page34 (2/2)

Doing her best to pretend she wasn't ill, Claire nodded and kissed his cheek "I have a great deal of faith in you, Corday You are a wonder"

"And you will be free"

"I will," she acknowledged, eyes soft

Slender fingers carefully pulled off herband Under their makeshift blanket, she took Corday's hand and slipped the band on his pinky

"What are you doing?"

"I want you to keep this for ave her token "A re for you"

She washim uneasy "I can't keep this"

"I a his hand "You are to give it back to me when Thólos is free"

He hugged her, felt his heart soar "Claire I have faith in you, too"

"You are my hero, you know"

Corday wanted to kiss her, was so very teers in her hair and pull her lips to his But that was not what they were; that was not what she could be…

At least not yet

"Now," Claire broke the et out of here before the sun comes up If I don't feel you're safe, I'll worry"

Already untangling herself, she eased out of his e hierous It was obvious he did not want to go, but she seemed so much better, her eyes more alive and a smile on her lips when she spoke