Wings of Fate

27. Baiting

Kalian stood near the horse corrals, watching as the gentle beasts grazed. He stretched his wings tentatively, allowing the warm evening breeze to flow across the membranous folds. The lingering ache from his injury had vanished during the past week, and his wings were now regulating their temperature like normal. He was more than relieved by his recovery.

Samson had still ordered him not to fly for another four days unless necessary, and Kalian was doing his best to obey the order. It grew more difficult with each passing night. He longed to be in the sky, letting the wind carry him far away from the Ironblade camp and the confliction he now felt.

He had come here to spy for his King and Queen, not...whatever was happening now. He had tried not to develop a friendship with Bellamy, but those efforts had failed. He had some semblance of friendship with Samson too, although that was a little more bearable, now that he knew what Samson really was. As for Moira...

Kalian clicked his tongue and Jasmine's head perked up. He gave a soft laugh, making his way over to the mare's private corral. Kalian braced his arms on the railing and Jasmine snorted, prancing over to him. He held out a hand and let her smell him before he began to stroke her velvety muzzle. Kalian sighed, lowering his head.

He wasn't sure what was going on between him and Moira. It was so...unusual. In the past, he'd always been overcome by memories of Calandra and Yara any time he caught himself admiring another woman. He usually just tried to ignore everyone completely. But Moira was impossible to ignore. He hadn't been able to stay away from her since he arrived, and not only because of who she was and what she could provide for him.

Even knowing what she was capable of, what she had done, wasn't enough to make him stay away. He kept waiting to feel the guilt he usually felt, and to see the memories that usually emerged, but he seldom did. Kalian had felt no guilt when he danced with her in Selcouth. He felt no guilt when he protected her. He felt no guilt when they were swimming and he held her against his chest.

Kalian felt no guilt even when he knew he was consciously studying the way her body fit against his. All he'd known in that moment was the warmth and softness of her skin. The scent of caramel and saltwater that clung to her tightly curled hair. The way her throat had bobbed and her breath hitched. He hadn't noticed those particular things about any woman since Calandra's death. He wouldn't let himself. But with Moira, he couldn't stop himself.

Jasmine stomped a hoof impatiently and Kalian lifted his head, returning his attention to her. "Is it too soon to admit that I might be..." Kalian swallowed hard, "...falling for the woman I should hate? The woman I'm going to betray?" Jasmine's ebony eyes watched him, but revealed nothing.

He lifted his own gaze to the sky, filled with brightly glowing stars. He had always believed that when a person died, their soul was reborn as a star. They lived in the heavens, watching over their loved ones on earth and guiding other souls who were lost. For weeks after the Witch saved his life, he'd studied the sky, trying to determine which two stars were his wife and daughter.

"Can you see me now?" Kalian whispered. "Am I betraying you by feeling these things?"

There was no response. Kalian sighed and turned away from Jasmine. It doesn't matter anyway, he thought. The minute I leave the Ironblades, it's over. She'll know I'm a spy and I wouldn't be surprised if she figures out I'm a Faerie too. When that happens, I'll be lucky to escape with my life the next time she sees me.

"There you are."

Kalian jerked his head up. Moira stood before him. She spun on her heel and beckoned for him to follow. Kalian trailed after her. They passed a group gathered in the middle of the camp. Lir and Malachi were calling out orders and handing weapons around.