Page 9 of Demonic Affliction

Willow’s eyes roll back in her head, and she falls out of the sky, hitting the ground hard enough to crack her bones. Before we can move, her body begins to seize. Just as quickly, she goes utterly still. Around us, the storm dies. That awful pressure in the air thins and dies, and the chamber is silent.

For a moment, none of us moves.

Then Rhune is on his knees beside her, pulling her limp body into his lap. I crawl toward them, curling my wings around the three of us for privacy.

Dagny and her mates hang back at the edge of the room, watching us embrace. No one speaks or moves, but their wary gazes track our every movement.

I can’t exactly blame them. She did just try to kill us all. But it wasn't really Willow. I just don’t think that’s something they will be able to empathize with right now.

“Lean back a little,” Rhune says. “I want to heal her hip.”

I do as he asks, and his hands hover over the damaged area. His brow furrows in concentration as a blue light builds beneath his palms. I settle in beside him and do the same, though I know it won’t be as helpful compared to Rhune’s superior healing capabilities.

The threads of my magic sink beneath her skin, searching out the break I already know is there. Once I find it, I cringe just thinking of the pain my mate would have been in if she were conscious.

Silver linings in everything, I suppose…

When we’re done and all our energy is spent, we continue sitting there, breathing in her scent and counting the space between her heartbeats, convinced it will cease if we don't pay attention.

“Willow?” I brush her cheek with my thumb. “Time to get up, Willow. Show me those pretty eyes of yours, lovely.”

No matter how I coax, whisper, or shake, she doesn't stir from her slumber. Her mouth moves occasionally, her lips forming fractured words in that strange, ancient language. Other than that, she remains unresponsive.

“Why isn’t she waking up?” Rhune whines. “I want her to wake up.”

“I want her to wake up, too, Rhune.” I run my hand over her cheek, frowning at the temperature of her skin. It’s so cold—too cold. “I want our Willow back more than anything…”

My words die on my tongue when I actually look at her. It’s like I’m seeing her for the very first time since the magic went quiet, and the changes are startling.

The red streak in her hair isn't just a streak anymore. It's spread, claiming a whole section near her temple, consuming the warm brown and coloring it with the evil red that lives in her eyes. Her skin is luminous, as if there is magic living just under the surface, so abundant that it’s straining through her pores to escape.

The hellish thing that awoke in her didn't just borrow her body. It transformed her.

I'm not certain what Willow is anymore, but I know she isn't human. Not entirely. Maybe not at all.

Rhune looks past me, toward the mouth of the cave, and his jaw goes tight. “Not good…”

I follow his gaze. The storm outside has picked up since Willow went down. Ice and wind scream past the entrance, spreading its icy chill into the cave.

“We should go down to the baths,” I tell Rhune. “She needs warmth, and a safe, quiet place to rest.”

I stand and carefully pull Willow’s limp body into my arms, holding her tight against my rapidly beating heart. Rhune follows my lead, and the two of us head toward the tunnels that run deeper into the cliffs, away from the storm and the other strange demons.

“Hey!” the yellow one shouts. “Where are you going?”

“We did not say you could leave,” the red one adds.

“Thanks for reminding me. I did not realize I care what you say.” I level them all with a mean glare before turning away and hurrying toward the tunnel.

Before I take two more steps, Kaebl swoops in front of me, blocking my path and staring me down with his unnerving gold eyes.

“Get out of my way,” I order. “She needs warmth. She needs rest. She needs quiet, and she will not get that with you lot hanging around.”

Kaebl shakes his head, resolute, but refuses to speak.

“What is your problem? Get out of my way!”

Before I can shove him, Dagny steps between us, holding her hands up in a defensive posture. “Wait… please, just hold on a second.”