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Sigurd. As the newly returned sensations began to fade in his body and soul and the cold detachment spread again, terror of going back to that empty state became his only emotion. He sought out Davin for advice on how to handle the task of arranging to take Isabel as his leman.
    He might not yet know why she was different or how she managed to bring about such changes in him, but he could not let her slip from his grasp. He rarely called in favors, but Davin owed him many and it was nothing compared to what he could request. If not for Duncan’s ability to heal anyone from injury or illness, Davin’s wife and firstborn would be dead. Procuring a leman was nothing by comparison.
    He found Davin training with his men outside the wall and joined them for a few hours, hours in which he learned his ability to feel was diminishing by the day. Every hour since he’d bedded Isabel sensations and emotions were being stolen from him.
    “Come, Duncan,” Davin said, handing his sword to one of the young boys in training, “Walk with me.”
    Davin also held out a scrap of linen for Duncan to use. Glancing down, Duncan noticed the cuts on his arms and legs that he had not felt before. When they reached the small beach, he tugged off his boots and walked into the seawater to wash away the blood. The saltiness in it did not bother him, though Davin winced as he saw to his own injuries.
    Another change. Duncan walked from the water and waited for Davin on the sand. They sat down and Duncan accepted the flask offered by Davin. Swallowing a mouthful of the powerful brew, Duncan thought on how to begin.
    His friend, always perceptive, said, “So, you want my help in getting this woman?”
    Duncan laughed and nodded. “That obvious, am I?”
    “Aye.” Davin met his gaze and shrugged. “Though you have sought out women before, this one is different. You seem to care about finding her and having her.”
    Duncan ran his hands through his hair and nodded. “I cannot explain it, but I know I need her.”
    Davin shoved him and laughed.
    “Nay, not in that way, though aye, in that way too.”
    “You are not alone in wanting her in your bed,” Davin added. “Every man who has had her bargains with Sigurd to get her again. Does she offer something any other woman could not give you?”
    Pushing himself to stand, Duncan tried to explain it to the man who was the closest thing he had to a friend.
    “She has undone some of the changes.” He spoke boldly, not trying to explain more than that.
    “Undone them? But, look at the wounds you sustained just this morn because you cannot feel. How is that changed?”
    “I could feel. Last week after spending the night with her, my skin hurt, my appetite returned, my emotions . . .” He paused. “And more, I wanted her, Davin. I wanted her.”
    Davin looked over the sea toward the outer islands and remained silent for a few minutes. He never responded in haste, a quality that kept him out of many battles and other troubles when others plunged in headlong.
    “Did my cousin’s men tell you anything? Is there some link between you and their earl’s truthsayer?”
    Duncan kicked the sand at his feet toward the water. “Nay. I think not, though Ornolf is sending someone north to learn more.”
    “The full moon approaches. Will she be . . . enough?”
    The only appetite that remained when all else was burned out at the full moon’s rising was his need for countless, nameless women in his bed. And though he sought and used any and every woman who arrived at his door, he remembered none of them, only the emptiness that resulted from it.
    “I know not, Davin. I know only that she is different. And tied to this somehow.”
    “You know I will do whatever you need. I am in your debt.” Davin stood and began walking. “Her stepfather asked to see you.”
    Duncan grabbed his friend and pulled him around so they were face-to-face. “He did? When?”
    “He is not a fool. He has waited until he knows