Swallowing back my dismay, I slipped from the bed and walked around it to stand in front of him. I stroked his face and leaned against his arm. Then I yanked up more power, tugging from deep inside my well, again drawing out the strange magic I’d only tapped a few times.
I sent it to him with the spell.
He shuddered, but when I gasped and cupped his cheeks, turning his head to stare into his eyes, he remained lost to me.
Drask fluttered his wings while clutching his perch. He glanced my way before returning to stare out the window. I left Vexxion and went to him, running my fingertip along his spine. I leaned close, placing my head beside his, trying to see what he did, taking in the broad back lawn and the shifting forest beyond.
“Any ideas for how to fix this?” I asked.
He pecked my face.
“I thought not. How about outside? Do you see anything good out there? Because there’s almost nothing worth clinging to inside this building. Well, other than you, my gorgeous friend.”
He preened and ruffled his feathers before taking flight, soaring across the bedroom to land on the bed rail.
I grabbed things from the closet and handed them to Vexxion. “Go do what you need to in the bathing area,” I told him, cringing as I said it. “After, wash and put on clean clothing.”
He returned a short time later with damp hair and a slack face, dressed in fresh leathers.
“Remain here,” I said, my voice one big messy stutter.
Do not cry.
I crossed the room and paused in the opening to the bathing area. Though I knew what to expect, my heart still cratered.
Steaming water didn’t brim in the tub. Clothing had notbeen laid out for me to wear. Only the lingering scent of roses hung in the air, clogging my sinuses with bitter dismay.
I lifted my chin and stiffened my resolve. My power would replenish, and I’d keep sending it at Vexxion.
One of these times, he’d awaken.
Bathedand dressed in a set of leathers I’d brought with me, I left our room with Drask on my shoulder and Vexxion padding behind me. As usual, we both bristled with weapons. I’d strapped blades to his thighs, securing others in sheaths to his arms and strapped more around his waist. He was going to return to me soon, and he’d want to be armed.
There had to be more flying dregs in need of killing.
I found everyone else inside the kitchen.
Reyla sashayed her hips at the stove, humming while she cooked breakfast. She glanced my way and sent me a smile much too sunny for my current mood. “There’s tea in the pot. Grab a cup. I’ve almost finished cooking our meal.”
“Thanks.” I opened the back door and Drask flew outside. He’d hunt and come back before we were ready to leave. I turned and started toward the island to sit. Vexxion stood in the open doorway and seeing him staring at nothing slashed through me all over again. I couldn’t breathe. All I could do was stare at him and keep flinging power his way.
“Hey, Tempest.” Bro rose from his seat at the counter and barreled into me, distracting me when I needed it most. He gaveme a big hug that reminded me so much of when we were young that tears pinched in the backs of my eyes.
I cried for what had happened to him. For what was still happening to Vexxion. And for myself. It was so hard to remain strong when I felt like I faced this alone.
Airia watched us, shadows crossing her face, before she gave me a sympathetic smile. “Morning.” Her gaze traveled to Vexxion. “Any progress with him?”
“Not yet.” When Brodine released me, I stepped backward. I walked over to the cupboard beside the stove and grabbed a mug, filling it with steaming tea from the kettle. Turning, I leaned against the counter, lifting the brew to take a sip.
“Thanks for making breakfast, Reyla,” I said.
She snorted. “Better me than you if we want to survive.”
Vexxion remained in the open doorway.
“You can sit, Vexxion.” Pain tightened my voice. My throat kept spasming, and I knew it would every moment of the day and night until I brought him back.
He moved over to tug out a chair and settle in it, placing his arms on the counter. His gaze remained fixed on the far wall.
