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  Instead of releasing it back to me, he settles it on his knee, cupped in both of his hands. He starts tracing the creases of my palm and fingers with his thumbs, soon looking lost in thought.

  For a stunned minute I watch as he becomes absorbed in whatever it is he sees on my skin. I haven’t really considered there’s a vulnerable side to him. I can see it now, and though it’s new to me, somehow it’s still him. My curiosity piques at what else might be hidden, and an odd pull draws me to him.

  “Can you tell me about her?”

  He glances up, his movements halting on my hand.

  “My mother. What was she like?”

  His gaze holds mine, as if he’s searching for distant memories in them. “She was kind. Reserved. She often kept her own company.” He looks at my hand again and resumes tracing. “But she was never alone.”

  The ball vibrates in my bag, making my lips twitch. “It’s strange to think about—sharing my head with the Link. I don’t know if I’ll get used to the idea.”

  “If it eases your worries, elementals often express relief after their assimilations. They claim they have found what has been missing in their lives. A feeling of completion.”

  My gaze falls to our hands on his knee, his fingertips both gentle and firm on the sensitive skin of my palm. I extend my fingers, and his thumbs follow the movement. My sudden comfort with the simple intimacy of his touch strikes me as a little bizarre, and I’m distracted by the subtlety of his mood shifts since we first met. In the span of a day I’ve come to understand him in a way I never expected, and I can’t help but wonder if anyone else here has ever tried to do the same.

  A thought occurs to me, pulling my mind in a different direction. “I’ve been meaning to ask something.” I find him watching me. “The Link that’s in the ball—it’s the same one my mother had, right?”

  “Yes.” He turns my hand over and rests it in one of his, continuing to trace lines with his thumbs. “It belonged to your mother before coming to you, and it belonged to her mother before that.”

  “And the defensive ability—” My breath catches when his thumb moves along the length of my index finger and back again. “It’s not the same for each elemental, though it’s the same Link?”

  “No.” He traces the tendons and veins on the back of my hand, traveling from my knuckles to my wrist. His gaze follows in the wake of his movements, like he’s deciphering some hidden pattern he’s detected. “It is unique to each elemental, drawing on whichever element she has the strongest connection with. One of the Link’s purposes is to activate the trait, which allows the bonder to access her ability.”

  “Sort of like being able to open a rift?”

  “Yes.”

  “I have no idea what mine will be. I don’t have an affinity for a specific element.” I watch Ren’s hand on mine, then frown. “My mother’s was water, wasn’t it? That’s what I saw when I was hooked up to the archives.”

  His fingers venture past my wrist and up my forearm, avoiding the injured side. They brush over the thin silver bracelet there, the one piece of jewelry I wear.

  “It was. Most of her time was spent at the lake or the serenity pool.”

  Curiosity raises my brows. “What could she do with it?”

  “She could manipulate the water’s flow; affect its strength, control its direction. She could not manifest it, but she could direct it from great distances.” He eyes the chain at my wrist, his fingers caressing my skin as he moves the silver back and forth.

  His scrutiny distracts me, and I scoot closer, lifting my arm so he can get a better look. “Leila gave me that.”

  He inspects the narrow band connected to the chain. “What does this etching stand for?”

  “It says balance.”

  His gaze lifts to mine.

  “A couple of years ago I had a pretty heavy workload with school. I overworked myself, and I had a bit of a breakdown from the stress. Leila’s always been on my case about lightening the load. So when I snapped, she gave me the bracelet as a reminder to always find a balance in life.”

  He eyes the chain. “Does it still help you?”

  “Most days. Considering everything that’s happened in the last day, having the reminder doesn’t hurt.”

  Ren runs a thumb over the plate before he brings my hand back to his knee.

  “I find it comforting.”

  “You have learned a lot since your arrival.” He resumes running his fingers over my skin, traveling farther up my arm, touching on the numerous freckles dotting the surface. “I know it has been overwhelming for you.”

  Using the hand he’s not studying, I hold it up and close the thumb and forefinger until they’re an inch apart. “Just a little.” His expression softens and I prop my head up again.

  “You should focus on preparing for the redirection.”

  “And how am I supposed to do that? The only thing I have to go by is my failed assimilation. Which, I might add, sucked.”

  “It is rumored a redirection is more difficult to go through than the assimilation.” He moves his fingers toward my hand again. “Only someone who has done it before would know.”

  “I don’t suppose any of them are still around for me to ask?”

  “To my knowledge, they have all since passed.”

  “Great.” I sigh. “So is there anything I ca—” I stutter as he moves up the inside of my arm again, the calluses on his fingers making me shiver. “Can do in the meantime?”

  If he’s aware of how his touch is affecting me, he doesn’t show it. He continues stroking my arm and hand with a strange kind of intrigue in his expression. I’m struck by the possibility he may not be accustomed to physical contact. At least, not like this—intimate.

  “The preparations are primarily mental.” He breaks through my speculations. “A bonder must learn to accept the presence of another being in her mind. A Link produces thoughts and emotions separate from its host.” He closes his hand over my arm below the elbow and smooths his way back down. “A bonder must have control over her own emotions if she is to maintain a functioning connection with the Link.”

  That could be a bit of an issue. My emotions give me anxiety when I’m too stressed, which sometimes turns into full-blown panic. I blew up at Ren once in the forest, but that was minor compared to what it could’ve been. I’ve gotten better at dealing with certain triggers, but some I still don’t have a handle on. Maybe a lesson or two in coping wouldn’t hurt.

  “Who’s in charge of the training?”

  “The predecessor.” My discouragement must show because he adds, “In lieu of Sianne’s absence, the elders may be able to provide some guidance for you.”

  I nod. It’s an option. “What about other training? Is there someone who handles that?”

  His fingers still on my arm. “What other training?”

  “I don’t know.” I lift a shoulder. “Like learning to fight or something?”

  His brows pull together in a look of puzzlement. “The elemental’s defensive skill is all that is expected.”

  I give him a sardonic look. “Well, I’m not an elemental yet, so I don’t have use of that ability.” His expression clears and I lighten my tone. “I don’t think it would hurt to know how to take care of myself.”

  His puzzled look turns reticent. “Are you worried the clan will not be able to protect you?”

  “Not at all.” Then I realize he took my suggestion as a personal jab. I cover his hand with mine where it sits idle on my arm, and say in all earnestness, “I have the utmost faith in the clan—and in you. Truth is, I’m not used to relying on others. It’s just…hard accepting help when I’m not used to needing it.”

  His expression smooths. “You want to learn to fight?” I nod, and the corners of his mouth lift a bit. “Then I will teach you.”

  I smile and squeeze his hand. “Thank you.”

  As I start to pull my hand away, he grips my fingertips and halts my retreat. His gaze intensifies, an
d I realize just how close we’ve gotten during our conversation.

  Fluttering waves roll through my stomach, and for the first time I don’t mind. I draw a shallow breath, and Ren’s gaze falls to my mouth. He’s inches away, his breath fanning my face, and I want to close the gap.

  What if I did?

  A piercing whistle tears through the village, followed by a high-pitched scream. Ren and I snap to attention and get to our feet. He snatches up his bow and takes off in the direction of the commotion, yelling to the sentry nearby to guard me. More whistles sound, hurting my ears with their urgency.

  I’m after Ren like a shot, knowing exactly where he’s going. I would recognize that scream anywhere.

  Chapter Ten

  I race after Ren, but the sentry snags my arm before I can step foot out of the center. He pulls me from the path, restraining me in an unyielding grip.

  “What happened? What’s going on?”

  “An outlander has infiltrated the village.”

  “What?” My panic surges and I try pulling my arm free. “Let me go. I need to get Leila.”

  “Your safety is clan priority. You are to be kept from danger at all costs.” Half a dozen scouts appear, dodging the two of us as they race down the path. The sentry lays his other hand on my shoulder. “If the outlander attempted to enter your quarters, then you are the intended target.”

  “I don’t care! That’s my friend out there!” I yank against his hold so hard it hurts, shoving him away. His grip is like a steel band, keeping me from Leila.

  His hand tightens on my arm to the point of pain, and he whips me to the side, giving me a rough shake until I peel my anxious eyes from the path and look at him.

  “If you go down there, they will abandon her to protect you. Is that what you want?”

  From the moment I heard the scream, I knew it stemmed back to me. If anything happens to Leila or anyone else tonight, it’ll be my fault. Danger is enveloping the village because of me, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it or fight against it. Until the Link and I assimilate, I’m a useless weight bringing trouble to these people. The redirection needs to be triggered. Now.

  I stop struggling, breathing hard, but he keeps a grip on my arm. The path remains empty, and desperation clenches my chest as I peer into the darkness. All has gone quiet but for the crackling of the fire and the blood pounding in my ears. No sounds of fighting can be heard, and my mind runs rampant with graphic images of torn skin and broken bones. If I have to wait much longer, I’m going to scream.

  Another minute of agonizing silence passes when a short succession of whistles emanates down the path.

  My heart jumps into my throat. “What is it?”

  The guard whistles a response. “The outlander has fled. The scouts are in pursuit.”

  “What about Leila? Is she okay?”

  Before he has a chance to answer, a shadowed mass comes down the path. Within moments Leila comes into view, escorted by the female sentry.

  I shake my arm free and rush to them, hugging Leila when I reach her. “Lei! What happened? Are you hurt?”

  She squeezes me back, shaking and pale, her words coming out in a rush. “Holy hell, Ev! I woke up and there was some guy trying to get in the tree!”

  “I know, I heard. He didn’t hurt you, did he?” I hold her out at arm’s length to look her over.

  “No, no, I’m okay. She yanked him out before he got to me.” She indicates the woman next to us. Leila sways to the side without warning, and the woman and I catch her.

  I pull her arm over my shoulders and look to the male guard. “We need to take her somewhere to rest. She’s still really sick.”

  “Come.” He guides us away from the path.

  The council garden is under heavy guard when we reach it. Torches light the space, along with a small fire pit near the table I sat at this morning. The elders rise from the logs surrounding the fire as we approach, waiting for us. The sentry helps me lead Leila to one of the logs where I sit down with her, encouraging her to lean into me.

  “We have received word of an intruder at your quarters. Have you been injured?” Maemon scans me up and down. The rest look relieved to see I’m okay.

  “No, we’re okay.” I adjust Leila against my side. “I wasn’t there, but luckily”—I point to the female guard, not knowing her name—“she was.”

  Maemon nods. “Tavahni is quite capable, as is Leksoi.” She indicates the male guard. “Your safety is assured under their protection.” She tilts her head, looking confused. “Why were not you in your quarters?”

  I blink. “I couldn’t sleep, so I went out by the fire.”

  “You were unsupervised?”

  “No.” Her chastising tone makes me bristle. A retort itches to come out, but I bite my tongue and point to the male sentry. Leksoi. “He was on watch, and then Ren came and sat with me the rest of the time.”

  Maemon’s frown lifts, looking satisfied. “It is fortunate you were not there when the intruder arrived, but considering the overall threat, I do not recommend you do so again.”

  Before I can respond, Kirahl and Zaeza step through the entrance. Kirahl comes to Leila and me, asking if we’re okay. She checks over Leila, who’s exhausted from the chaos.

  “Has the intruder been captured?” Maemon asks.

  “Not yet,” Zaeza responds, then glances at me, looking uneasy. “It was one of Taustin’s trackers.”

  A heavy silence falls over the garden. We’d all suspected Taustin was behind the attack in the clearing. Having it confirmed doesn’t seem to help matters any.

  Agitated, I look to the elders. “So what now?”

  “You will need to be concealed within the village,” Maemon says. “It is reasonable to assume that Taustin is aware of your connection to your friend. You will be housed apart to obscure your location.”

  The suggestion makes me balk. “I can’t leave Leila alone like that.”

  “It is the best way to ensure your safety. And hers. You can stay together for the evening under Kirahl’s supervision, but tomorrow night you will be placed elsewhere in the village. Your friend will remain with Kirahl due to her condition.”

  I start to protest, but only sputters come out.

  Kirahl touches my arm. “It is a wise decision. She will be well cared for, I promise.”

  I sigh, not happy with the arrangement. But what choice do I have? “If you think it’s for the best.”

  Maemon nods. “You will be escorted to Kirahl and Kais’ quarters for the rest of the night. Other arrangements will be made in the morning.”

  I look at Kirahl. “Who’s Kais?”

  “My mate.” She helps Leila stand. “He is pursuing the outlander with the other scouts. The rest of the clan is searching the village for other intruders.”

  My stomach tenses, and I bite the inside of my lip. Ren must be leading the scouting party. What if outlanders are waiting to ambush them beyond the village?

  I can’t do anything about the situation, not while the Link is stuck in the ball. Ren and the others are at risk out there, and for the first time since I came here, I wish the assimilation had succeeded. With nothing more to do than cross my fingers and hope for the best, I have no choice but to follow the elders’ wishes.

  “Come.” Kirahl motions for me to help her with Leila. “She needs to rest.”

  With Zaeza, Tavahni, Leksoi, and a handful of the other sentries, we’re escorted to Kirahl’s place while the rest of the clan continues to search the village for intruders. We take one of the paths on the far side of the center until we reach a large cluster of trees. Leksoi does a quick search of the interior before letting Kirahl lead me inside with Leila between us.

  Kirahl directs me to a side room that’s sectioned off by a natural partition, like the one I saw at Ryka’s place. We get Leila onto a bed along the wall, and I lift her legs off the floor, making her as comfortable as possible. I straighten and take in my surroundings. “This is your home?”
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  “Yes.”

  The space could almost rival the size of the council garden. It looks much the same as my and Leila’s hollow with the garlands on the walls and tables throughout. The main area we came through has several smaller rooms branching from it, separated by more partitions. Rather than one large opening to the night sky, the roof of the hollow resembles a honeycomb with multiple openings. It looks as though the interior was excavated without killing the trees. A fire pit sits below one of the honeycomb openings, and shelves along the walls hold numerous containers while the tables hold more still.

  “It’s big.”

  “It serves as the healing lodge.” Kirahl motions for a dish of water sitting on a table on the other side of the smaller room, which I pass to her. She dips her hands in the dish and runs them over an unconscious Leila, still wearing her clothes from home.

  She pulls in a deep breath, and her eyes flutter open. “Ev?”

  I go to the bed. “I’m here. How are you feeling?”

  “Like I ran a marathon.” She looks around and frowns. “Where are we?”

  “Kirahl’s place. The elders sent us here for protection.”

  “What about that guy? Did they get him?”

  “Not yet. The scouts are looking for him.”

  Her frown deepens. “What’ll happen if they catch him? Are they going to ask him who he’s working for?”

  Considering how the clan feels about trespassers, I’m hesitant to think about what might be in store for him. He’s one of Taustin’s men, so I doubt it’ll be a simple slap on the wrist.

  “They know Taustin sent him.”

  “You mean that outlander guy you were telling me about?”

  “Yeah. Since the intruder went to our tree, the elders are pretty sure I was the target.”

  Her expression heats. “So he really is trying to kill you?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Kirahl finishes wiping Leila’s face down and stands. “I will be in the next room. Call to me if you need anything.”