Page 50 of Protected by the Fallen
“I don’t understand.” I see Adrian’s apprehension plain as day. “Then why are you acting so weird? What’s happened?”
He swallows. He drops his arms and surprises me when he takes a step toward Vera. “It’s Jude.”
Oh no.
“W-hat about Jude?” she stutters.
I brace myself, knowing whatever he’s about to say isn’t going to be good.
“Jude’s been gravely injured. He’s been taken to your rooms. The healer…” Adrian trails off.
“What about the healer?” Vera latches onto him like a lifeline, staring desperately into my soulmate’s face. “What do they say?”
His next words pain him. “He isn’t sure Jude is going to make it.”
Twenty-Two
“Take me to him. NOW!”Vera screeches. She moves, but her legs give out. Adrian picks her up without a word. Vera’s whimper makes my heart hurt. “Take me to him,” she murmurs. “Please. I have to see him.”
“Of course.” Adrian starts to leave.
“Is it safe?” Zeke asks, gesturing toward me. I want to hit him. Vera’s soulmate, and one of his best friends, is dying. I shouldn’t be his main concern.
“Yes. The Darkness has left.”
I gather my skirt and follow his fast steps. My foot twists as I step on broken piece of shelf. Zeke catches my elbow before I fall to my knees. He helps me stand. “Are you alright?”
“Yes.” I pull away, then continue following Adrian and Vera.
We climb to the fourth floor and walk into the couple’s private rooms. We enter a bedroom, and Jude’s large form lies across the comforter. Blood pools beneath him, staining the fabric red. A frail-looking figure stands to the side, chanting unintelligible words with his hands hovering over Jude’s chest. The healer’s face is marred with wrinkles and age-spots. I don’t think he’s Fallen. Fallen don’t look that old.
“Jude,” Vera calls softly. He doesn’t stir.
Adrian sets Vera on her feet and she stumbles forward, falling onto the bed. Her arms are smeared with blood, but she doesn’t seem to notice. “Jude?” She touches his arm timidly, afraid to cause him any more pain. “Jude? Can you hear me?”
Adrian steps behind her. “He’s unconscious.”
The healer stops chanting. All eyes, including Vera’s, land on him.
In a solemn voice, he says, “I’ve done all I can.”
“What does that mean?” Vera asks, reaching out and grabbing onto her soulmate’s limp hand. “Will he recover?”
“I’ve made him as comfortable as I can. Now, we must wait, but I would brace yourself for the worst.” Without another word, the healer dips his head and leaves the room, off to help another victim of the attack.
I struggle to understand how he could deliver such a morbid line. What’s the harm in allowing Vera hope? Did he really have to be so blunt?
“No,” Vera shakes her head. Her eyes are wild with fear and pain. “No. Jude is strong. He will be fine.”
I want to reassure her, but I’m not equipped for this. Concern for Joseph coupled with fear during the attack has fatigued my emotions. Vera must feel the same. I’m not sure I would respond well to being consoled, even if it’s meant kindly.
I look back at Zeke, a burning question in my eyes.
His lips press into a tight line. “No.” I shouldn’t be surprised. He hadn’t even wanted me to go heal Joseph, and he knows what he means to me.
I try to make him see reason. “He’s hersoulmate.” How can he be so cruel? If Zeke would only take two seconds to put himself in Vera’s situation, I know he’d want someone to heal me.
Adrian quietly steps beside me. He places a hand on my shoulder. I think he’s going to side with his brother, and I brace myself to make my case to two stubborn Fallen.
