Chapter 75 Durvla #2
I nod and snuggle up beside him, resting my head on his shoulder.
We remain like that until the Healer comes to tend to Tiernan’s wounds.
She brings clothing, mentioning which outfits are intended for each of us.
I gratefully take the pair of light grey trousers and olive green tunic intended for me and set off to find the bathing room.
It’s just outside the sitting room, and it’s small but has everything we’ll need.
I fill the tub with a strange lever system, and to my surprise, the water is warm.
Magic, I suppose, as I strip my filthy clothing off and eagerly get into the water.
When I no longer reek like a barn, I hang my towel and washcloth to dry, clean my teeth, and rinse my mouth before gathering my dirty clothing and heading off to find the bedrooms.
Passing one bedroom, I spot Chiyo lying in the middle of the bed, sprawled out, fast asleep. I hold in my laughter and proceed to the other bedrooms…
Bedroom.
For a moment, I stand in the middle of the corridor, glancing between the doors.
Two bedrooms only.
Somehow, I’d expected there to be three from the casual way Ava mentioned that there were a few rooms. As I step into the unoccupied room, a magelight turns on, gently illuminating a large bed, a dresser, and a sizeable window covered by dark blue drapes.
I drop my filthy clothing into a wicker basket near the door and saunter over to the window.
Drawing back the curtains doesn’t reveal much—it’s too dark outside to make out any details, but it’s peaceful here.
I pull the curtains closed again and make my way over to the bed. It’s inviting, and I climb right in.
My intention is to relax for a moment, but the next thing I know, it’s pitch dark. Moonlight peeks through the very corner of the window where the drapes aren’t fully drawn.
Beside me, Tiernan is flat on his back and shirtless.
Citrus with a familiar hint of marjoram drifts from him.
Even with all the options of soap, he stuck with what he’s known.
His beard has been trimmed, with only stubble remaining.
I smile and consider rousing him, but he’s sleeping so soundly, his chest steadily rising and falling.
The magelight flickers to life, shining faintly.
The blood is gone from Tiernan’s abdomen, and there’s barely a sign of the stab wound.
My heart stutters when I drag my eyes up to a small circular scar on his chest—from the arrow he took for Carys, I assume—and the jagged scar that starts at his clavicle and climbs up the side of his neck. I swallow thickly and I roll onto my side so that I’m staring at the window.
The bed shifts, and Tiernan’s arm snakes around my waist. I want to say something to him, but my mind is too exhausted. He pulls me closer, and his chin settles over my shoulder. “Sleep,” he says gently into my mind.
It doesn’t take any convincing at all. Soon, I drift off into a deep slumber.
I expected to sleep better than I have in a long time, but instead, I’m jarred awake by images flashing rapidly through my mind.
Decaying flowers and dying greenery, fissures in the earth, ice spider-webbing across the land, and dripping icicles …
in the middle of the summer. Fear holds on to me as I wake to a lingering presence that’s both strange and familiar.
My limbs are heavy and sore as I roll onto my side to find that I’m alone.
Sitting up stiffly, I wait for my head to settle before slowly getting out of bed.
I stop by the bathing chamber and wash my face and mouth before heading into the main room.
My stomach is a bundle of nerves about seeing the children’s home Dayfyd mentioned—I’m afraid that I won’t be able to handle it.
Tiernan in the kitchen is a welcome sight.
He’s pouring hot water into one of two mugs on the counter when I enter.
A stream of sunlight filters in through the window over the counters.
Tiernan turns to me with an equally radiant smile.
“Good morning. I’ve made you some tea. Ava already came by with freshly baked bread and some more clean clothing. ”
I lift my brows. “Wow. She really is efficient.”
“Yes, and slightly intimidating.” Tiernan leaves the cups on the counter and walks toward me. “How did you sleep?”
I shrug. “Not very well, but the bed was comfortable. You?”
“Same. We’re probably still on edge from our travels.” He smiles and gently places his fingers beneath my chin, tilting my face up to his. “But I think I’ve lost the ability to function like a normal human being in your presence during waking hours.”
I wrinkle my nose at him. “What do you mean?”
He lowers his hand, but I keep my face angled toward his. “Every time I look at you, I have a strong desire to taste your lips.”
My cheeks flush. “So, what’s stopping you, Tiernan Kilkenny?
” I can feel the hitch in my voice, and the amused spark on Tiernan’s face verifies it.
I lace my fingers behind his neck and his arms wrap around my waist. Our lips meet, and the kiss is slow and leisurely, as if we could stop time.
He pulls my hips to his, and I melt into him, desire igniting deep in my belly.
My lips part, and just as his tongue touches mine, he withdraws.
My head is still reeling as I glance up at him, confused. “Why did you—?”
His head turns toward the kitchen entrance, and I follow his stare to Chiyo. She stands with her hands on her hips, smirking. Finally, she signs, “Well, good morning.”
Tiernan lowers his forehead to mine, and laughter vibrates through him. He pulls back and straightens up, reluctantly releasing me from his grip. “We ought to put a bell on this one,” he says to me.
I smirk and glance from him to Chiyo, who says, “Or keep your affections in the privacy of the bedroom? Just putting that out there.”
A laugh is on my lips as I turn away without a clue about what the siblings say next.
I grab a knife to start carving into the golden crust of the sourdough loaf on the counter.
The knife breaks through the crust with a satisfying crunch that I feel through the handle, and my mouth waters expectantly.
While my mind whirls, I cut several slices.
I don’t know what this thing is between Tiernan and me.
We haven’t had the chance to discuss anything, and I have no clue how to let him know that I am completely new to this world of attraction.
He knows I’ve never been in a relationship, but I’m not sure if he knows just how inexperienced I truly am. Doubt and nervous energy fill me.
The weight of Tiernan’s hand settles on my shoulder. I glance back at him and there’s a question on his face. “Chiyo’s gone,” he signs. “You’re giving off some very intense feelings. Everything alright?”
I slide the knife aside and turn so my back is against the counter. “I’m just … A lot has happened, and I don’t quite know what to make of … us.”
He smiles slowly. “Me neither. But, for now, we don’t have to rush into anything or figure it all out. I have self-control. Knight’s oath.” He places one hand over his chest and raises the other.
I roll my eyes fondly at him. “We better eat and get ready for the day. Did Ava give any updates on Alys?”
“No, but I assume no news is good news. You’re right though. Let’s get going.”
We all eat and dress in our fresh daytime clothing. Not long after, Dayfyd meets us outside. He smiles a bit shakily. My lips curve up in response. “Welcome to the Verge in the daytime,” he signs.
The Verge is unlike any place I’ve been before.
A bog runs through the land with dense fog rolling over the shallow, murky surface and the surrounding banks.
There are small houses and other buildings scattered, and there are lush forests and majestic grassy mountains all around.
A damp scent clings to the humid air, like the earth after a downpour.
The sun shines brightly, and there are people everywhere.
Children run around freely, their faces gleeful.
People of all ages, backgrounds, appearances, and abilities interact with each other.
For a while, I stand there, absorbing our surroundings.
A group of people converse in signed language a small distance away and my heart leaps.
A young man walks with a carved stick in each hand.
His footsteps are unsteady, but the smile on his face is so genuine.
He approaches a young woman with startingly white hair and alabaster skin who wears a hat over her head and long sleeves despite the warm weather.
She tiptoes to peck him on the lips, and they continue their journey.
A couple pushes a child just a little younger than Taig in a pram and my heart flips.
Taig. Oh, how he would thrive here. I force air into my chest and turn my attention back to Dayfyd. “How’s Alys?”
“Still stable. Her Healer blood is staving off the worst of the poison. She’s already sitting up and asked how you all are faring. We can visit after, if you’d like.”
I sigh with relief, then nod and glance at Tiernan.
He smiles encouragingly and hooks his elbow through mine. “Ready?”
My throat is too knotted up for speech, so I nod again.
As we pass other inhabitants of the Verge, they either smile or gawk at us with curiosity.
Farther across the land, we come upon a pasture with a large, two-story building in the background with the words Hatchling’s Nest above the double-door entrance.
Children are playing happily, working on little crafts in small groups with an adult chaperone, or being pushed in wooden swings and hammocks hanging between trees and handmade structures.
I spot a small child with a hat over her head, much like the one I once made for Taig. Sound-muffling, I presume. She flaps her hands happily as she spins in circles and my heart just about bursts to witness her so openly able to express her joy in her own unique way.
There is no such thing as an Undesirable here.
I reach out for Tiernan’s hand, needing the extra boost of courage as I prepare for disappointment and heartbreak.
I’m just about to say that maybe we should go back to the house when a flash of big hair catches my attention.
I take in the scrawny body and teetering gait.
The chestnut curls and the small grabby hands that reach out in front of him.
The little boy turns full circle, nearly falling over, and I catch a glimpse of his perfect little face.
His light brown skin has a healthy glow to it, his cheeks even filling out a little.
I stumble back on wobbly legs, my thoughts jumbled, limbs weightless. Giddy warmth floods my chest, tears welling behind my eyelids.
Let this be real. Please, let this be real.
It’s only Tiernan’s arm around my waist that keeps me upright as my knees buckle. I blink, tears streaming down my face as a sob breaks free.
“Taig,” I manage to say, my throat too tight, my body seemingly unsure of exactly how to process what is right in front of me. “Taig!”
He turns to face me very slowly. His expression remains unchanged at first, but then a radiant smile spreads across his face, dimples blossoming in his cheeks.
My heart bursts.
I break free from Tiernan’s grasp and run toward my little brother. My knees hit the grass, and I throw my arms around him. His skinny arms wrap around my neck. I bury my face in his shoulder, my body shaking with sobs of joy and relief.
“My sweet boy, my sweet Taig.” I can’t stop the repetitive words.
My Taig. He’s alive. Thank the gods, thank the rebels, thank goodness he’s alive.
I push him an arm’s distance away to study him, but he shoves me away and walks off. I stare at him, slack-jawed as he hobbles away from me. Then I collapse onto my bottom.
I can’t stop laughing and I can’t stop crying.
Tiernan joins me on one side and Chiyo on the other. We watch together as Taig walks in circles and Dayfyd speaks to the very concerned caregiver who had witnessed the whole thing. I hold up a hand in apology to her as Dayfyd seems to be explaining the situation. She nods to me in acknowledgement.
My face aches from smiling so much, and I reach out to take Chiyo’s hand, squeezing it once while I lean against Tiernan’s shoulder.
Eventually, Taig totters back over to us and plops down into my lap, knocking the air out of me.
He sits still for about five seconds before he tries to get loose again.
“Sweet boy,” I say. “Can I just introduce you to my friends?” I point to each of them.
“This is Tiernan and Chiyo. They helped me find my way to you again.”
Even Osheen. My throat constricts, but I swallow down the heartache.
Taig stares at Tiernan and then reaches out as though he means to caress his cheek. But rather than caress his cheek, he grabs hold of Tiernan’s hair and tugs hard.
“Ow!” Tiernan exclaims, and Chiyo bursts out laughing. Taig laughs as well, then struggles to his feet and walks off once more.
I apologize to Tiernan as he tucks his hair behind his ear, but he shakes his head and smiles brightly. “He’d make a good fighter, that one.”
I laugh. “He already is.”
It’s amazing that he is outside. Free, happy, thriving.
I can live my life here with him, protected by the wards. It seems so simple.
But what about all the other children out there?
All the others who are Undesirable and struggling to keep their lives a secret?
Or the baby in Ballybaeg who died in my arms. The rebels seek to help those who do not have the means to help themselves.
To rise up against the laws that make it impossible for people like us to live with a sense of safety.
I dry the tears on my face, take a deep breath, and slowly get to my feet. Brushing grass off my trousers and hands, I gather my composure and turn to Chiyo and Tiernan.
“I’ve made a decision,” I tell them. “I’m ready to join the rebellion.”