Ember Gods

Chapter 38

"Thank you . . . Eachan." The voice was gravelly and deep. "We will come soon. Can we trust you to hold her there?"

"Yes, of course." Eachan twisted one side of his mustache.

"Then we shall see you shortly."

"H—how long?"

"Oh, I don't know," Keitus drawled. "Two or so hours, perhaps." He laughed, causing Eachan to cringe. "Why? Do you have somewhere you'd like to go?" More laughter, then the fire beetle in front of Eachan burst into flames, ending the conversation.

Eachan leaned back in his chair, resting his trembling arms on the surface in front of him. What had he done?

He pounded his fist on the desk, angry at himself for his moment of weakness. He'd done his job, that's all.

But moments later, the doubt returned, and he didn't want to be alone anymore. Eachan returned to the main room and leaned over the table where Duana and Aloren sat, conversing in hushed tones. The girls ignored the angry yells from outside. A pain in Eachan's chest made him catch his breath. Was it from the guilt? Or was this a real pain? He wasn't sure.

"Father?" Duana said, looking up at him. "Father, what is it?"

He shook his head. He couldn't meet her eyes—what would she say if she knew he'd practically thrown her new friend to the Lorkon? And what would she say when he explained he had done it for her? Would she believe him? He turned away.

"Nothing . . . It's nothing."

She pulled him back. "Have you been crying?"

He took a deep, shuddering breath. "I'm fine. Just—just thinking about your mother again."

She nodded. "Let me get you a bowl of soup—there's some left." She disappeared.

Eachan avoided looking at Aloren. She'd most likely see the betrayal in his eyes. And why was he thinking of it that way? He hadn't betrayed her—he'd done his duty. Protected his family.

Aloren stood, staring at the door. "The pounding . . . it stopped."

He cocked his head to the side, listening. She was right. Not one sound came from outside.

"Why?" she asked.

He didn't answer. He wasn't sure he cared.

Duana finally returned and made him sit at the table. She placed a steaming bowl of carrot and potato soup in front of him, and his mouth watered at the smell.

"Eat."

He grabbed her hand, bringing it to him, then pulled her into a hug. "Thank you for being my daughter, Duana. I love you."

She laughed. "Why so serious?" She patted his back when he didn't answer, probably sensing his melancholy. "I love you too." She paused. "Please eat your soup."

He smiled at her insistence and focused on the bowl in front of him, not listening to the girls' conversation. The soup was perfection itself—Duana had quickly exceeded her mother's talents at cooking. He savored each bite, willing the clock to speed up until the Lorkon arrived to get Aloren.

He'd nearly finished eating when Duana sat next to him. "I'm bringing the dishes in from the porch."

His back stiffened. "No, absolutely not. You saw what happened last time."

"We'll need something to put the food on later—we can't let them starve."

"I'd rather they starve than you come in harm's way."