Page 66 of When Eden Falls

“Is it because of our presence?”

“No…I don’t know. I can only apologise for not correctly detecting your current scent. I mistook it for something else entirely. I would never have let you leave this room if I’d known.”

It wasn’t Yuska’s fault, I knew that. “Is he going to be okay?”

As a comforting gesture, she touched the arm of Rooke’s jacket I was still wearing. “Give it a few days, Dybgo will be back to his normal self.”

I looked down at my right hand. My knuckles were red and sore from where they’d connected with his jaw. “Will he remember what happened?”

“Yes. I’ve been told Tektrasc is like having your mind trapped inside a body you can’t control. He’ll remember. And I know Dybgo, he will feel mortified.”

The thought brought tears to my eyes. Before this had occurred, Dybgo and I had an understanding. It could’ve resembled an early form of friendship, but today’s events flooded me with conflict. And that filled me with sorrow.

“I’ve left your native clothes on your bed. Why don’t you goand change?”

Half-heartedly, I nodded and dawdled towards the bedroom.

A tap at the main door halted my steps. I heard Yuska open it and a low, mumbled voice spoke with her. Turning, Yuska looked at me with her assessing eyes. She opened the door wider, allowing me to see Rooke hovering on the threshold.

“You have five minutes,” Yuska said to him, and he half walked, half jogged towards me. Without prompt, I ran into his arms, burying my face into his neck. His citrusy, fresh scent hit my senses and I began to weep. I needed this. I needed him so much.

He accepted the barrage of tears, wrapping me up in his love, his warmth, his embrace. There was so much intensity in that hold, so much compassion. The perfect stature of a supportive figure. One of the reasons why I loved him.

Parting us slightly, he held my head tenderly in his hands and placed his forehead against mine. “We’re getting out of here as soon as we can. I’m going to get us home.”

His words were a solid promise. Whether or not he was convinced he could fulfil them was a question for another day, but in that moment, it was what I needed to hear.

He pulled me back into his chest, wrapped me up in his arms, and sank his face into my hair. We remained that way for the full five minutes Yuska allowed him to stay.

C h a p t e rN i n e t e e n

Looking in the mirror, I admired the dark green, flowing dress Yuska had found for me. The only issue was the square necked, long sleeve garment left the horrible purple-green area of my bruised neck exposed. I touched the tender area, wincing slightly. It was healing quickly but not quick enough. Every swallow, drink of water, and mouthful of food reminded me of how I acquired it.

“This should cover it.” Yuska appeared next to me, holding a long, golden scarf. She wrapped it gently around my neck twice, both ends draping down my back, nearly touching the floor. I nodded my approval. It did the trick, covering the extent of the damaged skin.

I stood up, nerves tingling their way through my body. Another dinner with Havav awaited me. Another evening listening to him patronising and preaching. Thankfully, Cora and Zamya were invited this time.

Other than the trip to the springs earlier today, I hadn’t left the apartment for three days. Strangely, and completely against my character, I’d preferred it that way. There wasn’t any chance of running into sex crazed males, high on testosterone. The incident was eating away at me, more so than the Igknamai attack. I knew the Igknamai were savage beasts, but Dybgo…he was Dybgo.

“I assure you, there have been no further cases of Tektrasc.” Yuska swept her eyes over my face, sensing my worry. “You will be safe.”

Yuska had become gentler, more open with me over the past few days. She even asked me about my relationship with Rooke. The day of the incident had proven how close we were, how much I needed him. She seemed to accept that.

Peering at me through the mirror, she said carefully, “I should inform you, Dybgo has recovered. He will be back in his usual role. I presume he will be present this evening.”

My gaze dropped to the floor, unsure how I felt about seeing him. I swallowed nervously, thanking Yuska for her honesty. She gave a small smile, then tilted her head towards voices coming from the bedroom. “Miss Cora and Miss Zamya seem to be bickering again.”

I rolled my eyes. “They act like flipping teenagers.”

Yuska tutted as I picked up my swishing skirts and opened the door. I found the pair of them standing on the threshold to the main room.

“What’s going on?”

They fell awkwardly silent. Cora looked sheepish, eyeing Zamya warily, but it was Zamya who turned to me. “It’s nothing. Can we just get this over with…please?”

From behind me, I heard Yuska sigh with irritation, although a subtle smirk played on her lips as she walked past. “Come along, then.” She gestured to the main door. “Your escort is waiting.”

We were marched to dinner by at least eight guards. I swore there had never been this many previously. Out of paranoia, I glanced at all the burly warriors, searching for the possessed, savage look that had been haunting my nightmares. Although, not dreaming about Rooke lying dead in a coffin or on the beach had become a relief. My nightmares were now about my own survival.