Warrior's Soul (Book 3 of The Warrior Chronicles)

Chapter 27

"Protector?" Liam's voice came through the gaps in the wooden door.

"Get rid of him and we'll talk," Raphael raised her hood and stepped back until he was in the shadows. Yes, they needed to talk.

Trying not to let the weight of his gaze distract her, Leyla opened the door just as Liam was raising his hand to knock again.

"Ah, hey!" He blinked, then looked over his shoulder as if checking to make sure no one was around. "I keep forgetting just how beautiful you are."

"Wh-what?" She blinked at the unexpected tinge of colour in Liam's cheeks. 

"Ah, that's not what I planned to say, but you're not wearing your mask and..." He lifted his hand to rub the back of his neck, then cringed when the act stung the wound on his arm.

Leyla's brows rose as she lifted her fingers to her bare cheeks. Bloody Diya, this was Raphael's fault. The man who was listening to everything from just behind the door, had her mind in such a knot that she had forgotten her mask on the floor. Thankfully the door to the hut faced away from the camp so there was no one else to witness her blunder.

"Liam, why are you here? Did something happen?"

Liam's arm stilled, his bright green gaze catching hers with an intensity she had only seen from him during battle. Then without warning, he stepped into the shade of the hut and pulled her forward by the nape.

Leyla felt the firm warmness of his lips on her own and for a moment her mind went blank. What in Gaia!? She held her breath, unable to process what was happening. It was only when he stepped back and the brisk air replaced his body heat that fury set in.

She reached for her sword, belatedly realising that she hand thrown it away only moments ago because of Raphael. Bloody Diya! Raphael! An unwarranted sense of guilt assailed her and it took all her will power to stop herself from looking behind the door. 

"I'm sorry," Liam stared at her hand which was suspended over her empty scabbard with a wry smile. "I can wait for you to retrieve your sword if you want to stab me."

Her eyes narrowed on his apologetic look.  Stab him? No. She had stabbed her fill of people for the day. Dragging her sleeve across her mouth, Leyla wondered if all the men in Gaia had gone mad, "Have you lost your mind?"

"Definitely feels like I did," Liam's laughter was short-lived, "I really am sorry, I didn't meant to...I mean I did mean to, but normally I would have waited to be sure you wanted me to... I mean you wanted to kiss too... Bloody Diya I'll shut up now."

His self depreciating rambling calmed her anger somewhat. Liam really didn't seem himself. Had getting wounded earlier pulled a number on him?

Dragging a hand through his hair, he mumbled, "I'm usually good with ladies."

Hah!  One brow rose as Leyla crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm serious," Liam insisted. "Loads of women have told me I'm charming!"

"Loads of women," Leyla nodded, now finding the entire interaction ludicrous. "How nice."

Liam blinked, his expression blank for a moment. Then he took a deep breath and sighed, "This might be the lowest moment of my life."

Leyla had a sudden urge to laugh, but she held back. Beneath his smile, she could tell that Liam was actually troubled. For weeks, they had fought side by side. He had kept her secrets and she had saved his life, and while Leyla knew nothing about what he did outside of camp, she had grown to care for him. "Are you in trouble?"

His lips curled into a wry smile, "Why? Are you going to save me?" Seeing her reach for the door in disgust, Liam held up his hands. "Alright, alright. No, I'm not in trouble. It's just that... well, I'm leaving."

So he was going again. "I see."

"No," Liam looked away, "This time I won't be coming back. At least not for a long while."

"Oh." Leyla's brows rose in surprise. She had gotten used to his presence and the camp had received a lot of help from him. The kids too would miss him.

"If I just had more time..." Liam's voice trailed off. He was gazing out over the camp, "But there's something I've been working towards for years...and its finally coming to an end." He hesitated, choosing his words. "I keep telling myself that when the dust settles, I can come back and court you properly." He looked at her then, worry marring his brow, "But why does it feel like that will be too late?"

Leyla didn't know what to say. She had never thought of Liam in that way, but she respected him as a person. He was thoughtful and brave and she didn't want to hurt him. Despite the stupidity of a moment ago... "Liam, you're a good man -"

"Stop, please," he cut her off, smiling sadly. "I know you don't have feelings for me. You don't need to make excuses."

A breeze carried the scent of leaves and freshly baked bread as they looked at each other in silence. Then Liam brushed invisible dirt from his shirt and cleared his throat. "It might take longer than I wish, but I will come find you again. Then, I'll  convince you that I can make you happy." He took a step away, his habitual grin back in place, "Until then, don't disappear, okay?"

Leyla frowned, a strange sadness creeping into her chest. It felt like she was saying goodbye to a friend. Yes, she had come to see him as a friend. "Take care of that wound and don't get new ones."

"Yes, Protector," Liam gave a mock salute. Then after a last look, he walked away.

Leyla watched him for another moment, before taking a deep breath and bracing herself for Raphael's reaction. She didn't know why, but she had a bad feeling that he was not going to be pleased. Not that he had any right to be displeased. After all, it wasn't like they were engaged anymore... he must have called that off weeks ago... right?

Feeling somewhere between angry and defensive, Leyla stepped back into the hut and closed the door.