Casimir gripped her hand in his. “You’re going to be alright. You can do this.”
Kai took a deep breath. “Ready?”
“No…” Ava whined.
“Sorry. We’re doing this anyway. On three. One…two…”
But Kai didn’t wait for three. He moved her leg and began to work the bone back in. Casimir turned away, keeping his eyes on Ava’s face. She screamed through her tears, grasping his hand painfully tight. A surge of ferocity coursed through him, and the pain in the bond intensified—like his heart was being pulled taut, yanking it from his chest.
Someone is hurting her,he thought, unable to control himself.Someone is hurting her and I have to stop them now.
The need to protect was agonizing, his hands trembling as he tried to ignore his instincts and instead focus on comforting her. She gasped and cried out again, sobbing. He growled as his eyes snapped to Kai, but Kai was too focused on the procedure to notice.
“Cas, stay calm,” Raine called out. The two friends glared at each other. “Listen to me. She’s safe. Kai is fixing her. She’s not in danger. You’re alright. Take a deep breath and get your shit together.”
Casimir nodded, returning his gaze to Ava. She whimpered as Kai moved the bone further and Casimir spoke to her, trying to distract her…and himself.
“Look at me,” he said. Her eyes moved to his as she panted.
“I’m—I’m going to pass out,” she stammered.
“I’m almost done,” Kai said.
Casimir leaned closer, putting his forehead to hers as he held her hand clutched against his chest, willing his voice to stay calm. “Listen to my words, Mi’ra Vässa. You can do anything. Some day, this war will be over and you and I will live the rest of our lives in peace. Free from pain and suffering. We’ll have our own house with a yard, and I’ll sit outside and whittle while you work in the garden. Aro and Luna will be asleep under the tree, ignoring Titus as he taunts them. And you’ll have to cook dinner because I’m no good in the kitchen.”She huffed a small laugh that turned into a pained moan. “But I’ll clean up afterward and then rub your feet by the fire while you read a book. Close your eyes and picture it, love.”
She closed her eyes, breathing through the pain.
“Just a few more seconds, Ava,” Kai said. “You’re doing great.”
She released another loud cry of pain and Casimir’s heart squeezed as Kai did one last manipulation.
Casimir whispered to her, stroking her hair, her face. “You’re amazing. I love you so much. Hang on.”
“Done,” Kai said. “The hard part’s over.” Ava opened her eyes, panting as she slowly relaxed. “How’s your pain, Ava?”
“Horrible,” she croaked.
“I can get you something for it now. Then I’ll finish healing the injury and move on to everyone else.”
Casimir continued to comfort her with soft words and caresses, wishing this damned war would hurry and end so he could make the future he’d spoken about come true.
18
Raine groaned as Kai worked on his ankle, needle-like pain shooting through his calf as it healed. He hadn’t allowed the healer near him until he’d assessed Maeryn thoroughly, but now that he knew she was injury-free, he was able to relax.
The panic and terror that overcame him when the ceiling collapsed was so intense his soul had felt as though it would split apart. He would do anything—absolutely fucking anything—to keep her safe from harm. And that’s when he knew for certain.
Maeryn was indeed his soulbond.
He almost couldn’t believe it. Never thought he’d find another person he wanted to be with for more than a hook-up since Finnick died, let alone his destined soulmate. And he couldn’t help but wonder if she’d figured it out.
He wanted to tell her. Wanted to shout it aloud for everyone to hear. But they still didn’t know each other well…and they were in the middle of a war. Besides, what if she didn’t want the bond? Or worse…what if she did? If they bonded and then one of them was killed in battle…
Raine had heard the pain of losing your soulbond was agonizing, like ripping your heart from your chest. He wasn’t sure he could live with it, and couldn’t imagine putting Maeryn through it either.
With one last look at Maeryn, Raine tuned in to the conversation at hand. The remaining leaders were now in the tent, listening to Casimir explain what happened, their eyes wide with disbelief.
“You rode on the fyreleopards?” Aelerion asked.
