Eldric climbed up to sit next to me on the hood of my car. The metal was hot and he winced, though that could have been because of the iron. He was careful not to brush any bare skin over the hood. I didn’t turn my head to look at him. I couldn’t bear to see his beautiful brooding face looking distant or cold. I wanted to remember him smiling wickedly, kissing me. His voice changed. “What happened to you?” I pushed tangled hair off my shoulder. “The One with the White Hand.” He cursed softly, under his breath. “I told you this was dangerous.” “I know.” He leaned back against the window. “You should put rowan berries and salt in your pockets, for safekeeping.” “I’ll keep it in mind.” I wished he would go away. It hurt to have him so close and so far at the same time. “You’d do well to stay away from me.” “Yes, you’ve said that already.” Was it really necessary to break my heart all over again? I rubbed my breastbone, as if that would help. “You came to me.
