Callan cleared his throat pointedly.
“Your Majesty.” Keres’ voice was full of sarcasm. “What a surprise. Wish I could say it was pleasant.” She shot me a pointed look full of questions.
“Callan’s going to stay with us for a while,” I said.
Her eyes narrowed. First on me, then on Rydian, and finally on Callan. “Couldn’t we just get a puppy and be done with it?” she asked.
Callan looked offended.
Rydian snorted a laugh.
“Vanya,” I said, “can you show Callan to a room?”
“Of course.” She led the way into the house.
We all followed, the rest of us gathering in the great room while Callan disappeared down the hall with Vanya leading the way.
I turned to Daegel. “How’s Lesha?”
His expression sobered instantly. “She’s awake. Barely. But she asked for you.”
My heart clenched. I followed him through the den and into the back room.
Lesha lay on her stomach, thin as reeds, wings nothing but bandaged scars. Her hair was matted. Her skin too pale. Ididn’t know what I’d expected. More healing than this; she looked just as frail as the day we’d rescued her.
“Auri,” she whispered, voice rasping, breaking.
I dropped to my knees beside her bed and took her hand. “I’m here.”
Her fingers squeezed weakly. “Good.”
I bit my lip hard, trying not to cry. “How do you feel?”
“Like I lost a fight with a frost giant,” she murmured.
A painful laugh burst from my chest.
“And you…” Her gaze softened. “You look different.”
I froze. “Different how?”
“Stronger. Older.” Her eyes flicked to my mark. “Brighter.”
My throat tightened. I wanted to tell her everything—but she was already fading, her eyes closing as she slipped toward sleep.
“I’ll stay,” I whispered.
“No.” Keres stepped forward, voice firm but soft. “Let her rest. She used too much strength today during our exercises. She’ll sleep for hours.”
Lesha’s fingers went slack in mine.
I pressed a kiss to her knuckles before I stood.
Keres placed a hand on my shoulder. “Come on. You need sleep too.”
“I’m fine,” I said, waving off her concern.
“Really?” Her brow lifted. “Because you look like Hel.”
