Page 47 of Toward Immortal Ruin

“They tried to convince me to join them,” Eden admitted. “That’s what started this. Why I’ve been bitten. I guess if I wasn’t willing to be with them, they decided I was against them. Extremists indeed.”

“None of this was your fault, Eden.” Zia reached across the counter to squeeze her forearm. “They’re notoriously unpredictable, and these kinds of attacks have become more commonplace.”

At some point, Key had put a piece of blueberry pie in front of her. What she’d coveted earlier no longer appealed. Despite the sweetness of the flavors, it tasted like ash in her mouth.

“You’re important to Nero, Eden. I know it doesn’t make a lot of sense now, but it will.”

Key’s cryptic comment had her chuffing a laugh. He was important to Eden, too; she felt as though an invisible string tied them together. Leaving him—now or in the near future—would rip out a part of her soul.

She looked at the woman across from her. “Before Nero left, he was explaining the structure of his clan, and how you operated. All of you are Raeths?”

“We are.”

“He said that some of his clansmen could shift into animals, like the werewolves do. From what I’ve gathered, you’re also able to teleport and speak mind to mind via a form of telepathy. Is all of that correct?”

“It is,” Luna confirmed. “Each of us has different inborn gifts. Some of us, like me, are able to heal wounds. In Zia’s case, she can fly. And Key, well, she’s in a whole other ball game.”

The possibilities were endless. Having a healer capable of mending wounds and minds seemed like science fiction. While her mind whirled with questions about the possible implications and benefits of such a gift, she knew she had to play her cards right.

“Healing wounds,” Eden repeated. "How does that work?”

“I encourage the body to heal through a unique type of heat and pressure. It’s not as scientific as you think; it’s far more magical in nature.”

A spark of hope lit within her. “What are you able to heal?”

“Anything from broken bones to burns,” Luna replied. “Certain things take less time, like a broken bone, while otherstake longer—like fixing heart tissue or repairing something within the brain.”

Though Eden could scarcely breathe through her hope, she asked the next logical question. “You can heal anything?”

“Most things, given enough time. While it’s rare among immortals, sometimes it takes weeks or months to cure an illness or injury that affected someone deeply.”

“Like cancer?”

Luna nodded solemnly. And just like that, Eden’s hopes were dashed. Battling against the bitter disappointment that swelled within her, she turned to the woman beside her. “And you, Zia, you can fly?”

“I have wings.”

Eyes narrowing, Eden shifted to peer around Zia’s back. “Invisible wings?”

“They can appear and disappear on command. It’s—”

“Magic,” Eden filled in the blank. “I’m beginning to see that.”

“As time goes on, you’ll see and hear about more abilities of our kind. The vampires are swift healers and can survive nearly any wound,” Luna explained. “Werewolves are strong, and able to use the wolf’s senses. And Elemental abilities influence nature: earth, wind, water, and fire.”

“It’s absolutely fascinating. I can’t wait to learn more and document what I can.” Eden’s attention shifted to Key. “Dare I ask what your abilities are?”

“That may be a conversation for another time,” Zia interjected. “Perhaps a conversation to be had with Nero when he returns.”

“Have you heard from him? Did he send you telepathic messages about when he will be back?”

“Soon, probably.” Offering her a warm smile, Luna patted the stool beside her. “I’m sure they’re just taking care of cleanup now.”

“Can you check on him? I just—I have a bad feeling.”

“I’ll ask.”

That now familiar thread of electricity stiffened Eden’s spine intensified when Luna’s eyes widened in shock. “Nero is unconscious.”

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