All Chapters of Finding The Cure: An Order Of Love: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

“What… was that for?” Once The shock wore off. I looked at the woman."I know your tall, dark, and brooding friend wouldn't let me live. So I figured I'd prove it. I don't mean you any harm. Also, don't try to pronounce my full name. I hate my full name. Just call me Zin." She held out her hand to me for a shake. I took it, and she immediately pulled me in.She leans in close. And whispers in my ear, “ look forward being close with you.” and proceeds to kiss me below my earlobe sending shivers down my body, but not the bad kind.As I processed her words, I am quickly yanked back and silver metal is in the corner of my eye“What the hell are you doing?” Carlin asked.“Just givin

The fire had burned down to glowing embers by the time Zeph announced he was leaving us. Of course, he didn't bother easing into the subject.“I'll be going a different way in the morning.”I looked up from where I sat beside Bella. “What?”Zeph continued cleaning his Mages staff as if he hadn't just announced he was abandoning us after everything that had happened. Across the fire,no one looked surprised by his announcement.“You're leaving?” I asked.“Yes.”“Why?”Zeph glanced up. “I have somewhere else I need to be.”

Morning arrived far too soon. Pale light crept through the branches, transforming the mist between the trees into a dull silver. As the fire had burned down to a bed of glowing embers, the clearing grew cold, causing every breath to form a faint cloud in front of my face. Consequently, I burrowed deeper beneath my cloak..Sleep had come in short, miserable pieces, with lightning flashing across pale skin and bones cracking somewhere in the darkness each time I drifted off. Now my eyes felt packed with sand, and a dull ache pulsed behind them.“Rise and shine, everyone!”Ev’s voice cut through the quiet with entirely too much cheer.I dragged my cloak over my head. “No.”Leaves crunched as she approached my bedroll.“An inspiring response.” She teased as she tried pulling my cloak.“Go away,” I groaned, curling onto my side.“We need to reach the checkpoint before nightfall.”&nbs

The washing room was barely large enough to hold the wooden tub tucked into one corner. A narrow bench rested against the opposite wall beneath a row of iron hooks, and bundles of dried lavender hung from the ceiling beams. The sweet, calming scent mixed with warm soap and damp stone.It was the most beautiful room I had ever seen.After days of cold rivers, dirt, blood, and sleeping on the ground, the steam curling above the water in delicate ribbons and brushing against my face felt like a miracle, and I could have wept.“I’m never leaving,” I whispered.Ev rested one shoulder against the doorframe. “I’ll tell Carlin you’ve chosen the tub over him.”“I haven’t chosen Carlin at all.” I blurted out too fast. Heat creeping up my face.“Of course not.” The ease of her agreement made me narrow my eyes. She gave me an innocent smile that fooled absolutely no one. “Enjoy your bath.

My ears burned, but neither of us said anything more. Climbing out of the tub, I immediately regretted leaving its warmth. The cool air on my damp skin raised goose bumps along my arms. I dried myself quickly, acutely aware of Carlin waiting just outside the door.Clean clothes were folded on the bench. Although the trousers fit well enough once I tightened the drawstring, the shirt was several sizes too large. In fact, the hem fell well below my hips, and the sleeves swallowed my hands completely. I rolled each sleeve three times. They still covered my knuckles.“Are you dressing or escaping through a hidden tunnel?” Carlin called.“I’m considering both.”“I checked. There isn’t a window.” Carlin chuckled