Page 47 of Heart of the High King
“Why are your eyes fucking blue? How can you be alive without a dragon?”
At first, Rafferty thought it was another one of Sullivan’s cruel tricks or taunts, but as that filtered into his mind that was clouded with pain, he realized his inability to locate his beast was very real. However, Sullivan was right. It was impossible for a shifter to survive if their animal reached beyond the veil, so how had Rafferty managed the feat? Rafferty could tell the exact moment Sullivan got over his awe, and he wondered why he’d never noticed how empty his gaze was before he’d wound up chained in a cave.
“Honestly, I don’t give a fuck that your dragon’s gone. Although you haven’t healed for shit. It’s been four damn days. What fun is it to beat you like this?” Sullivan demanded. When Rafferty didn’t respond, his expression grew enraged. “Answer me, dammit. Why are you just sitting there? Beg me not to hurt you.”
“I will not, Your Grace.”
Biting back his scream, Rafferty sat stoically while Sullivan kicked him at least half a dozen times. When his brother was done, his breathing was heavy from the exertion. “You have two days to heal…dragon or no dragon.” Yanking off his backpack, he pulled out two thermoses. “There’s water and soup. Fucking eat.”
When Rafferty once again went silent, Sullivan threw both bottles at him, nailing him in the chest and the hip. The tears did not fall until his brother stomped out of the cave. Rafferty wasn’t sure if his dragon’s return was imminent and that was why he was still alive, but as far as he was concerned, it was beside the point. No matter what, he was going to find a way to get back to Aleksander. That thought in mind, Rafferty grabbed the container sitting close to him. It was filled with a thick broth with plenty of vegetables and chunks of beef.
It was cold and gummy, but Rafferty took great care to devour every ounce. His hunger had gone unnoticed until he finally got something into his belly after however long had passed since the nightmare started. When he was finished, he desperately wanted a nap, so he set it aside and promised himself when he woke he’d drink the water. Sliding to the floor, his lashes fell. Dreaming of the moment his lips first touched Aleksander’s, Rafferty promised himself yet again that he’d be at his side someday.
