Daya’s sharp intake of breath and her hands tightening against his head told him didn’t have quite the same memory he did.It had been hundreds of years for her, but he doubted if he would ever forget the sensation of rebirth.
Her arms slid around his neck, hands resting protectively over his heart.He remembered her fears.What had happened to Draven.He reached up to cover her wrist.
I’m here, Daya.I’m okay.
Her arms tightened around him, and she dropped her head to his without comment.He could feel the intensity of emotion consuming her through the bond.Her fears about what could have happened overwhelming her.
I made it, Daya.All my warrior training helped prepare me to withstand the intensity of it all.I honestly don’t know how you and Veda survived it.
Not the same,Hannelore responded.
He felt Daya’s surprise across their connection.He was a shield, not a guardian.Was there really that big of a difference between what they’d gone through?
You fought.Hannelore sounded amused by his silent question.Protectors always fight.It is your nature.Guardians come… joyfully.As one.
Daya and Veda both had earth magic, so maybe that made a difference.Not to mention, their relationship with Hannelore seemed almost harmonious compared to his.Guardians are one… are bound with you… differently than protectors.
Hannelore rumbled in agreement.
Good.It had upset him thinking Veda had gone through the same intense destruction and rebuilding during her transformation.
Instinctively, he reached for his own magic.The familiar well of power was there, but it was greater.Different.Some still came from his soul as it had before, but the rest came from a new source, outside of him.
Some kept.Some transformed,Hannelore answered his unasked question.As were you.
He smiled, looking forward to learning his new magic.Maybe Neka would help him with that.How come I can’t connect to Ember and the others?
I’ve been blocking them for you,Daya responded.I’ll open it when you’re ready.
Not yet.There was so much he needed to learn, but there was time.So much time.I love being completely connected to you.He’d never get tired of the closeness.
Maybe not to me.But wait until Ember and Ereven start bickering.It gets exhausting, I promise you.
He was looking forward to all of it.He twisted so that he could see her, elated when she smiled at him.
Daya leaned down and kissed him hard, shifting his thoughts and making him wonder just how sacred this pool was.Suddenly his pain seemed to dull, seeping to the back of his mind as other sensations filled him.Come here.
You should be resting.
I can still rest with you in my arms.It’s been too long since I held you.
She pursed her lips for a moment before giving in, then quickly slipped from her clothes.
Water lapped softly around them as she stepped into the pool and settled on his lap.He wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her neck and breathing in her scent.
I missed you.It felt as if my heart were dying slowly without you,he confessed.You’re home to me now, Daya.You always will be.
I love you.No matter the distance or time apart.You are my heart, Raiden.
Show me.Kiss me, Daya.
She obliged, sealing her lips to his with a fervor that stole the breath from his chest.And he didn’t have much breath to begin with after all the transformation had taken from him.
Hands trembling, he held her fast against him.As if he could physically hold her close enough to meld them together.
“You don’t have to worry.I’m here in your soul.Can’t you feel me?”Daya placed her hand between them, against his heart.
“Guess I’m still afraid to lose you,” he rasped, forcing his voice to work.
