I store the thought away in my memory to pull out sometime in the future.
Smithfield turns his attention away from us back row students, and starts a long-winded explanation of how Rongorongo texts are written in a system called reverse boustrophedon.
I slowly reach out, pretending to adjust the margin of the textbook between Wes and I. My fingers ‘accidentally’ brush his sleeve, pulling the midnight-blue fabric back just an inch.
Then I slide my thumb against his wrist.
Beside me, Wes stiffens and his breath hitches. “What? What are you doing?” he hisses.
For a split second, the blank mask he usually wears slips. I seemyWes staring back at me.
I quickly try to force more of Amirene’s goodness under his skin. My heart hammers against my ribs.
Is it working?
The connection is tenuous, and my Lumina is struggling big time, but I think…I think I’m getting there. One thing for certain; the dark spells cast on Wes are doing something awful to his flesh and blood.
In my mind's eye, I see his cells congealing and becoming dull.
"Stop," he whispers, a frantic edge audible in his undertone. "Theo, please. You have to stop."
I don't pull away, instead I press firmer, my thumb finding the pulse point where the pale blue lines under his skin are throbbing with a sickly, rhythmic light.
—Wes, my love. Are you in there?—
I continue to pour a concentrated stream of energy toward the pulse point, trying to burn away the gunk.
Wes gasps and suddenly his hand clamps over mine. For a heartbeat, our connection snaps wide open, and I'm flooded with his internal panic.
—Help me—
The next second, he violently throws my hand off. “Don’t.” Sweat is running down his face now. “You have to, have to…” His body sways, then Wes crashes to the floor.
I’m on my knees next to him in a flash.
“Don't waste…light on me….you need it for…” Wes’s gasped words cut off as his chest arches and he body starts to convulse.
“He’s having a seizure, call the healers,” I hear Max shout.
Donovan is holding his brother’s head. “Breathe, Wes. We’ve got you.”
I rock back on my heels, tears running down my face. Did I do this?
Will trying to save Wes actually kill him?
That can’t be true.
Please Gods, don’t let that be true.
20
Ican’t fucking believe it.
I’m barred from entering the infirmary.
To see my own fucking brother.
Orders of the Conclave.
