Page 33
He shifted closer, digging through the bag of supplies Lotta sent to retrieve a bandage. “Have you still had these dreams since waking up?”
She shook her head. “No. Not dreams.”
Well formed calluses scraped against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine as he wove the bandage between her fingers. “But something,” he pressed.
She swallowed. “In the Dream World, I always smelled lavender. I used it to help me differentiate between what was real and what wasn’t. Now, I know that it was actually proof I was under Lavender’s control. Sometimes, I still smell it, as though it’s trying to lure me back to the Dream World.”
Marcellus cursed. “And when that didn’t work, she found a way to enter your dreams.”
“How is that even possible?” Thicket asked.
“I don’t know. We’re talking about curses. They’re similar to enchantments, but aren’t common or welcome, so the boundaries of their influence haven’t been tested as widely.” His gaze sharpened, the harsh lines of his face becoming shadowed. “What I do know is that the two of you are still tethered somehow, which means you’re in danger.”
Thicket’s throat constricted. “Do you think she can hurt me? In the dreams?”
“I don’t know. But I don’t want to find out.” Marcellus leaned forward, using his teeth to tear the bandage from the roll. “There. Try to let it heal this time.”
Thicket stretched her fingers, testing the bounds of the bandage. “Thank you,” she said.
“For what?” he grunted, stuffing the bandage back inside the bag. “I’m just doing my job.”
He had said it a thousand times before, but for some reason, hearing them now stung.
“I’m still grateful. I didn’t know you could be so nice,” she joked, hoping it would chase away the lingering disappointment.
“Just wait until we actually start sword fighting. You’ll really start to hate me then.”
“Not until food,” Thicket said, unable to keep the pleading lilt from her words.
Marcellus arched an eyebrow. “What was rule number three?”
Do not complain about rules one or two, which included training his way.
He stood. “I am going to write a letter to Caspian and see if he knows anything about this tether you and your sister seem to share.”
Thicket’s head lifted. “If you do that, could I add a letter to that?”
Dear Bern,
I’m sorry to have disappeared. I panicked a bit after the meeting. Don’t worry! I am doing better now, but I won’t be coming home quite yet.
I asked Marcellus to teach me how to use a sword and I plan to stay here and train until it is time to leave for Sleeria. I want to be ready when I face Lavender, or at least as ready as I can be.
We are at this remote farmhouse somewhere in the Outskirts. Trust me, you don’t want to come. The house is ancient and dirty and I woke up surrounded by dead bugs. I still haven’t quite forgiven Marcellus for that yet, but I am hoping to get him back later during our sword fighting lesson.
Marcellus is also having me practice magic by cleaning the entire house. I am still a bit skeptical, but at least there’re less bugs!
Marcellus is glaring at me now, so I should probably wrap this up. Thank you for your letter. I hope you and everyone else are doing well.
I will see you all at the end of the week!
— Thicket
P.S. Could you please pass a message on to Elian? Tell him I am sorry to have gone back on my promise but that I will see him and explain everything as soon as I get back.
Chapter Thirteen
Sweat beaded the tips of Thicket’s forehead, catching on strands of her unruly hair like dew on a newly spun web. Lifting Marcellus’ sword in her trembling arms, she dug her boots into the ground and forced her screaming muscles to propel her forward. Her numb fingers faltered, almost dropping the sword as it sliced through the air. By some miracle, she managed to complete the movement and maintain her grip on the sword.
