Bound (A Faery Story 1)

112

Sophie Oak

Chapter Nine

The cold water shook the cobwebs out of Cian Finn’s mind with a

teeth-jarring shock. He took a deep breath and forced himself to go

under. The chill prickled along his skin. He needed to try to think

clearly.

It had been almost impossible lately. The thoughts in his head

would come and go like butterflies flitting in and out. He couldn’t

catch them and keep them. They were too fast. A thought would

come, and Cian would get excited. He would start to follow through

on it, and then he would be standing somewhere wondering exactly

how he had gotten there. Cian didn’t like to talk about his problems

with his brother. Beck had his own problems. He didn’t need to worry

about his little brother’s failing brain, but it was becoming something

he couldn’t hide. Even if he tried to hide it, he would have forgotten

what he was trying to do. It was easier when Beck was around to

ground him. When his brother was in close proximity, Cian was able

to focus for longer periods of time.

Cian broke the surface of the water. There was a momentary

terror. It came with the revelation that he didn’t know where he was.

Cian took a deep breath and banished the fear. It wouldn’t do any

good. It would just make him look like a fool, and then his father

would be angry with him.

He seemed to be swimming.

No. He was bathing, and his father was dead. His father had been

gone a very long time. Uncle Torin had killed him and taken their

throne. He and Beck were outcasts. Yes, he remembered that part. He

wasn’t a child anymore. He was a man. He had to act like one.

Bound