The Inner Circle: The Knowing

‘I should see if she’s okay,’ El-i-miir reassured Far-a-mael, retreating slowly. This was her chance. Waxnah’s people were preoccupied with the dead crewman and Far-a-mael knew better than to chase after Seteal in such a state. ‘I’ll talk to her. She’ll be fine.’ El-i-miir smiled innocently and then without waiting for the old man to give consent, she spun on her heels and headed below deck.

  Undoubtedly, Seteal would be in their shared quarters, probably sobbing in her sheets. Without the time to worry about her, El-i-miir raced straight past the room and down the spiral staircase.

  ‘Please don’t be dead.’ Her heart pounded relentlessly. ‘Please Maker, don’t let him be dead.’ Water sloshed about her feet as El-i-miir approached the defrosting door.

  She pounded the cold surface with her fist, tears already fogging her vision. Shaking hands grabbed the little wheel and she spun it feverishly. She pulled open the door and burst inside expecting the worst.

  ‘El-i-miir?’ Ilgrin said.

  ‘You’re alive?’ she gasped, unable to believe the sight before her. ‘Oh, thank Maker.’ She threw her arms around Ilgrin’s waist and held him tight. Then they kissed. El-i-miir felt her lips on his and dared for a moment to touch his tongue with hers. She knew it was blue. There could be no more ignoring what he was. Certainly he was a demon and some small, sinful part of El-i-miir found that exciting.

  Ilgrin bit his lip when she finally pulled away. ‘That was unexpected.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ El-i-miir put a hand over her mouth. ‘I thought . . .’

  ‘That I was dead?’ Ilgrin nodded. ‘I thought I was, too, but something happened to Seeol. He did . . . something.’

  ‘Seeol?’ El-i-miir frowned. ‘Where is he?’

  ‘He was frozen in here with me for a while.’ Ilgrin shrugged. ‘He left when--oh, who cares?’ He put his hand against El-i-miir’s back and leaned in to kiss her again. El-i-miir gave herself over to Ilgrin’s strength, willingly receiving his tender kiss.

  ‘You’re good at that.’ El-i-miir melted.

  The silt blushed blue. ‘I’ve never done it before.’

  ‘Well, you’re very good.’ El-i-miir placed her finger on his lips before leaning in to kiss him, but a loud bang caught her attention and she pulled away. ‘I have to go,’ she whispered, leaping to her feet and hurrying out the door. She slammed it shut and spun the wheel.

  The room was very still. It was too silent. El-i-miir’s jaw hung slack as she came to the realisation that the horses were all dead. In the mayhem, she hadn’t even spared a thought for them. She took two steps, before noticing a glistening path of light leading toward the holding pen. She came to a dead stop, her eyes locking on Seteal’s, red-rimmed and watching from within. The woman sat clutching Darra’s neck, her expression reflecting genuine fear as they followed El-i-miir’s approach.

  ‘Seteal?’ She swallowed. ‘How long have you been in there?’

  ‘Get away from me.’ Seteal’s voice shook. ‘Just leave me alone. I won’t tell anyone.’

  ‘Tell anyone what?’ El-i-miir asked unsteadily.

  ‘Nothing,’ Seteal whimpered. ‘I didn’t see anything. Just leave alone.’

  ‘You have to understand,’ El-i-miir insisted. ‘He’s different.’

  ‘You’re a Sa’Tanist, a demon worshipper,’ Seteal squeaked, sliding back fearfully until she hit the wall. ‘Everything makes sense now.’

  ‘No,’ El-i-miir raised her hands, ‘I’m not. Ilgrin is the only one I’ve ever seen.’

  ‘Please, just leave me alone,’ Seteal wailed, tucking her knees up under her chin.

  ‘You’re being ridiculous!’ El-i-miir yanked open the stall gate and stepped inside.

  ‘Help me!’ Seteal shouted out to anyone who might be listening.

  ‘All right.’ El-i-miir backed away. ‘I’m going. I can see you’re upset, but please, Seteal, please don’t tell Far-a-mael. At least not until you’ve given me a chance to explain.’

  ‘I won’t tell anyone.’ Her eyes were wide with fear.

  ‘Okay.’ El-i-miir remained fixed in place, waiting for Seteal to go on, but she didn’t. ‘Okay, then,’ she repeated. ‘I’m going to go.’ She waited another moment, but when Seteal refused to say another word, El-i-miir headed upstairs carrying a heavy burden.