Page 76 of Elysian

“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.