Chapter43: A Steep Climb

*Akin* I wait for Maerilee, but she doesn’t come back that night. It turns my stomach, nearly sends me into a rage when I realize that she’s spending the night with Permiton. What does she possibly see in him? What smooth words can he possibly offer her to explain away his indiscretions? It’s not that she’s with another man. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s that she’s with him! He’s a traitor, pure and simple. I don’t care what she believes. This is one point I can’t trust her on. I’ve followed her here, and I’ve seen that she is often right, but for some reason, Permiton is a blind spot for her. I eventually slip into a fitful, restless sleep, often hoping I’ll wake up, and she’ll be beside me, but when I awake in the morning, she and Permiton are walking back to our camp, looking freshly fucked and bright as the sun. Part of me wonders what would happen to Maerilee’s powers if Permiton were to “accidentally” fall off the cliff to his death. It’s a selfish thought, of course. She clearly