“I’m sorry, there’s nothing more I can do. She will either succumb to her wounds or fight for her life. Only she can decide.”
There’s a shuffle and a shout of fear. A roar makes me wince before the door bangs. Gwyneth’s hand wraps mine up tight. Idols, she’s warm.
“She’s freezing,” Gwyneth says. “Daphne, if you can hear me, fight. Don’t let Malice win.”
I try to drag my eyes open, but the darkness holds me hostage.
“The crystal healing pools,” Theo snarls. “I can be there in half a turn.”
“Flying puts her at risk,” Nash reasons.
“Doing nothing puts her at risk,” Theo snaps.
“We could ride,” Malachi offers.
“That will take all night,” Nash says. “Theo taking her is our best bet.”
“It’s decided,” Theo growls. “Wrap her up warm and bring her outside. I’ll be waiting.”
A door slams, and someone jostles my body, threatening to split the weak healing holding my body together.
I sigh as I lose consciousness again.
Crisp icy airwhips my hair in my face, but I’m wrapped and cradled inside many blankets. The whoosh of wings rings in my ears. I’m flying. Perhaps I am a caterpillar, turned butterfly, trying to break free. Maybe I should sleep until I emerge?Yes,the darkness whispers.Give in, rest. You are welcome here.My head lolls, and a smile graces my lips as I succumb once more. Perhaps the next time I wake, I will be back in the arms of my knights.
Chapter
Nine
Fire engulfs my flesh, dragging a scream from my chest as I flail to get free.
“Shush, Daphne, stop fighting me. We are in the healing pools. I’m here with you,” Theo urges.
“It burns,” I whisper.
A forehead presses against mine. “I’ve never been so happy to hear your voice.”
My hands thread into his damp hair, and I arch my back as the burn intensifies. “Why does it hurt?”
“It’s the magic in the pool. Don’t fight it.”
I try to relax, but the agony suffocates my senses and urges me to break free.
“Daphne,” Theo snaps, making my limbs jolt. “Stop.”
I shake my head. “I can’t. It’s too much.”
“Open your eyes.”
I draw a deep breath, forcing down the knot of anxiety that swells within me, and slowly lift my eyelids. The very first sight that greets me is Theo’s mesmerizing green eyes. I glance past him to the radiant amethyst crystal cave. The walls glisten like a thousand stars—an otherworldly tapestry of deep purples and vibrant blues, casting ethereal reflections onto the crystallinesurfaces. Each facet of the stones seems to pulse with hidden magic, illuminating the cave with an enchanting glow that dances across the air, mingling playfully with the warmth of the hot water we are enveloped in.
“That’s it. Good girl,” Theo says. He supports my body in the water, making sure everything but my head is below the surface. I wriggle as the water finds a fresh wound and rushes to knit my flesh together.
I suck in a breath and squeeze my eyes closed.
“I know it hurts now, but it’s a good pain.”
“No pain is good pain,” I grumble as tears sting my eyes and threaten to fall.
