Page 97 of Between Imminent Fates

Derikles continued the transfer through the clan bond the following morning and evening, and then the morning after that. At the end of the second day, Isaiah’s psychic signature had grown larger than it’d been in weeks.

When Jaeda did her morning rounds, Derikles joined her for an official confirmation. He hadn’t mentioned anything to the healer, wanting an unbiased professional opinion about any significant improvement. The moment he stepped foot inside his sovereign’s home, Rukia tailed him.

As Jaeda took Isaiah’s vitals, she remarked, “His vitals have evened out and his energy reserves aren’t completely depleted any longer. I’ve no idea how this is even possible.”

“Two days ago, I started Amping him through the clan bonds,” Derikles said. “His psychic signature in the network has altered—it’s no longer the muted presence it was before.”

“Keep doing it,” the healer said. “It’s the only positive change I’ve seen in him. Everything is looking up, and he’s stabilized across every level.”

Leaning down, she turned on the pen light to check his pupils when she startled backward without warning.

“Jaeda?”

Derikles was immediately beside her, grasping her arm. On shaky legs, she walked forward and hovered over Isaiah. Then, slowly, she opened one eye.

Brown.

“His eyes shifted back to brown, Derikles.” Jaeda shook her head, still riled. “That has to be an improvement.”

“What does it mean?” Rukia asked, linking her fingers through Isaiah’s with hope lighting her features.

“I don’t know—but it’s a good sign.”

Chapter Ten

Celeste

I have good newsto share, if you have a moment?

Derikles’ words promised hope, and Celeste shivered despite the raging summer heat. Eager to hear what he offered, she replied,Shall I come to you?

Please.

Celeste linked to his psychic signature. Part of her remained pessimistic. Even if he had discovered something that helped Isaiah in some way, it wouldn’t be a guarantee it would do the same for Nina.

Celeste found Derikles standing on a roof. It was nestled into the side of a mountain, and the desert stretched as far as the eye could see. The modern home beneath her feet was connected to the red rock of the Utah landscape, clearly expensive but far too sparse for her taste.

She gave a mocking curtsy. “Hello Derikles. Immortal Liaison, at your service.”

This time, his grin was ready and endearing. “Celeste. Thank you for coming.”

When he turned his entire body to face her, she nearly melted at the intensity of his attention. Here, in the heat of the desert and below the shining noonday sun, Derikles was even more impressive.

The ink on his skin radiated danger, and the gages in his ears were a solid matte black that seemed to swallow up light. Today, he wore a simple t-shirt which clung to his muscular chest.

“What’s the news?”

“Isaiah has seen improvement.”

Her eyes widened. “How? What happened? What did you do?”

“We began to Amp him through the clan bonds. Within two days, he stabilized, and this morning, his eye color returned.” His positivity was infectious, and Celeste beamed back at him. “What’s more, is that we’ve been amping him since the beginning, but only with this method did it actuallystick.Celeste, I think there’s hope.”

Celeste launched herself into his arms before she’d thought it through.

Rich coffee and dark chocolate assaulted her senses, scrambling her brain, as she squeezed him for all he was worth. The man held her just as fiercely, his deep, good-natured chuckle tumbling from his lips.

“Tell me exactly what you did—we have to do the same for Nina.”

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