“But you don’t—”

“Have you refused to heal someone in need?”

“No, but—”

“Have you put your well-being ahead of another?”

“No, but I—”

“Have you ignored a plea for help?”

“Kerrick—”

“Have you harmed a small furry animal?”

“Now you’re being—”

“Have you slept with another man?”

“Kerrick!”

Her face reddened in what he hoped was outrage and not guilt. “What? I’m thinking of horrible things. That’s one.”

Avry straightened, breaking his hold. “Well, here’s another one. Have you animated the dead?”

He searched her expression. No humor sparked in her eyes. He thought back to their conversation. They’d been talking about Peace Lilys. “Animated like Flea?”

“No, like one of Tohon’s. Are you going to add that to the horrible list?”

Torn between being impressed by her ability and wishing to comfort her, Kerrick chose his words carefully. “Tohon’s, yes, but not yours.”

“Why not? The result is the same.”

“But the intention isn’t. Your intent was to save a person’s life.”

She seemed surprised. “How did you know?”

“Because it’s you. You will do everything you can to save a life.”

“But—”

“Tell me I’m wrong.”

Avry tried. Explaining what led up to the “horrible thing,” she never mentioned anything he’d consider even bad. Her actions were logical, practical and kind—Avry to a tee.

“...and now Flea is freaked out and avoiding me.” She hunched down as if guilt pressed on her shoulders.

“He’s young. He doesn’t understand. Unless you’re planning on creating a whole army of them...?”

She gave him a flat stare.

“I didn’t think so. Concentrate on the positive. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about Tohon’s creations. Does Ryne know?”

“Probably.”

“He’ll know what to do with...Yuri. In the meantime, don’t let this affect you. There was no way you could have predicted that would have happened. Unless you can see into the future...?”

Another sour look, but he suspected her heart wasn’t in it.

“Too bad, because that would come in handy right now.”

“Like who will win this war?” she asked.

“I’m thinking more of the immediate future. I would ask my beautiful prophetess if I will get lucky tonight.” He stroked her arm and twined his fingers with hers, drawing her toward him.

“I know the answer to that.” A sly smile tugged on her full lips.

“Do tell.”

She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “Not tonight.”

Kerrick pouted.

Avry slid her arms around him. “Your prophetess says you’re getting lucky now. Estrid can wait.” She nuzzled his neck with her nose, pressing her body against his.

Heat flushed through him. He shifted to lie back onto the ground, taking Avry with him. Now side by side, Kerrick kissed her deeply. His hands slipped under her tunic, seeking skin as he proceeded to make her prediction come true.

Chapter Ten