Ancients, is that Desmond’s voice?
“Exhaustion?” McQuoid scoffs, “the girl made it rain ash.”
Is that what it was?
“The remnants of the slash still remain in the sky. I have no story to tell my people. They think it’s a dark omen, and who could blame them.”
“It’s already fading…” Keane’s voice sounds haggard, “give it a few days and it’ll be gone, Rion.”
The feel of rough but gentle fingers brush against the side of my temple, lulling me back to sleep.
“I will swat you down.”
Keane’s voice is hard now, but the sound of a small chirp below my ear is just as sharp.
“That baby beast will not leave her side,” Desmond replies.
I feel the brush of soft feathers against my neck again, still the softest thing I’ve ever felt in my life.
“I am not her enemy, nor am I yours. I’m just going to move the blankets over her shoulders-”
A quick movement and the sound of Keane yelling “fucker!” makes me grin in my sleep.
“Alright, we’re going to try this again.”
Keane’s voice is so near now.
“I’m sorry for threatening you…”
The feel of sharp talons grips my shoulder before they lean forward.
“You little shit!”
I laugh, envisioning Keane as he tries to interact with the proud little black bird from my hands. He’ll have a tough time making friends with that one, their proud egos are just too big for eachother.
“Alexis?” his voice reaches me again, “did you just hear me?”
I think my lips curve up in a smile because he lets out a heavy exhale.
“Thank Ancients.”
I slowly test my body under the blankets and hold in a groan. I can feel a plush pillow under my head and reach for my temples, my fingers pressing into the side I fell on to try to quell the throbbing pain.
“Can you please call on the Prince and Princess?” Keane asks someone from farther away, “she’s awake.”
“Millie.”
My voice comes out in a rasp, a mere whisper. I move my fingers down to my eyes and rub them hard.
“What?”
“Millie,” I say louder, voice cracking.
“Here, drink some water.”
Keane slips his hand around the back of my neck and lifts me up. I follow his lead but keep my eyes closed, feeling as his fingers jerk sharply behind me.
“Tiny bastard,” he grumbles.
