The Weaver's Source

Chapter 98

"Enjoy." She said stiffly before she turned and left us.

I glanced from her to Grigore, noting how his eyes were growing stormy and his jaw tightening. Fury was beginning to flicker in him, alarming me softly. "Grigore?"

Grigore's eyes flickered up to my face, observing me briefly as my song purred, soothing him slightly. I smiled softly when I felt his own magic reach out to mine, melding us together for a moment as his growing temper stalled.

"Sorin was here two days ago." He growled darkly.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise and my heart pumped in panic. I wasn't ready to face him yet and fear touched me, making me fret about the dream. It hadn't gone away, only shifted with Grigore fighting to survive.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. His essence is strong. He was here not long ago."

"You don't think it's some kind of trick? A way to stop you from going onwards?"

"I'm not sure but I'll ask around and keep sifting through the land's memories." He paused and rubbed his jaw irritably. "We may be staying here."

I sighed and stared down at the reddish meat and carrot that bobbed up and down in the mess. "Be certain before you decide."

Grigore grunted as he fixed his dark gaze onto me as his magic curled about me protectively. "And you're to stay close to me or stay here. No wandering off. I don't trust these people."

I promised him I wouldn't, this time intending to keep it, and dove into the soup bravely. Eating was slow. Neither of us were keen on it but both of us were hungry and not wanting to use up the food we had bought for travelling. I left mine half full, not able to stomach anymore of the revolting stuff, and followed Grigore to one of the three doors lining the wall beside the bar.

One held a single bath, a deep tub built into the floor that was thankfully full, but I swiftly found the water to be lukewarm at best when I stepped in. With a few wards, Grigore had it steaming for me and I was cleaning myself swiftly, happy to be truly warm. Grigore however remained distracted, tilting the ward with a scowl on his face. I frowned softly as I trailed my fingers through my wet hair, worry churning and memories of my dreams flashing, before I pushed them aside. Grigore would be fine. He was strong and I was beside him. Sorin wasn't going to hurt him.

He only took his attention from it when I slipped between his legs, pressed my palms against his chest and kissed his rough cheek. His eyes, a dark shade of steel, snapped to me, irritation thick on his brow.

"Stop worrying, Grigore." I said, scolding him softly. "You'll figure out if he's here or not. You'll find him."

He gazed at me for a moment, drinking me in languidly, before he shook the ward away. "I'm more worried he'll find me first and gain the upper hand." He muttered as he shoved his hand through his hair. "Before, it wouldn't have mattered."

"Before?"

"Before you, Lyra." He said, smiling wryly as my magic swelled with pleasure. "If Sorin is willing to throw me to the wolves, I've no doubt he'll use underhanded tactics to win." His song suddenly thickened and his muscles tightened dangerously, his eyes flashing as he gazed at me. "Harming you would be the perfect way to maim me. I'd lose control, become easy for him to hunt, while also having no means to keep my reserves full." His thumb brushed my jaw, causing my magic to hum there lovingly. "You're my weakness, Lyra, and I wouldn't put it passed him to abuse it."

I wrapped my arms about his neck, letting my body press against his, and kissed his mouth lightly as I sought to comfort him. "I'll be safe, Grigore. You won't let him hurt me and you've been teaching me how to use Hild. I've been improving." I said firmly, comforting myself as well as him.