Page 69 of These Fractured Bonds

But Yareli held her tongue. It was a lot to unravel, a lot to digest, and her stomach was already upset. She had been lied to, and whoever Augrys had been in the human world was not who was sitting next to her. She decided then that she would lie about her recovered memories. Her current relationship with Augrys was complicated, but it wasamiableenough. However, to keep it a secret, she needed to talk to the only person who knew.

Erickhadmadeherbed while she was out; gone were the sweat-drenched sheets, replaced by clean, fresh-smelling linen.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Fine,” she muttered.

She was tiring of being asked that question over and over.I’m great. I only lost my memories, stuck in a realm not my own, and my love life is a mess. Perfectly splendid!She reminded herself that soon enough, she would have access to her magic. The days of being hurt would be over, andshewould be the one inflicting the injuries.

“Do you remember what happened?” Erick sat her on a wooden stool.

Yes. “Not really. I remember that I had been talking with Leo.”

“Unfortunately, some of your memories were forcibly brought back at once by something he said. I managed to prevent the worst of it, but I want to take a look now that you’re awake.”

“Sure.”

Within a few seconds, his presence flared in her mind. He sifted through her memories, not touching them but simplyviewing their state. He reached the wound and tutted. He left her mind.

“It’s not bad, but you shouldn’t have another episode.”

“Can I still take the tea?”

“Only if you take it properly. One leaf, twice a day.”

“I promise.”

“After this, I think you coming along to the council is for the best. It'll allow me to monitor and treat you. What do you remember?”

He moved from her side, giving his back to her while he ground herbs in his mortar. She stood up, walking along the lines of the room. It was small, but it had a private bathroom.

“I thought you would know. You were there after all, treating it.”

“I try not to act omniscient—makes it more normal for patients, but nothing about mind magic can be unintrusive.”

She leaned back onto his table, crossing her arms. “Then, you know I remembered August.”

His pestle paused momentarily. “I do.”

“I’d like you to keep it a secret from the others.”

He refused to look at her. “I’m his lieutenant.”

She grabbed his hand, preventing him from grinding his herbs any farther. “And I’m your patient. Patient-doctor confidentiality, right?”

When he still looked uncomfortable, she continued speaking. “Besides, what does he gain from knowing? I’m not that Yareli anymore. And youoweme. You encouraged me to go after both of them, knowing I used to have a crush on August.”

Erick dropped the pestle; it made a dull thunk. He looked at her, his guilt displayed on his face.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were serious about August. I thought it was harmless flirtation.”

She smiled at him, a bitter, angry smile. “Just keep it a secret, will you?”

“I will, but what are you going to do now?”

She released his hand and pushed away from the table. That was the easy question. Dealing with her feelings for the two Fae men was a whole beast she wasn’t ready to tackle.

“I’m going to get stronger.”