They debate whether Kage's shadows can reach far enough. In the end, that's how they do it. Kage's shadows lift my brother from the table and carry him back to us.
Back to me.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ihold Jordi's cold hand as Malachi carries him through the ruined temple. His skin is ice. His breathing shallow. Kage pushes open the side door and noise crashes over us. Music. Laughter. The Moon Festival in full swing. We barrel through fog and drunk revelers, pushing toward Veritas territory.
It strikes me, as we push through the crowd, that it wouldn't matter if we reached Veritas. There is no safety. There never was. I squeeze Jordi's hand tighter, wishing he were awake enough to mock me for believing there ever could be.
We slow when we reach the alley. Margot and Draven rush forward, eyes widening as they take in Jordi's appearance.
Margot presses the back of her hand to his forehead. "He looks ghastly."
I swallow past the knot in my throat and nod. He looks worse than he did after the poisoned arrow. And that nearly killed him.
"Where do we go?" Malachi asks.
"The Whispering Ponds," Naima says. "Where else?"
"Will it be safe?"
Malachi's free hand finds mine. His fingers lace through my trembling ones. "Where do you want me to take him?"
The answer claws its way out of my throat. "There's nowhere. There's nowhere safe."
I press a hand to my mouth, blinking back tears. The hopelessness of it settles over me like a shroud. There is nowhere safe for him. The moment the Council discovers he's gone, they'll come looking. And they will find him.
Malachi squeezes my hand. "Can you treat him at the clinic?"
I nod.
He releases me and starts walking. We follow.
Malachi sets Jordi on the exam table and ushers everyone out. The door closes behind them. I press my forehead against the wood. Breathe. Then turn to face my brother. I don't waste time on tears. I'm not sure I have any left.
I don't reach for ingredients. Don't remove his shirt. I simply place my hands on his chest, close my eyes, and find my center.
Then I focus on him.
The last time I used this gift, I had to dig deep and pull the poison. This time is different. There's nothing to pull. I find the source of his injuries quickly. Heal his ribs first, then his wrists.
Then I turn to his energy. That's where the real damage lies. I push some of my own into him. And as I do, I remember the prophecy.
What the Flame said about losing my memories. So I push more. Love. Gratitude. Courage. Compassion. Hope. All the things I wish I'd given him sooner. Things I pray I'll give him again, when my memories return. If they return.
A hand covers mine.
My eyes fly open. Hazel eyes stare back at me. Eyes I've missed so much.
"You saved me again," he croaks.
I laugh and wipe tears I was certain had dried up. "Someone has to." I smack his arm lightly. "Gods, Jordi. What were you thinking?"
He laughs weakly as I help him sit up. I watch him drain two glasses of water too quickly, then wait until I'm sure he'll keep it down before speaking.
"We have so much to discuss. And so little time."
His eyebrow rises. "Little time?"
