Hailey dug her nails into the bench, anticipating an awful prod or twist or jerk or something painful, but what she got was a delightfully cooling comfort, which spread from her toes up to her knee. When Asher stood, Hailey stood next to him—her ankle healed and the swelling gone.
“That’s amazing,” she said, cautiously hopping on it. Eyes shining, she tilted her head slightly. “I’m not going to be your slave forever, am I?” she asked with a nervous chuckle.
“Only if you want to be.” A ghost of a smile played on his lips. “These are not favors I often bestow, Hailey.”
She shook her head, all humor gone. “I wouldn’t ever want that,” she whispered, pulling her shoulders up and tucking her elbows in.
“No, you wouldn’t. Still…” Holding his hand out, palm up, Asher conjured what looked like a ball of crystalized violet light. He held it out to Hailey. “I am tempted to give you this.”
“What is it?” she said, transfixed by its beauty.
“Immortality. An eternity of youth and health. The Envoys call it a gift. But any human who has accepted it would call it a curse. If you were to take this from me, you would be a slave to the Envoys—all of us—forever. Such an infusion of energy leaves a scar, Hailey, through which any of us might see into your mind. And in some cases,” he added darkly, “even control it.”
Closing his hand, he collapsed the orb, which burst into a flash as bright as a camera’s.
“As much as I want you on this Earth with me forever,” he said gazing adoringly into her eyes, “I would not curse you with this burden.”
Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed her fingers then spoke against them.
“The Envoys are changing. They no longer respect each other’s possessions as they once did, and I couldn’t bear it if another touched you.”
Possessions?
Hailey jerked her hand away. “I’m not your possession, Asher. I don’t belong to you—I don’t belong to anyone, and you need to—”
Asher stepped back, blinking as if she’d slapped him.
“I didn’t…” Frowning, he shook his head, eyes wide as Hailey considered him, arms crossed. His lips parted, his brow wrinkled, and she couldn’t stand seeing him hurt.
Finally she sighed. “You have to stop saying that,” she said gently, and when he reached a tentative hand out to her, she took it.
Relief etched his voice, but it was still a plea. “I didn’t mean… I only meant that I protect you. And the Envoys no longer regard each other as family. You’re beautiful, Hailey. I’m not the only one who sees it, and one of the others would surely stalk your mind.”
Instinctively, Hailey flicked her eyes to the ground, disarmed again as he nudged her chin up. He was so close she could feel his breath against her lips.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, planting a soft kiss on her mouth.
“I’m sorry too,” she said, and he kissed her again. Then, sighing heavily, he pulled away, and Hailey studied his eyes, trying to imagine life on Earth for hundreds or thousands of years.
“Have you ever cursed anyone?” she asked.
“Once.”
“It’s Professor Woodfork, isn’t it?”
Asher smiled. “He and I have known each other for a very long time. I try to stay out of his mind,” he said, looking almost mischievously at her, “although sometimes I get bored and go see what he’s thinking.”
Hailey studied him. For the first time, he seemed relaxed and almost amused. “I don’t really understand how any of this works.” She looked down at her healed foot then around at the campus and back to Asher. “Someone told me it was dangerous to ask you for help with…things…”
“Giselle,” he guessed. “She’s always honest, but not always correct. Hailey, you’re very dear to me. I healed your body, because I wanted to. I’ve asked for nothing in return.”
Taking his hand, Hailey pressed it to her heart.
“I would like to see you more,” he told her, using his free hand to stroke her cheek.
“You can start by showing up to lab,” she teased.
“Yes,” he said softly.
