Ezer remembered, from before the crash.
‘It helps with the cough, the cold … a concoction Alaris made. I cannot replicate it.’
Ezer glanced at Six, who had lifted her head. And with a look …
She sent a vision towards the raphon.
It was simple, sending it outwards. Not a touch required, as if whatever was inside Ezer had unlocked itself.Six, nestling near Kinlear the way she did with Ezer. Keeping his body warm and safe.
The raphon lifted her head and twitched her tail twice.
‘Six,’ Ezer whispered. ‘Please. He is our friend.’
And with a sigh, the raphon stood, padded across the cave floor, and settled back down beside the prince, tucking him away in the shadow of her wing.
‘You speak to her,’ Arawn said. ‘How?’
Ezer noticed their arms were touching. Like he’d drawn closer to her of his own accord.
‘Visions,’ Ezer said. ‘I don’t know what sort of magic it is. But she’s been giving them to me since the moment we met. Visions of strange things, beautiful things, silly things, even. And last night when the wolves came, when death was close … I was able to send one back to her.’
‘Without invocating?’ Arawn asked.
Ezer looked at him, brows raised. ‘Of course not.’
He looked puzzled. Like she was something new and strange.
Ezer shivered. The fire was warm, but?—
‘Are you cold?’ Arawn asked.
She shook her head.
‘Minder.’
‘Fine,’ she said. ‘A little.’
‘I gave my cloak to Kinlear,’ Arawn said. ‘But … I’ve always heard Firemages are warmer than most.’ And he surprised her when he lifted an arm, as if to welcome her to his side.
She stared up at him.
He gazed down at her.
And she sidled close to him, a sigh leaving her lips.
Hewaswarm. A furnace, practically, and gods, it felt good as he draped his arm over her shoulders, holding her close.
‘You still smell like a raphon,’ he said.
She dug her elbow into his side.
‘And you smell like ashes.’
They fell silent again, as they watched the fire together.
‘Your magic came back,’ Ezer said. ‘Six showed me. You started the fire. Arealflame, not just a candle this time.’
She felt him take a deep breath.
