“Should we take him to the mountains?” Taegér asked.
“What, no!” Leya rushed back to the bedside. “You’re not taking him out into the wretched weather again.”
“Leya?” Adara smiled. “This is Lord Sebris, ruler of Dregarus.”
Way to go, Leya.
Warily, she eyed the lord, rubbing her arms, still feeling the sting of Aerén’s unstable power.
Sebris gave her a little nod but remained silent, focusing on Aerén. “Taeg, get some of those Grounding stones.”
Mohawk inclined his head and stalked out.
Worry shackled Leya in its steely grip. Aerén was immortal, so why wasn’t he healing?
“Seb, what’s going on?” a soft voice asked, and the lord glanced at the entrance. “Brennamea, you shouldn’t be here.”
“I heard someone was hurt,” she murmured, “and wanted to see if I could help.
Leya did a quick once-over of the woman as she approached. Her long, deep blue gown reminded Leya of a medieval style with its flowing sleeves and fitted bodice. Her caramel skin was a perfect canvas for the color, and her crystalline blue eyes—
Eyesanda face Leya had seen before and knew well.
“Brenna?” she gasped.
Her friend frowned, then a smile lit her face. “Leya? Oh my goodness!” She rushed over and hugged Leya.
While they weren’t exactly best friends, they had bonded over their love of flora.
“Seb?” She touched the big lord’s arm, excitement causing her eyes to glow. “This is a friend from the Village. I used to buy most of my plants and flowers from their nursery for my shop. God, I can’t believe you’re here…” Her gaze settled on the bed, and her eyes widened. “Aerén? What happened to him?”
As Leya filled her in on what occurred, leaving out what Aerén had told her about the shattered Stone of Light and her visit to do the scroll test, Brenna’s gaze kept shifting to Sebris.
Leya’s stomach knotted, so sure something unspoken passed between them.
“Those damn cretins,” Brenna growled. “Thank Christ, Aerén saved you, and our enforcers found you.”
“I’m glad, too. I would have frozen in the caves within minutes if Aerén wasn’t there.”
Brenna nodded while Sebris watched Leya quietly, causing her uneasiness to grow.
“It’s not safe for mortals to be outside in our world,” he agreed.
“Come,” her friend said. “I’ll show you to a room where you can shower and clean up. And give you something for the bruise on your face. You must be hungry.”
Man. What she wouldn’t give for a hot shower to ease her sore body, but… “I can’t leave him, Brenna. Not until I know he’s going to be okay.”
“I’ll be here,” Adara said with a reassuring smile.
“If it makes you feel any better, the room’s on this floor, and you can have your meal here, too.” Brenna hooked her arm through Leya’s and steered her out.
She’d always liked Brenna. Trusted her. God knew she had questions, so many questions, ones hopefully Brenna could answer since Aerén couldn’t.
* * *
An hour later, showered and wearing the clean clothes Brenna had supplied, Leya felt a little more human. Her sore feet were warmly encased in thick, soft socks, and her boots were back on, boots which had been cleaned and dried for her. She could kiss her friend for the thoughtful gesture.
Expelling a tired breath, she loosely braided her damp hair and fastened it with the black scrunchie she found with the fresh clothes. Jacket in hand, she headed back.
