Wherever he was, it was lavish. The walls were pure white with ornate trimmings along the ceiling. A desk sat in the corner, tucked under a shelf that spilled over with books and vials of plants. The bed was soft and plush, the light ivory blanket over him fluttering in the breeze from the open doors. Beyond, blueness stretched into the horizon. Lake Regolith?
“Lu’s room in the castle,” Nayeli explained. Vex looked back at her. “She wouldn’t let us put you anywhere else.”
Vex pushed his fists under him and started to sit up. His chest shrieked with pain at the same moment Nayeli swatted him back down.
“Stop, you idiot. You need to rest. Your rib’s broken and you almost killed yourself.”
He relented, landing back on the feather pillows. “Why is it still broken? Lu didn’t throw some of that bone-healing Juviper into whatever potion saved my life?”
The question brought a stab of pain that had nothing to do with his injury. Elazar had almost killed him. And even though Elazar himself was dead now, Vex couldn’t shake his fear.
Nayeli cocked an eyebrow. “Lu didn’t give you magic at all. That permanent potion you took was part of why you almost died. More magic might’ve—” She stopped. Sobered.
Vex started. “Wait. I survived. I woke up.On my own?”
That brought Nayeli’s grin back out. “Don’t let it inflate your ego even more.”
“Do I—do I have permanent magic?” Vex lifted his hand like the answer might be there.
“Not as far as we could tell while you were out cold,” Nayeli said. “But you haven’t had a single Shaking Sickness spell. Lu thinks the permanent potion might’ve had what you needed to wipe out your Shaking Sickness, rather than give you any epic powers. But hey, we’ll see, won’t we? Maybe try jumping off some buildings, check if you can fly.”
Vex wanted to joke with her. He needed to, to stopper the emotions bubbling up in his chest like a rising wave.
He’d survived the battle. The tingle of healing in his chest, his wounds knitting themselves together, was his own blood and muscles and abilities.
He was alive because of himself. Because of his own body.
Tears welled in his eye. God, it was stupid to cry, but a dam broke open in Vex’s heart and he pinched the bridge of his nose.
He’d hated his body for so long, every scar and weakness. But those very scars and weaknesses had saved his life.
Vex must’ve been healthier than Nayeli said, because she scooped him into a gentle hug. He coughed a laugh through his tears and hugged her back.
“Stop crying,” she ordered. But she sounded choked uptoo. A pause, and her voice dipped, muffled in his shoulder. “That was a stupid thing to do. You, of all people, should know better than to start chugging magic. But you were really incredible.”
Vex laughed. “Thanks.” He sobered, his eye going behind Nayeli, expecting Edda.
Nayeli must have felt the drop in their conversation. She drew upright, sniffing into the back of her hand.
“How’s Cansu?” Vex asked, desperately needing some good news.
Nayeli grinned. “She’s fine. They all are, actually—the missing raiders. Or the ones who survived, at least. Lu and Ben whipped up the counter plant to Menesia. It’ll be a while before they recover from the battle—before weallrecover—but they’re safe.”
Vex exhaled. “I figured we didn’t do too bad in that fight if I woke up here.”
“Not too bad? Wewonbecause of you.” Nayeli squeezed his arm. “The raider Heads are staying here, in the castle. Kari set them up in rooms. They’re gonna start meeting with the remaining councilmembers to plan out a better form of government. And the weird thing is, they’re allexcited.I heard Nate and Pierce talking about the effects of a democracy versus a republic versus—get this—amonarchy. Nate and Pierce. Talking politics.” Nayeli shivered. But her smile was pure and bright. “Cansu’s hopeful too. We had a long talk, and she’s not only willing to join with theCouncil, she’s already making up a list of ways Port Mesi-Teab can help the rest of the island. Turns out she was worried I’d choose this new government over her and the Tuncian syndicatelike I did with the Council, she said.”
Vex frowned. “You never chose anything over her. You wanted the Tuncian syndicate to join up with the Council specificallyforthem. For Cansu. To help them all.”
“I know. Cansu didn’t know that. But she’s better now.” Nayeli smirked. “A lot better.”
Vex dropped his eye from her to the bedding.
A dozen thoughts pressed against his brain. Were Edda here, she’d have voiced them all, or slapped him in the head to make him voice them. Things likeSo you’re a Tuncian raider again, huh?andI’m glad you’re back where you need to beandTell Cansu if she hurts you again, I’ll kick her ass. Or I’ll try, at least.
Vex’s face tingled. “Edda would be really happy you’re finally where you belong.”
Nayeli slid her hand into his. “You can always join the Tuncian syndicate too. Cansu’d make room for you.”
