Page 33 of These Fractured Bonds

“What is it?” Her tone was scathing, and she almost apologized to him. It wasn’t his fault.

“It’s an ancient curse. From what I can tell, it ties you to Izmari.”

Yareli released an onslaught of profanities, and a giggle bubbled up her chest until she was roaring with laughter. Erick watched her, his eyebrows drawn inward, but he let her laugh until all that remained were hiccups.

“Of course,” she muttered. “He wouldn’t want me escaping to the human world.”

Herrealhome, she reminded herself. She needed to return, and August was the key. She stood; her sudden movement startled Erick, and he hastened to follow suit.

“I need to find August.”

Chapter 14

ItwaslikeYarelihad sprouted several heads.

Erick floundered, waving his hands in the air and slapping his thighs. “You remember August?”

She was tempted to play along, but the shine in his eyes dissuaded her. She didn’t want to bring him to tears.

“No… Only sort of. I don’t remember him as much as I have a feeling that he will help me get home.”

“Right. Your memories.”

“But I must have known him, yes? Your reaction says as much.”

He cleaned up the teacups and picked up the tray. He didn’t meet her eyes when he spoke. “You did.”

A drop of excitement blossomed in her. Finally, there was someone who could answer her questions.

“Who is he? How did I know him?”

“He was a friend. You… uh, met by chance.”

She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.

“He’s on his way. You can ask him your questions.”

The smile on his face was forced; the slight twitch in his right eye gave it away. She grabbed the tray, keeping him in place.

“Whataren’t you telling me?”

The truth came to her then. Erickknewher. “I knew you before Izmari, didn’t I? How?”

“We knew each other.” He scanned her face as if he were searching for something. “We were friends, but I can’t tell you anymore.”

“Why not?”

“Your mind can’t handle it. It’s fixable, but it needs to be done slowly. Forcing memories to correct themselves too fast… it’s dangerous. If I give you the answers you want, you might remember, but it might also cause a complete fracture in your mind.”

Her frustration shuttered, dimming into an ember, and she let her arms drop.

“So… I’m forced to be like this?”

Erick gave her a sad smile. “Only for a bit longer. I promise. We can get started on your treatment tomorrow. Your mind and body need to rest. More importantly, I need you to eat.” He gave her a once-over. “Come down in ten. I’ll have something ready.”

She turned away from him, rubbing her arms. It was suddenly chilly.

“Alright.”