The next morning,Hazel confirms that Nissa and Ophe are stable enough to travel even though she still has not woken. We return to Solevara with a hand written list of instructions for the royal herbalist to follow. Aiden asked me to send updates on how they are recovering.
For two days, there is nothing to send and I am going out of my mind. Like the eye of the storm I am motionless, never leaving Nissa’s side. But within, I am chaos tearing myself apart.
I cling to the confidence that the witch gave me.She will walk up. Just give her time.
I hear a rustling fabric and lift my head from my hands. Ophe has kicked the sheets off again. She too hasn’t left Nissa’s side since we returned, but the girl is not peaceful when she sleeps.
I stand, pulling the sheets up over her body, tucking them between Nissa and a sleeping Cyndr who is curled into her side.
Settling back into my spot next to the bed, I look up and find her amethyst eyes blinking awake.
Chapter
Thirty-Nine
NISSA
“They all knew,” I croak out before Cillian can say a word.
Relief floods his face. My movements are slow, but I can actually move. And that’s enough for me. I've been trapped in my own mind for days, and the moment the words are out of my mouth, I can feel my own relief at no longer being alone with what I learned.
Shifting the warm little dryrd to the side, I begin to throw my legs out of the bed. Cyndr looks up at me and sleepily nozzles his head into my hand happily.
Cillian’s expression quickly morphs. “Stop. Lay down,” he says, standing when I don’t and offering hands out.
Ophe groans a little at the noise. I try to clear my throat as I reach for him. He responds immediately, grasping both of my elbows.
“I can’t lay down,” I manage as I try to stand, breathing heavy from even this small amount of movement after days of inactivity.
“Nissa, please.” His eyes are imploring.
I drop back on the edge of the bed to catch the wind.
“What’s going on?” Ophe’s groggy voice fills the space as she stretches behind me.
I give a small smile at my friend, while Cillian exhales and drops back into the chair he’s barely left since we arrived back home.
He takes both of my hands in his, and he drops his forehead to my wrists. “You’re okay.” His voice is quiet and broken.
“I am. I promise but Cillian— they all knew,” I say again. I pull a hand free to stroke his head.
“Who knew what?” Ophe asks with indignation, ready to fight, as soon as she realizes I’m awake.
I laugh, then sober when I look back to my mate. I know he’s been beside himself that I wasn’t waking up, but I’ve also been trapped in my own torture. Unable to expose those that turned all of our lives upside down. Some who have stood in this very room, acting as if they care when their actions led to all of this. Their actions led to so many devastating repercussions, for my family, for Nova, for Cillian, for Castara as a whole. For me.
He says nothing for a moment longer, letting my nails run back and forth over his scalp, before raising his gaze to meet mine. “You need to rest,” he says with determination in his eyes. He strokes my hand with his thumb.
“But—” I begin to protest.
He holds one of his hands. “Tell me what you know. Let me handle it while you recover.”
Intensity boils in those beautiful eyes, and I know he would drown the worlds to make whatever I am talking about right. To protect me.
“The prophecy… they all knew. Your parents, my parents. They all knew.”
I hear a small voice behind me. “Oh Nissa.” Ophe’s warm arms wrap around my shoulders.
Cillian stands and begins to pace, I link my fingers through one of her hands. Cyndr slips into my lap, offering his own version of comfort.
