Caden’s eyes widen when he asks Awri, “He used his gift on her?”
“No,” she says, “Nothing like that.”
Both look at me thoughtfully as Awri explains the transfer of Xeyvian’s power. Eventually, Caden agrees, “It’s possible. Mortal bodies are not made to contain the gifts of the feyn. Much less a power like his. In any case, I don’t sense anything that needs mending.”
He looks me over once more before heading for the door as he says, “Summon me again if she gets worse.” Though as he departs, I wonder why he would even bother, if there’s nothing to be done.
“You should rest today,” Awri offers.
I think I’d like to, but I have already risked one night without the release of my demon and find that I am quite unwilling to attempt it again, unless it is completely necessary.
As the general isn’t here to assist me, I need to spar, or at least head to the kitchen and acquire more of Kishek’s tea. I will need something to drive away the darkness before Awri ends up on the wrong side of one of my episodes.
“I’d like to keep training with Riah.” Before she can argue I add, “If I get another bloody nose I’ll come straight back here and stay in bed all day.”
The promise satisfies her enough that she reluctantly takes me to train. Though after a few choice words from my friend, Riah is taking it easy on me and a training session fit for a child won’t do a thing to temper the demon inside me.
Awri keeps our session short, and I can’t tell if she’s simply worried or if my fatigue is that obvious. She takes me back to the general’s chambers without asking, and I nearly fall asleep in the tub. I haven’t taken a nap in years but today feels like a good day for it.
It’s dusk when Awri nudges me awake, offering me a small bowl of stew for dinner. I try to give her a reassuring smile when I note the creases marring her features. But all I can manage is a few bites before I set the bowl aside, muster the energy to slide on a sleeping gown, and crawl back into bed.
I wake to the sound of a deep, chilling shriek in the hall and my feet are moving toward the door before I’ve even considered what I’ll find outside. Awri rushes out behind me, falling to her knees beside Kishek, who lays in a crumpled heap on the floor.
“Call for Caden!” I yell to the guard at the end of the hall.
“No, no, no, no, no,” Awri cries, pulling his head into her lap, smoothing back his dark brown hair. “Not yet,” she whispers into his ear, “Not yet.”
I want to comfort her, reassure her, but what can I do? Tears begin to well in her eyes as she rocks the male’s head in her lap, her lip quivering as she tries to coax a reply from his limp form.
“What’s wrong with him?” I ask.
Her eyes are like daggers when she opens her mouth to reply, interrupted when Caden rounds the corner. I suppose, given my condition throughout the day, I shouldn’t be surprised he remained close by. It’s hard to fault him for it under the current circumstances.
The healer runs to lay his hands on Kishek, skidding to his knees beside the male. A deep hiss of pain comes from Kishek’s parted lips when the healing power is released into him. Awri giggles nervously, tears streaming freely from her eyes.
“He’ll be all right. He’s just sleeping now,” Caden assures her.
Awri nods, wiping her cheek.
Caden grips her arm, a serious look on the healer’s face when he says, “He needs rest.”
Again, she nods, and I’m not sure the female can summon the words to reply.
“I’ll watch him until morning,” Caden promises, summoning four guards with the snap of his fingers.
With minimal direction they hoist the male overhead, carrying him off toward Awri’s chamber, Caden in their wake.
It must take every ounce of willpower at the female’s disposal to not follow after him when he disappears beyond the doors of her room. She coils her silken dress in her fists, releasing the fabric and smoothing it as she heaves a deep breath. Forcing a weak smile in my direction, she says, “Go back to bed. I’ll be right behind you.”
Rising from the floor, I walk back to the bedroom, only to stop the moment Awri tears down the hall in a rage and throws open a door halfway down the corridor.
“Enough!” she yells.
A long panel of light illuminates the hall where the door is open wide. The general’s voice sounds from within the room.
“Awri,” he says, by way of greeting.
“I will not continue to risk my mate for this, Xeyvian!” she bellows.
