“I’ve got you,” Loch said.
“I know.”
It took less time than it should have for Sawyer to fall asleep. Loch held him gently, until Sawyer trembled a little. The night air cooled. Loch nearly called out to his mates and asked for help, but then he remembered. He leaned forward and unfurled his wings, then wrapped them around them both, holding Sawyer in his embrace.
Sawyer sighed and settled back against him, his breaths deepening. He caught movement in the shadows and barely made out the outline of a large man crouched in the vee of a nearby tree. His glowing yellow eyes were the only thing Loch could clearly see.
“He grows weaker,” Loch advised.
The man didn’t respond.
“You must decide soon, before we run out of time.”
Loch looked away, but heard the man creep closer. He moved silently, a sure sign of a predator. He followed the lead Sawyer provided, however, and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the food was gone.
The stranger wasn’t the only one who needed to make a decision. Every resource had to be used to help Sawyer. Loch couldn’t stand to see him growing so weak. He hadn’t used every resource at his disposal, however. His pride still stung and resentment ran deep.
“Puteri,” Loch whispered.
The small elf popped into existence beside him. He’d still not forgiven her the betrayal which had left him wounded and unable to fly for most of his life, but he no longer doubted her loyalty. They’d reached a strange truce, each determined to keep Sawyer safe from his enemies.
“Yes, Guardian?”
Loch leaned down and pressed his lips to the top of Sawyer’s head. “Is there anything we can do for him? Anything you’ve heard of that might help?”
She shook her head sadly. “His body is not ready for what happens to it,” Puteri said.
“What exactly is happening?” Loch asked. He wasn’t sure he understood.
“His magic returns.”
Loch tightened his hold, drawing a small rumble of complaint from his mate. “He doesn’t have magic,” Loch said.
“He doesn’t have magicnow,” Puteri explained. “But he is the son of a goddess, Guardian. That much power is hard to contain.”
Loch nodded. “Will you go to the lake for me? See if she would allow you to bring some water back to Sawyer?” He plucked one of the feathers from his wing and held it out to her. “Offer this as my thanks.”
Puteri’s eyes gleamed at the feather, understanding the powerful magic it held. She glanced at him, acknowledging the trust he placed in her. “I will do as the Guardian asks.”
The wounds between them were fresh, but as she blinked away, Loch breathed a sigh of relief. The others were all contributing, doing everything in their power to help Sawyer. The least Loch could do was forgive.
Henry wandered up the steps a short time later while Loch was lost in his thoughts. He smiled at his young mage. Henry returned his smile and sat down beside him, leaning back against the bench and dipping his feet into the warm, bubbling waters.
“My dad has a patient so they couldn’t stay. I’m supposed to say goodbye to you and Sawyer for them.”
“I liked your fathers,” Loch said. “Your papa is very smart for a human.”
Henry grinned and leaned his head back, nestling his head into Loch’s feathers. “He really is.”
Draco and his mother came next, with Dalinda covering her mouth to quiet her gasp of dismay at Sawyer’s weakened state. Only the top of his face was visible beneath Loch’s wings, but she didn’t need to see him to know. She wrapped her arm around her son and gave him a squeeze.
“He is a treasure,” Dalinda whispered.
“Yes,” Draco said.
“And we dragons never let go of our treasures.”
Draco smiled and kissed his mom’s forehead. She left quickly, but not before Loch saw her wipe her eyes. Draco sat down on the ground beside Henry and leaned his head back against Loch as well.
