Into the Mountains of Mastria

Chapter 15

Cordelia

Fallmore is buzzing with life. The roads are so packed with people that the cart has taken a crawling pace. Our path clears only a few feet at a time, but it gives me an opportunity to soak in the city.

A rainbow of tapestries and flowers adorn the buildings and stalls. Each of them is different in theme, customized for the God or Goddess it is in homage to. A warm glow fills me when I notice a few of the stalls are bathed in blue fabrics with the markings of Cliodna painted on.

Easily half of the dwellings are decorated in the same browns and greens, reminding me of a forest. One in particular has a mask hanging on the door. It looks strangely familiar, but I can't quite place where I have seen it before.

"That is the Mask of Cernunnos," Varick says as if reading my thoughts.

I turn to my left and give him a quizzical look. Those hazel eyes look down at me with an intense heat before turning his attention back to the road.

While I had been traveling in the back of the cart for most of the trip, Varick all but insisted that I join him up front when we dropped Jonas off at the Guild Hall. Deep down I know he just wants me in his line of sight because of the throngs of people that surround us, but part of me secretly hopes that is just an excuse to have me closer to him.

"You were staring pretty hard at the mask. I just figured you wanted to know what it is," Varick shrugs, stealing another glance in my direction.

A group of children dressed in masks and paint run past the cart. Their joyous laughter bubbles out of them like a fizzy drink. One of the kids is holding something small that I can't quite make out. A sudden loud pop followed by their squeals startles me. Knowing it was nothing more than a confetti filled popper doesn't stop my body from recoiling.

Without a word, Varick wraps an arm around me, pulling me tightly against his side. My cheeks burn with a mix of embarrassment and desire as his earthy scent fills me. Gods, I must seem so pathetic being so easily startled.

"I'm fine," I whisper as I try to pull away.

Varick lets out a soft grunt, tightening his arm around me. I could try to separate myself again, but I don't. There is something calming about being wrapped in Varick's embrace while I drown in his earthy scent. Instead, I nuzzle further into his side and let out a content sigh.

My eyes close for the rest of the ride, melting into my protector. One of my hands rests on his leg, earning me a warning growl every time I wander a little further up his thigh. Slowly, the world around me fades.

"We are here," the low vibration of Varick's voice wakes me with a sudden longing. My thighs clench together as I begin to stir awake.

"Did I fall asleep?" I ask with concern.

My cheeks redden as I slyly try to wipe away the drool that had been pooling at the corner of my mouth. Despite having first met me in a pretty ragged state, I have tried very hard not to look like a complete mess around Varick.

"Don't worry about it. With as late as we will be up tonight, you could use the rest."

He doesn't look at me with the same warmth that he normally does when reassuring me. Varick is too preoccupied with the small crowd of guards gathered just outside of a rather large dwelling. While much too small to be a proper castle, the stone structure towers over its surroundings. How did I miss this before?

"Say as little as possible. I will do the talking," Varick warns in a low whisper.

His entire body goes rigid, his muscles tightening anxiously. I can feel the unease radiating off of him. It is infectious, seeping into me. I clutch the skirt of my dress, trying to hide my sweaty palms. I doubt Varick will reach for my hand, but I don't want them to be wet if he does. That would be weird.