“Adele.”
I ate the fruit because arguing took energy I needed for magic. And he was right. I felt better after eating.
By the fourth formation, my body was running on only stubborn determination. The sun was setting, painting the peaks in violent shades of orange and red. Beautiful and ominous.
“We should stop,” Raoul said. “Finish tomorrow.”
“We have to fly to Goldwing tomorrow or we won’t make it back in time for the Summit.”
“The Summit can wait.”
Not really. Goldwing and Silvervale weren’t the only clans coming for the ceremony. Demi would handle the preparation, but she wasn’t the king or queen. Our guests would expect us to host. “I can do two more.”
“Not if you collapse.”
My legs felt like water. My magic, usually so responsive, came sluggish.
But those babies needed this fixed.
“We finish,” I said. “Then I’ll rest.”
He studied me with amber eyes that saw too much. “If you push past your limits and hurt yourself, you won’t be able to help Goldwing.”
“Alright,” I said. “One more tonight. The last tomorrow.”
He nodded.
The fifth formation was smaller, thank the fates. I completed the working in half the time, though it still left me trembling with exhaustion.
“That’s it,” Raoul said. “We’re going back.”
I didn’t argue. Couldn’t, really. Speaking required too much effort.
The flight back to Silvervalewas a blur. I remember Raoul’s warmth beneath me, the rhythmic beat of his wings, the way he kept checking on me through our bond.
We landed in the courtyard as full dark settled. I slid off his back and would’ve fallen if he hadn’t shifted fast and caught me.
“I can walk,” I said.
“Sure you can. You’re doing a great job of it right now.”
He was carrying me. When had that happened?
People gathered as we crossed the courtyard. Queen Mortiven, advisors, parents with babies who were breathing clearly. The rasping wheeze was gone. Their tiny faces looked relaxed, peaceful.
It had worked.
Relief made my eyes sting. Or maybe that was just exhaustion.
“The air quality has improved dramatically,” Mortiven said, following us inside. “The babies are already responding.”
“That’s…” I searched for words through the fog of fatigue. “That’s wonderful.”
“Thanks to you.” She touched my shoulder gently. “Rest. We can speak again tomorrow.”
Raoul carried me to our rooms, ignoring my half-hearted protests about dignity and propriety. He set me on the bed only long enough to strip off my outer layers, then scooped me up again.
“Where are we going now?” I whispered.
