If possible, my nod was even more eager this time. “Okay.”
Aurelia’s eyes slid closed. I could feel the magic dancing through our connected hands. Everyone feared djinn and for good reason. Their magic could be so destructive. They could end a life on their master’s whim. And yet, the magic currently flowing from Aurelia through my skin and into Franklin wasn’t painful. It was soothing and exhilarating all at the same time. The fine hairs on the base of my neck prickled, lifting of their own accord.
Through our connection, I could feel Franklin’s skin mending, his lungs clearing of blood, the damage Tenzen created was being healed. The blood soaking Franklin’s skin dissipated, seeping into his skin and disappearing within.
I’d lost all concept of time. Aurelia’s fingers tightened on mine, and she said a single word: “Now.”
I didn’t hesitate. I yanked Franklin’s soul forward, pushing it back into his body. For a frightful second, nothing happened.That second barely turned into two when Franklin’s eyes flew open. The heavythudof his heart was followed by a second, then a third, and fourth…the beat evening out and feeling like heaven beneath my hand.
“Franklin?” I finally released the hand I’d been clinging to. Cupping his face, I leaned over him, little more than a few inches between us. “Franklin, honey, can you hear me? Can you—”
“Boone?” Franklin’s scratchy voice was better than any angelic song.
“Franklin!” I collapsed, happy tears and laughter spilling with equal measure. “Sweet Gaia, you’re alive.” He was still far too pale, and his lips were tinged blue. But he was awake and aware. I could no longer feel his soul the way I could when he was dead. His living body was keeping it from my necromancer senses.
“He will need blood,” Aurelia stated as she stood, Fuzzy Britches scrambling up and perching on her head. “I returned as much as possible, but I could not return everything.”
My neck hurt from straining to look up at Aurelia. There were no words. My mouth opened and closed several times before I managed a completely inadequate “thank you. I…”
Aurelia blankly stared for a few seconds before her expression cracked, and a barely there smile softened her face. “You are welcome, necromancer.” Aurelia’s smile faltered, and that same blank stare took over as she stared at something over my shoulder. “You healed Fuzzy Britches. For that, you have my gratitude.”
“It was no trouble. I was happy to help. These humans brought Deni back to us. We thought… We thought he was lost and… I wish I had gotten here sooner. Tenzen Huxley took years away from my son. He stole him and used his magic to do unspeakable things. I demand vengeance.”
This time, Aurelia’s smile was anything but soft. “Vengeance has already been administered. Huxley has been dealt with.”
“Sounds like I missed all the good parts.” Franklin’s voice was harsh but strong.
Peppering kisses across his face, I placed my palm over his beating heart, soothed by its constant rhythm. I would never take its cadence for granted again. “We’ll fill you in later.”
“Oh, Franklin!” Momma fell on my back, hugging me tight. “We thought—”
“We thought wrong,” Pops said, his own arms wrapping around Momma and me. “I shouldn’t have doubted my son’s determination.”
Sirens sounded in the distance.
“Sounds like the calvary is on the way,” Momma said. “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of grabbing your phone and dialing 911. Aurelia said Franklin needs blood, and there’s only one way that’s happening. He needs a hospital.”
“Thanks, Momma.” I leaned into her touch. “I’m glad you’re all right.”
“I am, thanks to the man you love.” Momma leaned over and pressed her lips to Franklin’s forehead. “Thank you for saving me.” Voice growing stern, she said, “Never do it again.”
Pops let loose a cackle that broke the ice, and soon the wrecked room was filled with a chorus of laughter. The tears that fell from my eyes changed from misery to joy. Through the laughter, I heard the brownie healer say, “There’s something I think you should know about the scuttlebutt…”
Chapter
Thirty-Three
Franklin
“How do I look?”
“Like a dork,” my younger brother, Evan said. “I think I’m going to get a cavity from all the sugary sweetness radiating off you.” Evan stuck out his tongue and made a gagging sound.
“Stuff it,” Erik said as a rolled-up sock flew through the air, smacking Evan on the side of the head.
Evan caught the sock, sniffed it, and threw it to the side. “You could have at least thrown a clean one. That’s just gross.”
“Boys.” I used Nana’s scolding voice.
