26. Abrax Lesson
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Abrax Lesson
“There is no need for this,” I huffed. Still, Cassiel did not release my arm as he toted me through the foyer and out of the front entrance.
“Eat your fruit,” he said instead.
He returned the dawnlight after he left, and he had come straight to wake me from a deep sleep.
I begrudgingly finished the final bites of the banana he had provided. Cassiel had a pointedly slower pace. It was nice not to have to struggle to follow him. Especially with my uneven gait.
We rounded to the left of the estate, Cassiel cutting a swathe through the wheat overgrown near the home until we reached a spot cleared of debris and wheat. Flattened stones spread across the expanse, and near the side was a well. Abrax stood loosely tied to the side of it.
“Stand near the middle,” Cassiel ordered.
He was already nearing Abrax with his wide stride. I crossed my arms, watching him. He peered where he had ordered me to go and didn’t find me there. His head swung toward me.
“Is your leg bothering you?” He frowned.
“No,” I retorted.
He grunted and unwound the leather attached to the iron post of the well. “Good, you will be learning more about Abrax.”
I gave him a hard look. “What does that mean, exactly?”
“I want him to learn you.”
“I do not know what the need for that would be.” My hands had already begun to grow clammy. “No offense to Abrax,” I said pointedly toward the horse.
“If there were another situation similar to the Hollow, you could have escaped had you known how to call Abrax to you and ride him yourself.”
He rendered me mute. Escaping the Hollow would have meant leaving him to die.
“It sounds as if you want me to leave you behind.”
“If you could have escaped, yes.”
“But you would have been harmed.” Or worse, dead. “I would not have left you.”
He opened and closed his mouth, blinking. “You would not have?”
He seemed so utterly stunned that I would not choose my own life over his.
“Ah, yes, this twisted bond between us.” He nodded as if that explained everything. “Considering the circumstances we are in, that is understandable.”
“Even if the wraithling bond was not present, I would not have left you.” Even though his existence disavowed the council, I would still not.
He opened and closed his mouth. The silence that fell over both was different. Heavier.
Why was he so shocked?
“I . . . know not what to say.”
“Would you have left me?”
“No!”
He seemed offended by the question. Abrax moved forward and knocked into Cassiel’s side. The linen shirt he wore snagged on Abrax’s saddle, tearing the fabric. Cassiel plucked at the tear running down the front.
“You will not distract me. You must learn how to handle the steed.”
Was I that obvious?
I pursed my lips and shrugged. I wasn’t lying. He approached, bringing the horse to me, then forced the reins into my hand.
“Now, walk him with you. Two clicks to get him walking.”
Cassiel caught my wrist. With his other hand, he bent the reins in half and placed them in my palm.
“Do not tangle the lead around any limbs. If he’s frightened, you will be able to release him.
” I only stared at him, fighting the glare attempting to creep over my features.
“If you do this, I will not bother you about the translations.”
I arched my eyebrow. If he left me be, that meant I would get more done without him arguing with me.
Instead of answering, I clicked my tongue similar to how he did it. Abrax began to walk by my side. I walked him to the end of the stone-covered section and turned him around.
“Tug on the reins to stop him.”
I did so easily.
“Good, Abrax,” I murmured, rubbing his snout. He snorted and shook his head.
“Now mount,” Cassiel ordered.
I whipped my head around.
“By myself?”
Cassiel grunted. I turned back to look at the massive beast.
Oh, dear.
It was not as if it had grown more difficult for me since I had been riding him, but it was always with the safety of Cassiel. If I slipped or toppled, he caught me.
Cassiel continued to watch me steadily.
I can do this.
I straightened my shoulders and angled myself to place my uninjured foot in the stirrup. I would need to push off from the stirrup while gripping the front of the saddle.
If I continued to hesitate over it, I would end up fumbling. Bracing my hand upon the saddle, I hopped and pushed up with measured force. My bottom thudded on the saddle, slightly to the side. I began to tilt too much. I scrambled to pull myself forward, settling on the seat.
Sweat dampened my temples. I turned with a smile toward Cassiel, but he was no longer standing across the way. He stood at the side I would have fallen down on if I had not managed to catch myself.
“You did well,” he praised. It filled my chest with pride. “Relax on the seat. Once you are prepared, nudge your heel into his side and click your tongue.”
I did it, taking it slow. Cassiel kept pace. He reached for my foot. “Keep your heel down.” My calves pinched, and the stretch sent a bit of discomfort to my hip. “Keep him going around the stone platform.”
I did as he said, keeping my posture straightened. It did not take but a few rounds for me to relax into Abrax’s stride. Cassiel remained quiet as he walked beside me, seeming deep in thought.
“I have read a few more pages of the grimoire,” I said.
“Of course you have.”
“Wraithlings are meant for guidance and protection. A bond beyond the physical that is present from birth. They are meant to keep watch during weakened moments. Specifically during injuries or mating.” A flush warmed my face.
“That is why wraithlings speak into their redblood’s mind, but the opposite is not possible. ”
I moved the reins, and Abrax shook his head, causing the metal to clang.
“I apologize for not being able to save her.” Cassiel’s gaze flicked away and returned, shame unmistakable.
A knot of emotion formed in my throat. My poor Piper had not deserved such a fate. I cleared my throat instead of answering.
“Have you learned more about your gift? Of how you were able to render that officer unconscious?” He sneered at his mention of Egan.
“The grimoire calls it mirroring. It’s something that will not last. In a sense, I borrow the ability of others for a bit.”
I still did not know how I had taken Hester’s gift. My heart pinched at the thought of her, but I forced myself to refocus.
“Do I turn him like this?” I yanked his reins similar to how I’d seen Cassiel do it. Abrax snorted and reared. I screamed, grasping his mane in a tight grip.
“No,” Cassiel chided, grabbing hold of the reins I had released to force him down, and Abrax calmed.
“I cannot do this,” I choked out, frozen as I kept a death grip on the mane.
Cassiel grabbed my waist and tugged me off, settling me on my feet. My legs wobbled, thighs sore. Despite all the riding I’d done with him, controlling the horse alone felt different. I had to put more effort into the strength of my legs, since Cassiel was not there to brace me.
My hands slid down his chest, pushing open the front of the linen tunic. Sweat glistened on his bare chest and sunlight beat down on his pale skin.
“You have done well.” The compliment that came from his lips was stilted and awkward.
It also struck me mute. I did not believe he had ever complimented me. I pulled back, stepping away. He reached for the reins, rubbing his palm over Abrax’s mane with sounds of praise.
His abdomen rippled with every little movement. With him standing, guiding the horse by the lead, I couldn’t rip my focus away from him. He guided Abrax back next to the well and tied him up. Here, Abrax was not within view if anyone came to the estate. The muscled frame turned toward me . . .
My eyes flew back to his, and the amusement in them heated my face. One of his brows winged up. Whirling, I strode in the direction we came from. Fortunately for me, Cassiel had cut a clear path.
“No need to run.” His sweet breath tickled my ear. I stifled a shiver and hurried, the sound following me.
If he truly wanted, he would catch up to me, but he seemed to be taking his time. I reached the front door and entered the parlor.
“Amara,” he called, the tone verging on mocking. He grabbed my wrist, stopping me. I looked up at him, panting. “I have something for you.”
My eyes dropped to the velvet box in his palm. He lifted the wrist he held and pushed the box onto my hand.
“What is this?”
“A small gift.”
My mouth hung open before I clamped it closed. I tensed my fingers so I didn’t open the box, refusing to do it before him. I lifted my chin.
“Who did you filch it from?” I asked, hearing the odd tone in my voice.
“I left coin behind at the shop.” He neared more and his leather and ink scent filled my senses, dizzily. “I thought it would suit your beauty.” He tucked my hair behind my ear.
I had no words. I blinked down at the velvet box in my palm.
“I must finish the translations for the wraithling information,” I said, voice tight, rushing away and hugging the box. He chuckled again.
“I will bathe,” he called.
Words caught in the tightness of my throat.