Page 38 of These Fractured Bonds

"And I told you that food before she attempts shadowstepping is a bad idea!”

“I’m shadowstepping?!”

She dropped her fork, regretting the few bites she had already taken.

“It’s the fastest way to get to the mountains where the Curse Eater lives,” Erick explained.

Yareli pushed the tray away. No need for food if she was only going to expel it in less than an hour.

“You need to eat. You’re still recovering.”

“Nope, and you’re not changing my mind. I’m bathing,” she said with a finality Bri understood at once.

Erick, however, tried to argue. Bri grabbed the tray with one hand, Erick with the other, and dragged him out of the room.

Yareli couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her lips. She was starting to understand how they were friends in the past. She only wished she could remember already. But first, she would tackle the problem at hand—the miserable time that shadowstepping promised.

Dewclungtotheshort grass behind the cabin, and the crisp, morning air flooded her chest. She coughed, reminded of her lungs’ ailment. She’d have to ask Erick to heal it when she returned. Although still dark, she tugged her hat lower on her head. Fae had better eyesight, and while it wasn’t exactly night vision, they could make out details in the dark better than humans. She shuffled to the group waiting by the edge of the yard. Everyone had gathered for her departure.

“Sorry, I’m late.”

However, she wasn’t the last one; Erick was missing, which was odd considering he had brought her breakfast. She attempted to meet Leo’s gaze, but he avoided her. His emotions were stormy like a slow-rolling summer storm, but she didn’t have time to check in with him. The Curse Eater awaited.

“By Erick’s standards, you’re early,” August said, surprising her.

“Right.”

They stood in a circle. Awkwardness pervaded their group, penetrating deep into Yareli’s pores. She swore she could feel it stifling her joints, making her self-conscious of every movement.She tried to catch Leo’s attention again, but he was resolute in his avoidance. It irked her.

When Erick arrived, cheeks flushed and nose red, the awkwardness melted away, but it left the air tainted.

“You’re late,” August said, but there was no real reproach in his tone. It was simply a matter of fact.

“Greatness is never late,” Erick replied. “Besides, I was foraging for some herbs for Yareli. I had to go really far and quickly.” He handed her a small, cloth pouch. “These should help with your headaches. It theoretically could also aid your recovery.”

Yareli opened it, greeted by a pungent smell. The spiky blue-green leaves were unfamiliar to her.

“You’ll want to steep them for a minute in hot water. Drink it twice a day—once in the morning and again in the evening.” Erick took it from her, tucking it into her backpack. “Use one leaf per cup. Got it?”

She nodded and thanked him, touched by his care. His face scrunched up as he took in the gloomy mood.

He clapped his hands. “Liven up, people! This isn’t a funeral. The Curse Eater will break the curse, and Yareli will get home nice and safe!”

“Right you are!” Leo laughed, and she watched him with a forlorn feeling. She missed laughing with him already.

“It’s going to go smoothly,” Bri said.

“It will,” August echoed. “Should we head out?”

The question was directed to Yareli, and she hesitated. Leo looked at her with gray, churning eyes, his feelings simmering under the calm demeanor he projected. Cold, then hot. Hot, then cold. The sudden aloofness was jarring. It had been easier back when it was only the three of them at his private residence, back when it had been a boisterous energy that enveloped him. A stormier personality was unknown territory for her, and shedidn’t like it. She smiled, but the strain behind it hurt her cheeks. In the grand scheme of things, Leo’s affection shouldn’t have affected her. What mattered was returning home.

She straightened. “Let’s go.”

The others retreated to the back porch, leaving Yareli alone with August. A searing stare burned her back; she didn’t have to look to know who it was. It made her feel guilty, like she was doing something wrong. She shifted her feet but kept her gaze firmly on August. He wore a nonchalant expression, but it seemed, unexpectedly, softer than last night. He gestured at her to get closer, and she took a step forward. Only a foot separated them now.

He explained, “Shadowstepping is teleportation magic. It takes you from point A to point B in an instant. Its limitations include the raw power needed, and it must be to a location you’ve visited before. Due to the high magic requirement, shadowstepping isn’t feasible for most Fae, much less bringing along passengers. However, since Leo has already shadowstepped with you, there is a higher chance of success with me.”

Yareli was transfixed, stunned into rapt attention by his warm, authoritative tone. He spoke like a teacher; it was familiar, as if this was not the first time he had taught her a concept. The urge to keep him talking hit her.