Chapter 15The most violent tremblor to yet shake the island didn’t last long, but it felt as if it did. It struck shortly after Lillegard found his way back to camp, and I didn’t see any reason not to blame him for it.
The ground rocked so viciously we went flying off our feet. This time the quake was accompanied by a thunderous explosion. A rain of soot and ash showered down on us, as well as shattered bits of heated rock that burned holes in our clothes.
“Johnny! Watch out!”
Church rolled over, and I found myself under my lover, his body angled above mine to protect me. I tried to change our positions, the better to keep him safe. His eyes were dark and fierce as he stared down into my face.
“Stop squirming,” he ordered, “or I’ll tan your hide as soon as this lets up.”
“But—”
“Shut
