Page 42 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Knowing that he’d be the one doing it and not Caelan, I extended them again, pushing through the pain.

Tavish stroked the edge of one wing, and my body warmed at the intimate touch. He stepped directly behind me and examined where the arrow had pierced one wing and lodged in the other.

“I see small pieces in several places.” Tavish’s unhappiness inundated the bond between us. “That thornling was mine to kill. I hate that she didn’t die slowly by my own blade.”

I suddenly understood the point of killing the woman who’d shot me. Eldrin must have known what the arrow was made of and that I wouldn’t be able to heal. He’d want to make sure Tavish hadn’t achieved justice for me, thus making him feel not in control.

I should go in there and punish Eldrin.Tavish’s rage boiled over again, but his fingers remained gentle.

That’s what he wants.I spun around and cupped his face with my hands. I needed to get through to him before Eldrin had Tavish playing right into his nightfiend hands.This has to be part of his plan. The best way to punish him is for him to see me healed and flying once again.

His anger didn’t ease, but he hung his head. “You’re right. I can’t wait to watch him bleed out, but for now, let’s get you to our room so we can take care of your wings.”

“In the meantime, I’ll give notice that we’re leaving and make a plan with Struan and Finola.”Caelan spread his wings, ready to take action.

“Excellent. Let me know if you need me for anything,”Tavish replied, taking my hand and leading me toward our bedchambers once again.

We walked the rest of the way in silence, the throbbing in my wings worsening.

As soon as we made it into the room, Tavish went to the table where his chessboard used to sit and picked up the mending kit. I turned my back to him so he could easily access the wounds.

I felt him settle behind me, and he gently touched my shoulder.I’m sorry. This is going to hurt, but I’ll be as careful as I can.And then he began working.

Each time the needle prodded at the small pieces, pain almost as bad as during the gauntlet rocketed through me. Tears streamed down my face as he worked, each spot worse than the last, as if he was ripping the skin from my bones.

After what felt like hours, the agony was over. My knees gave out, and I landed on the bed. Tavish lay down beside me just as unconsciousness descended.

A blowing horn woke me from my slumber. I opened my eyes to a hint of sunlight streaming through the windows. Tavish’s chest pressed against my wings and back.

When I’d last awoken, after several hours of sleep, my wings had greatly improved, and both my water and healing magic had recovered to about half strength. Against Tavish’s protests, I’d healed Finnian and Lorne as much as I could before I’d grown fatigued again and headed back to bed.

This morning, my magic spun within me once again, and my wings felt like they were back to normal.

Nightbane whimpered and lifted his head, his green eyes focusing on me.

My blood turned to ice, and Tavish jolted upright and reached for his sword.

“Are the dragons here?” he rasped as his chest heaved.

“No.” I winced, regretting that I’d worried him, but we had a different problem I hadn’t fathomed. “Nightbane. We can’t leave him here.” The thought of leaving him alone to starve had me ready to carry the beast myself.

Tavish chuckled. “Don’t worry, love.” He leaned over and kissed me. “I already discussed him with Caelan. He’ll have a solution. I knew you wouldn’t leave him behind.”

The sounds of flapping wings and busy villagers reverberated, even through the glass windows of our chamber. Everyone was brimming with excitement about returning home, so at least today, there shouldn’t be any fighting.

“We need to hurry.” Tavish threw off the covers, his excitement flickering through our bond. “I don’t want the dragons showing up right when we’re trying to leave.”

The two of us dressed and hurried to the door. I paused for a moment to take in the place. Even though the island never should’ve been home to the Unseelie, this room was where Tavish and I had completed our fated-mate bond.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and connected,We can come back here from time to time, and we’ll make memories in our new place.

Right. Leaving today didn’t mean we couldn’t ever visit. But while I’d never forget our bonding, this place was also full of memories of threats and attacks. Hopefully, our new home will have better memories.

A knock came on the door a second before it opened, and Finnian strolled in.

My breath caught, and a smile spread across my face. His complexion was still slightly gray, but he looked significantly improved.

“The prisoners are in the hallway, surrounded and ready to go. We don’t want to move them until the two of you have left.” Finnian pulled me into a hug. “Thanks for making it not hurt to be alive.”

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