I recline against the rough surface of the rock, letting its warmth seep into my back. If that slimy bastard returns, I won’t waste energy caring. Let him linger in the shadows and stare. In fact, the thought of him standing there, caught red-handed with my body exposed, as Jorlan arrives fills me with wicked satisfaction. Jorlan may despise me, but he wouldn’t allow something so disgraceful to happen.

The sun on my skin feels like a rare luxury. I could lie here forever, ...