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Sensing her mood shift, he touched her chin and tilted it up so she would look at him. “You all right, Angel?”
“I just need to save Everwood as soon as possible. Who knows what he’s doing to them—my father especially.”
He nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Your father is a military man. He will know the rules of being a prisoner of war. I think the general needs your father alive. My fear is he will use him against us somehow.” He took a deep breath and stood. “That will be tomorrow’s problem though. I’ll be back before lunch. Try and sleep. If you’re hungry, there are some canning jars of mixed veggies in the cabinet and smoked venison.”
Her throbbing head begged her to close her eyes, so she set her glass down on the stand next to the bed and rested her head on the pillow.She couldn’t help but watch as he put his coat on and made to leave.
“I’m locking this door, don’t open it for anyone but me. I’m leaving Axel with you. He will protect you if need be. Right, Axel?”
The dog barked in response, causing Cillian to smile.
She eyed the beast. “So, I take it he won’t eat me while you’re gone?”
Cillian laughed, the deep sound reverberating from his chest. “Not unless you taste like venison, right, boy?”
Her eyes widened at his words, but Cillian winked as he stepped outside. She heard him lock it and then his footsteps disappearing as he left the cabin property.
She looked to Axel, who lay near the fire. “I guess it’s just me and you for a while, boy.”
In response, Axel stood and walked over to the bed and sat with his back to her.
“You want some pets? I don’t know your favorite spots, but I can give it a try.” She hesitated with her fingers over his fur. “Just don’t eat me, okay?”
Slowly, she ran her hand along his gray and white fur. As she slid her hand down his neck and back, she felt the tension release from her shoulders, and her heart felt a little lighter. Axel backed up once more, his body braced against the bed frame.
“You must like that, but I don’t think you can get any closer, buddy.”
As her eyes started to get heavy, she smiled and hummed the song “You Are My Sunshine.”
She let the effects of the liquor and the stress of the last couple days take her back under into darkness, her hand resting against Axel’s soft fur. She would hold on to the small comfort this beast brought her and cherish it, a tiny reprieve from the dark days that lie ahead.
Chapter 19
Cillian strode down the snow-covered street of Stone Haven, cursing himself that Eva had sustained an injury yesterday. He had told himself that she needed space, to absorb everything that had happened, but her injury flipped a switch inside him, and he just wanted to take care of her. He did his best this morning not to smother her.
The village was just starting to stir with activity. Wood smoke and scents of cooking food filled the air. He didn’t miss the occasional gasp and whispers from the people as they emerged from their homes for their daily duties, staring after him.
As he neared the main hall where his father’s chambers were, one man, George, stepped toward him. He removed his tattered cap from his silver-streaked hair as he said, “Cillian, is that you, man? We thought we lost you. Your father is going to be so happy to see you.”
Cillian tilted his chin in acknowledgment. “I appreciate that, George, but have you by chance seen my brother, Liam?”
He saw his brother briefly yesterday when he came through the gates with a shotgun and killed one of the Others who was attacking them. Liam had helped him get Eva to his cabin and sent for the healer. He would need to brief Liam on the turn of events at some point as well. Yesterday, his concern was getting Eva to safety and tending to her wounds.
George pointed toward the gate tower. “I believe he is on guard duty.”
“Thank you, George.”
George’s voice trailed after Cillian as he turned to climb the stairs to the hall.
“It really is good to see you, Cillian. You are a sight for these sore eyes.”
His gut swam with unease knowing the residents may not be as thrilled to have him back when news of the general’s betrayal spread.
The citizens of Stone Haven had been waiting to hear if the peace treaty had been agreed to. They desperately needed the fighting to stop and the provisions the land Everwood sat upon to be shared. Their lives depended on it.
Now, the general had stolen not only Everwood but also hope for the people of Stone Haven. They may be able to survive the bitter months if they rationed, but it would be rough for his people.
Cillian entered the hall and turned up a short flight of stairs to the loft, where his father lived.As he approached the door, he took a deep breath. How was his father’s health? Would he be able to speak with him long?
