"I think you're enjoying this. Me, helpless, with my shirt in ribbons."
Arden glances at me with a raised brow.
"I need you in one piece for the mission."
"You break me, you keep me. Remember that, Queenie."
"That would be a tragedy as I do need you in working order."
"The real tragedy is my pants still being on."
Despite herself, she laughs. What starts out as a huff turns into a fit of giggles. The sound is sweet, prompting me to respond with my own laughter.
Here I am, lying after being dealt a deadly blow by a mysterious creature of unknown origins.Only to be laughing like a fool with the beautiful Fairy Queen I've sworn my life to in exchange for a fairy wish.
My sailors won't believe me when I tell them. If I ever get the chance to.
Gore continues to pour from the cut to my chest. It spans from my collarbone to my navel. Any good humor dies between us as Arden's eyes widen.
"Finn," she whispers, "I've done all I can. The infection—the Void's powers—it's too much for me to fight. You have to use your magic. It's the only way, or you'll die."
Despite knowing I'd have to reach for my terrible power again, I can't help but hesitate. I swore to never touch it. To shove it down until I could be rid of it forever.
With death looming and the pain surging inside of me again, I thrash on the ground.
"Queenie, I?—"
"Please, Finn. I—I don't want you to die," she whimpers.
"You sent me on a mission where that was the most likely outcome."
Her lashes flutter at my words.
"I know, but that doesn't mean"—she shakes her head—"heal yourself, Finn. Please."
"You confuse me, Queenie."
She does. In more ways than I care to admit.
I've sworn a thousand vows to keep my beast caged, and yet the pleading look in her eyes has me unlocking his cell. I will do anything she asks, knowledge she will no doubt use to her advantage.
Golden light seeps from me, and the look of pleasure in her eyes makes me want to kiss her.
"Let it flow, Finn. I can help guide it. Don't be afraid."
Her gentle words and the radiating pain make me give in. I yield the golden fire to her. Arden’s hands tremble as it threads between her palms, coiling around her green tendrils. It strengthens their pale glow into sparkling emerald.
Our joined magic licks at my skin and burrows into my blood. Arden gasps at the strength of it. I watch as the goo hurriedly leaves my wound. Flames consume the darkness, eradicating each wriggling drop with a satisfying hiss.
The gnawing hunger strengthens as Arden expertly guides it. Bathing us and the barren meadow in golden light.
13
THE FAIRY QUEEN
His power mixes with hers.
Green and gold weave together in a beautiful web of light and life. The depth of his power steals her breath. Golden flames kindle her fleeting kernel of ability, turning it into a raging inferno. She shapes their joint powers and lets her healing magic flow through Finn.
