“What—”
“Can I carry something?” she interrupts me to ask.
My brows furrow. “It is not wise. The trek to Zlosa is long, as you’ve already seen. I am perfectly fine. You should conserve your strength.”
Melisa bites her lower lip but says nothing more. She steps closer to me as the chill of the ice blankets us. I do not find it much colder, especially since we are out of the wind, but I understand her reaction.
She continues to walk at my side, somewhat subdued. I think of how she’d looked coming to Enduvida—full of wonder. But now that expression is gone and is replaced with a haunting worry.
Glistening blue and white glaciers stretch above us, and the sound of the wind hits the ice just right. It almost sounds like a song.
For a second, I marvel. Then my head turns to the woman at my side. A bitter taste coats my tongue.
I’m taking her back to be tortured.
Why had she insisted? The decision seemingly came out of desperation. But I can’t know for sure—it’s all a part of the mystery that keeps her just out of reach.
Unknown by me.
“When we get back to Zlosa, are you truly planning to go with your master?” I ask, breaking the silence.
She freezes and looks up at me. We stop walking all together, and her eyes quickly shift through different emotions.
“Yes.”
“Why do you want to go back to Zlosa so badly?” I ask through a tight throat.
Her hands bunch in her skirts. “I want to help the Enduares.”
“Bullshit,” I say.
Her face switches from shock to anger. It’s like an entirely different person emerges from the recesses of her mysterious soul.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“You want to return to a life you hated—a brutal, cruel life—for people you hardly know?” I press.
She frowns.“You’re right. I don’t know you very well, so I don’t need to explain myself to you.”
“What kind of response is that?”
She glares at me and continues walking.
I clench my fists.
“Are humans truly so fickle? You confirmed you were interested in me just a few days ago. Shouldn’t you want to share your thoughts with the man you desire?”
“Ra’Sa, I don’t wish to speak about this with you. Please, drop it,” she says.
“But I’m saying these things because I want to help you.”
When I catch up to her side, I see her nostrils flare, but she doesn’t say anything more. She just continues walking.
Frustrated, I drag a hand over my face and follow her. Women make no sense. This is why I shouldn’t court one.
The stone was supposed to sing and make this easy.
“Are you worried?” I ask finally when I catch Melisa’s hands grasping at her red dress.