Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) by Jonathan Michael (best ebook for manga txt) 📕

I’m still in need of her services, but I’m not quite ready to have her hands on me. I examine the battle scars running up the entirety of my leg and my abdomen. Gnarly. I cannot restrain a grin. Then, suddenly, my stomach lets out a roar.

Astor must have anticipated my hunger. A meal has already been prepped.

“Crab cakes and breaded cod with lemon sauce?” she inquires. “I’ve had them warming over the embers since midday.”

My eyes turn into lanterns as she dishes a plate and serves it to me. I don’t hesitate and shovel the food into my face like a starving orphan.

“Your brother, I had him help prepare this, before I sent him away. So, you can give him your thanks when he returns.”

As if I was going to thank her for the meal.

She chats as I eat. Nothing more than awkward small talk, but I succumb to being civilized to show my appreciation for the meal. With only a few words between each mouthful of cod, it makes for an arduous conversation, but I don’t care. Then, Susy is merciful when uninvited guests arrive to take her attention off me.

“Nero! Crescia! Great for you to return!” Astor greets them. “As you can see, my charge has come to life, and I would be delighted if you would assist me with the final stretch of the suspension.”

“Well, you know me. I’m always eager to learn,” Nero says with excitement.

“Word has spread this is your toughest challenge yet,” Crescia adds.

“You could say that.” Astor cocks her head to one side and hits me with a peripheral glance.

“Word has spread?” What does that mean, word has spread? Word has spread amongst all the townsfolk? I can’t have my presence known. “Where’s Stone? I need to get out of here.”

The new arrivals share a confused look with each other and turn to Astor for answers.

“Jaymes, you are perfectly safe here. I must assure you.” Astor approaches and attempts to put a hand on me. I flinch.

“And how do I know that?” I glare in the direction of the newcomers. “It appears you’ve made my presence well known.”

Astor half-sits, half-leans against the cot, making herself comfortable. “You must let me finish the suspension. Your legs need more work. If you allow me another hour, I may have you far enough along that the surface lacerations will heal themselves.”

She’s speaks the truth. I would flop out of here like a seal out of water. In a town of anglers, they may mistake me for a meal from the delta.

“Fine,” I reply. Astor smiles and places a hand on my knee. I shrink back.

“Do you mind if they sit in, Jaymes?” Astor gestures for the new arrivals to take a seat without waiting for a reply. I’d rather not spend another moment alone with Astor, so I silently comply.

The tall man has an innocent face. The girl, however, dons serving attire that’s a touch scantier than typical. With the attire alone, I can decipher her innocence is lacking. Goose has mentioned the serving girls in this town a time or two. In his arrogance, he proclaims to have the experience firsthand, but that’s an exaggeration. Though, I have no reason to distrust his stories, other than the fact he was part of them. I can’t trust her. She could be a spy.

“Jaymes, this is Nero and Crescia, two of my most cherished counterparts.”

I acknowledge them with a simple nod and refuse to make eye contact.

Astor addresses her companions on my current state, proclaiming she has already suppressed the deepest of the lacerations. “We’ve made some timely progress.” She gestures toward my abdomen, which radiates with pain as it remains an open wound.

It’s not oozing blood, I suppose. But I don’t believe she knows what that word means—progress.

“Although, a lot of work remains to be done. Her legs are currently useless, and that is where we must focus our attention.”

“Useless! Don’t be so crass.” The mention of the word ignites me. What a thick arrogance. Useless! I’m not useless. I think back on Goose’s comment about performing the menial tasks. Goose thinks I’m useless too. And Stone is always looking out for me, trying to protect me. He obviously believes me incompetent as well. “I’m not useless!” I cry.

I throw my legs over the edge of the cot, yet again, and slide off the bed without the slightest notion of grace. My soles slap onto the hardwood with a thud. The pain proves to be overbearing as I crumple to the ground with a lurid moan. Dammit!

Nero and Crescia rush to my aid. I offer resistance, but they lift me back into the bed regardless. Astor ogles at the disaster I’ve become, callous to my decision.

“Jaymes, are you done? Please, I ask that you trust my judgment. You’re in no condition to mosey on out of here on your own accord. I can have Nero or Crescia summon your brothers if you prefer familiar company.”

I nod in agreement.

“Crescia? Can you? They’re boarding at Abbey’s.” Crescia gives a nod of her own and exits.

“Now, back to work. Are you going to cooperate?” Astor asks bluntly. “I suggest you curtail any aggression or doubt you have in my intentions. With an audience, I will respect your privacy. You may remain covered under the linens, but I will need access to the injuries.”

She has stopped asking permission and has moved to a sterner approach. She’s not my mother.

“Do I have your full cooperation?” She echoes after I fail to respond.

A submissive yes slips from my tongue. Dammit!

Astor flees to the kitchenette to gather what appears to be more washcloths. I hear a thud on the other side of the room, which turns my attention toward the entrance. A shudder overcomes me. A woman