north of here…” Again, his words cut short. Luc wondered how many taken by the mist plague were those Darren knew and cared for.

“I’m sorry,” Luc said and meant it. “I wish we could have been there in time.”

Darren shook his head. “All that matters is what you are doing to stop it.” His fierce gaze held Luc’s again. “Gossip is already spreading through the village that the new Norden Point is leading you all on some journey. Will it stop the mist?” Darren’s tough exterior cracked. He was no longer the brash fae who talked back to the Suden Point; worry lines showed on his face, and his fierce gaze fractured.

Luc’s eyes held his as he replied. “We’re doing everything we can. Correcting the imbalance on the continent, causing the mist plague, is our top priority. We will stop it and return those impacted from their sleeping state.”

The fae appraised him, weighing his words. It was clear to Luc he wanted to believe them—he wanted the reassurance they offered. If he knew the stories of Luc’s power, hopefully, that was enough to help him believe Luc could deliver.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Darren said, offering his hand.

Luc shook it. The moment his hand connected with Darren’s, his power flared. He pulled it tightly to him, leashing it before it did more harm than good. He tilted his head, seeing Darren in a new light. He had not tested this fae. He didn’t have to wonder what the results would be if he did. “I look forward to you visiting me at Compass Lake when this is over.” Luc nodded at Darren, whose eyes had widened at the not-quite request from the Suden Point.

Her footsteps echoed down the hallway. He knew it was Rose. Were her footfalls intentionally loud to warn of her arrival? Guess she figured out what Loch was to him, then. She was more than entitled to be furious. He’d made a bad call and could do nothing about it now.

Grovel, maybe.

His magic pushed against his skin. Running from him? Or straining for her? It could be either. Awaiting her judgment, he continued to flip his throwing knife back and forth in his hand, catching first the handle, then the tip of the blade. Each time he grabbed the sharp edge, he called his earth magic to steady it. The game was mind-numbing, but it helped focus his power. He’d been lying on the bed doing this since he made it to the inn.

He hated Loch.

Maybe he should be ashamed that he was hiding from the village—he wasn’t. They didn’t want to see him, and the feeling was mutual. No, what embarrassed him was that he hadn’t shared why he hated it with Rose before they arrived. Juliette had surely told her. She had looked entirely too self-satisfied when he left them in the square. He tossed the knife again, catching the handle, resolving to do better. Rose deserved better.

Their eyes locked as she opened the door. She hadn’t even knocked. He liked that—liked that she believed this was her room as much as his. Even though?—

“You let Carter get us separate rooms?” she asked, cutting off his thought. She looked far too appealing as her hand moved to her hip, and she closed the door. If only he hadn’t been such an idiot, they could talk about how good she looked and what they could do now that they had a bed instead of mats on the ground. This was just further punishment for his stupidity.

“That’s what you want to start with?” Luc asked, his eyebrow lifting as he caught the blade’s tip on his next toss.

She sniffed the air as he spoke, probably wondering why his magic was so thick here. Her lip curled into a smirk at his words. He couldn’t help the breath that escaped his lungs or the way his jaw unclenched. He had hoped she would understand his lack of communication, but her smirk proved it.

He still owed her an apology, though. “Rose?—”

She cut him off. “What do you think I should start with, Luc?”

He rubbed his hand down his face, pulling a full smile from her, no matter how hard he saw her try to fight it. “I don’t know, maybe why I didn’t tell you what Loch means to me?”

Her teasing smile was gone, and her gaze softened. This face was more vulnerable than that of the newly instated Norden Point. He had hurt her, which was the absolute last thing he’d intended.

“And why didn’t you?” she asked.

“I’m sorry.” He set the knife down and sat up straight, giving her his full attention. His magic reached for her, still trying to slip the leash he kept on it. “I didn’t intend to keep it from you. I just kept hoping that the compass would turn us away. That we wouldn’t have to come here. Maybe we wouldn’t have to deal with this.” He gestured faintly to the market square. “Along with everything else.”

She walked to the window, crossing her arms in front of her chest as she looked down on the square. “What is it you don’t want to deal with?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t see the hole,” he replied.

“I did.” She paused. “What is it to you?”

“Juliette didn’t tell you?”

Rose turned to face him, moving back toward the bed, where he sat. She slid onto the edge, one leg folding onto the mattress, leaving space between them. He stared at it. He’d created this space by making her doubt him—making her question why he would keep this information from her.

“I don’t want to hear it from Juliette.” Her gaze held his. “I want to hear it from”—she gestured to him—“whatever you are to me,” she said, her voice growing quiet.

Rose thinking he was an idiot was acceptable, but Rose doubting what she meant to him was not something that could stand. He reached for her hand, and she let him take it. “You are mine.” His magic thrummed as the words left his lips. “My partner for as long as you’ll have me.”

Her gaze fixed on their joined hands. He clasped her tighter than he realized. The uncertainty sketched on her features was more concerning than he wanted to admit.

“I didn’t mean to make you doubt me,” he said. “Not sharing the story of what happened in Loch had nothing to do with you, and everything to do with me.”

“Then please explain. A partner wouldn’t carry whatever this is alone.” Her tone was even but firm. She was allowing him to do what he should have done days ago.

He considered his power. His claim—that she was his—had appeased it. Especially since she didn’t object. A little mind shadow should be manageable without risk to her. “I think it would be best if I showed you this one,” he said, offering his other hand so both were joined.

She took it. And the small win he gained with that unquestioned gesture was everything to him. She always trusted his magic. That he trusted it with her, even when he didn’t want to, even when it was unpredictable, was something only she would appreciate. He gripped her hands tightly, never wanting to let her go, as he let the shadow of his power sweep over her.

“Aaron!” Luc called as he searched the market square. It was packed. The village center was awash in hastily assembled aisles. Merchants of all kinds were here to sell. He heard the soap merchant shout at him as he pulled up the cloth covering his table to look beneath it. Where was Aaron hiding?

Hide and seek in the market was the only good thing about the square being so busy. Luc had been searching for an hour, though. He was beginning to worry. Aaron wouldn’t have left him there to go play with the other kids, would he? Maybe Zachary and Edward had shown up and wanted him to join them. They never wanted Luc around. They said he didn’t know how to have fun. Luc shook his head. Aaron wouldn’t have left the square without telling him.

Tension crept further into his shoulders as he looked under the fruit seller’s table. A hand swatted him where he held up the cloth.

“What do you think you’re doing?” the seller asked. She sounded angry. Her arms folded squarely over her chest after he dropped the cloth.

“I’m looking for my brother,” he said absently, moving to the next stall.

Maybe he didn’t know how to have any fun. Hide and seek was supposed to be a simple game. No magic required. He could play without constant focus on keeping his power tamped down.

“Get out of here!” This time, he dodged a broom and snuck behind one of the sturdier wooden booths to see if Aaron hid behind it.

He ignored the shouts and continued his search. The next aisle was just as packed. There were villagers everywhere, doing their shopping. He narrowly avoided running into someone carrying a large bag of oats.

“Aaron!” Luc called again as he dodged out of the way of passersby.

“Your brother finally ditched you?” a voice asked from behind him. Luc turned to see Anthony with a sneer on his face. “About time. We don’t know why he keeps hanging out with you. He would be much better off leaving the bastard fae to fend for himself.”

Luc ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t have time for this. This fae only ever brought trouble. But he couldn’t shake the possibility that Anthony may have seen Aaron. “Have you seen my brother? I’m looking for him.”

“Well, that’s obvious.” Anthony’s laugh was unkind. He feigned an attempt to search the market row. “I see him there.” He pointed.

Luc turned his head, unable to stop himself.

“Running away from the fatherless fae.”

Luc rolled his eyes. Why had he tried? “If you’re not going to help, please, just stay out of my way.” Luc turned to continue on his path down the aisle.

Anthony jumped in front of him, forcing Luc to stop. “It’s my duty to give Aaron as much time to escape you as possible. If he has finally decided to make a run for it, I should support him.”

“Get out of my way.” Luc held tight to his magic as he tried to shove around Anthony. He almost stumbled, but found he couldn’t even do that. His foot was stuck. He tugged hard. It didn’t move. Luc turned to glance down at what held it. A small hole had appeared and sucked in his foot. From the smile on Anthony’s face, Luc didn’t have to wonder whose magic was responsible.

A cold sweat broke out over Luc’s brow. He was fine. He took quick breaths but tried to slow them like his mother had taught. “Let me…” Luc struggled to wiggle his foot free. The ground held it tight.

No matter his breathing attempts, he felt his power rising. It did not like to be constrained. It would seek to free his foot by any means necessary if he didn’t do something—fast.

“Anthony, this isn’t funny,” he said quickly. Mentally tightening the leash on his power, he worked to secure it inside his body. Its help was not needed. He could handle this. If only his magic would listen to him.

Anthony’s smile was broad, and his eyes were full of malice as he listened to Luc’s pleas. “Not so powerful now, are you?” he sneered. “Can’t even get your foot out of a simple hole.”

Trying again, Luc breathed deeply, closing his eyes and focusing on staying calm. He felt sweat trickle down his spine. This was the wrong time for Anthony to try to assert his dominance. Luc was too frayed. He knew he needed to be calm, but he also needed to keep moving. Aaron was still missing. What if something terrible happened to him?

No—he wouldn’t allow the thought to creep in now. Anthony would get bored soon. Picking on Luc should only entertain him for another moment or two, as long as he didn’t rise to the bait. Closing his eyes, he held onto his power tighter—just a few more minutes.

“Luc!”

He would know Aaron’s voice anywhere—it sounded strained. Luc’s eyes opened and darted around the market.

“Luc! I’m here! Don’t worry!”

Finally, his gaze latched onto Aaron. He was past the end of the aisle, attempting to fight through a wall of young fae. Luc froze as he watched Aaron struggle to get through the line—to get to him. When Aaron tried to move one way to go around them, they shuffled over, blocking his path. Aaron seemed to realize that Luc couldn’t come to him and set off at a run, trying to go straight through the bullies blocking him.

Luc’s mind emptied of all self-control the moment the fae in the middle pushed Aaron to the ground. He was slammed backward, his head bouncing against the earth, then his body went still.

Darkness exploded around Luc.

He was sprinting toward Aaron. Those that had been holding his brother fled his approach. Luc knelt before Aaron and pulled him into his arms.

He was breathing. Aaron’s chest rose and fell against him.

“Aaron, are you okay? Wake up.” Luc shuddered as the adrenaline rushed through his veins. He couldn’t even begin to assess how far his power had escaped.

His brother’s eyes slowly opened. They were rimmed in tears, quickly widening as he looked over Luc’s shoulder. “Luc,” Aaron whispered as he shook his head, groggy from his fall. “What happened?”

What did he mean? Aaron’s head had hit the ground with a finality Luc would never forget. He had to get to his brother—that was all that had mattered. Unfortunately, the panic in Aaron’s gaze told Luc there was more to see.

He slowly turned back to the center of the market. A dark shadow circled the hole where Anthony’s magic had held him. No… He set his brother down and stood. Looking from a different angle, it wasn’t a shadow. It was a hole—a much bigger hole.

Luc’s stomach plummeted. Nausea built in his throat as his gaze searched the chaos. Where were the stalls that had been around him in the center aisle? Where was Anthony?

He was already moving when his brain caught up with him. This couldn’t be him. He couldn’t have done this. Where was Anthony?

Sinking to his knees, he leaned over the hole and looked down. There was only darkness. A cold sweat broke out on his brow. His body shook. He turned and heaved the contents of his stomach on the ground.

What had he done?

“He… He killed him.” One of the fae next to Aaron was pointing and yelling at Luc.

Luc searched again in vain. Where was Anthony?

He hadn’t meant to do this.

A crowd started to gather, echoing the same words as the first fae, but giving Luc a wide berth as he crouched by the hole. Aaron was behind Luc in a flash. Though shaky on his feet, he grabbed Luc’s arm and tugged him out of the market. They ran all the way home.

His power receded as the memory faded. “It was quickly after that the Suden Point came to call,” Luc said, shaking himself free from his past.

Rose’s gaze held such compassion. He wondered if she had seen the same scene as him.

“Anthony died,” Luc said. “Well, we assume. He fell to wherever the hole leads.”

She said nothing.

“He was never found. His family still mourns.” He paused. Maybe now she would see him the way the rest of the Compass Points did.

“You didn’t mean to do it?” Rose asked quietly.

He shook his head. “That’s not the point.”

The look she gave him made him realize she would outlast him on this.

Luc grunted and answered her question. “I don’t remember doing it. I mean, you felt it. I was trying to get to Aaron. But as you’ve seen, that wasn’t the only time my magic got away from me. It was, however, the last time Loch’s villagers were willing to deal with it.”

He wiped his hand down his face. “Anthony was the village leader’s son. He came to my mother’s house that night and tried to arrest me. He said he’d sent for the Suden Point and wanted to have me in custody. Little did he know Michael was on his way before the message was sent. He’d felt my magic when it tore into the abyss, as the villagers say. He showed up the next day—not to arrest me but to name me his successor.”

“Neither you nor Michael could close the hole?”

“You’re missing the point, Rose. My magic— I —killed him.”

“I know you believe that. Honestly, I’m sure that’s what the continent believes too.” She reached for him slowly, giving him time to move away. He held still, barely breathing, while wondering what she would do. She couldn’t ignore what he was saying.

Her hand was warm and soft over his. She squeezed it, urging his fist to unclench as she intertwined their fingers. “I’m sorry about what happened. I’m sorry Anthony died. But this certainly isn’t going to drive me away, Luc.”

His shoulders fell with the breath he let out. How could this be her response?

“Have you tried to close the hole again?” Rose echoed her earlier question, presumably moving their conversation forward. He knew her well enough to recognize and value when she made up her mind on a topic.

Luc shook his head, his power straining toward her, obsessed with her understanding. He tugged it back into place as he replied. “I’ve tried many times. I’m not sure what I did, but I don’t have a way to undo it.”

“That makes a lot of sense given the little I could evaluate of your power. Your protectiveness took over—you were working so hard to push it down that when it got free—it erupted.”

He met her gaze, squeezing her fingers as he went to pull his hands back, unsure where to go from here. She held his fingers tighter. “Next time, let’s please not wait until we’re already in the village you grew up in before you share a story that the rest of the Compass Points already know.”

Luc raised an eyebrow at her again. “Why are you so calm about this?”

She squeezed his hands again. “I know what it’s like not to understand what your magic is capable of—with no one to help you figure it out. I may not have hurt anyone with my wind, but I assure you, I wouldn’t have had a way to control it should it have risen to my defense.”

He guessed that was true.

“I also know what it’s like not to want to talk about something in your past,” she said. “I wish you could have shared this with me at the moment of your choosing instead of having to tell me because of this journey.”

“Rose,” he whispered, “I want you to know everything about me. It’s harder than expected to tell you the things I’m not proud of. Things that might make you realize the rest of the continent have reasons for their beliefs about me.”

“There are a lot of things I’ve learned about you since meeting that you shouldn’t be proud of.” She smiled coyly. “Assuming I couldn’t possibly be the weapons master you sought and attacking me in the woods both come to mind.”

He rolled his eyes. He wasn’t proud of those instances either—but she was already aware of them. They weren’t something new he had to explain. She had chosen him despite those failings—how many more could he expose her to before she rethought her decision?

Her face turned serious. “I obviously can’t tell you how to feel, but losing control of your magic as a child doesn’t make you a monster.”

“You know it’s more than that,” Luc said.

“Yes, a child lost his life. The consequences were tragic. I am sorry it happened that way and that you had so little support with your power. But you learned to control it—maybe not in the healthiest way.”

“In that, our childhoods are somewhat similar,” he said. “You had no help with your wind, and I had no help with my”—he gestured wildly with both hands— “whatever this is.”

She leaned forward and kissed him. It was deep and thorough and stopped far too quickly for his liking. She was already pulling away when he registered her question.

“Now, truly, tell me why we have separate rooms.”