Page 113 of Crossing Between
Not wanting to interrupt, I sat quietly at the edge of the bed, watching him work. His tentacles were partially manifested, just two of them, extended from his back to gently touch the shoulders of two particularly distressed-looking officers. I recognized them as part of the team that had been closest to the epicenter when the church collapsed.
Twenty minutes later, Elias opened his eyes, the tentacles dissolving back into his body as he returned to full awareness. The group around him stirred, blinking as if waking from a deep sleep. They thanked him quietly before filing out, each looking noticeably more centered than when I'd arrived.
"You should be resting," Elias smiled when we were alone.
"So should you." I moved closer, sitting beside him on the mat. "How many sessions have you done today?"
"Four." He rolled his shoulders, a slight grimace revealing his exhaustion. "Many of the survivors are having nightmares. The Essencefeaster's influence lingers in their minds, even if the creature itself is gone."
Without being asked, I reached for hishand, channeling a small stream of my own energy into him. I felt him relax as our energies mingled.
"Better?" I asked.
"Much." His fingers tightened on mine. "Though you shouldn't waste your strength on me."
"It's never a waste." I leaned forward, pressing my lips softly against his. "I love you, you know."
Elias froze, his eyes widening in surprise. I couldn't help but laugh at his expression, he looked like I'd slapped him with a fish.
"Why do you look so shocked?" I teased. "Did you think I was just keeping you around for your tentacles?" I winked.
He opened his mouth, closed it, then shook his head with a rueful smile. "I.... I love you too, kærasta. I just didn't expect..."
"I know." I kissed him again, savoring the way his surprise melted into tenderness. "I should check on the others. Will you be here later?"
"As long as I'm needed," he promised.
I left him preparing for another session, still smiling at the wonderment on his face. My next stop was the training dojo behind the main station building, where I knew Kenji would be working with the newer recruits.
The sound of controlled chaos greeted me as I pushed through the double doors, grunts of exertion, the slap of bodies against mats, Kenji's booming voice calling out corrections. I leaned against the wall, watching as he demonstrated a takedown move to a group of wide-eyed rookies. His aura glowed faintly around him, a fiery outline that highlighted his broad shoulders and powerful stance.
I could see so much more magic now that my own was unlocked and controlled.
He spotted me almost immediately, a grin spreading across his face. "Perfect timing! Everyone, this is Zoey, and she's going to help me demonstrate defensive techniques against a larger opponent."
"I am?" I raised an eyebrow, but I was already kicking off my shoes and stepping onto the mat.
"Consider it a test of your reflexes," he stage-whispered, his eyes twinkling with mischief. To the rookies, he announced, "Zoey may look small, but watch and learn."
Without warning, he lunged at me. I sidestepped smoothly, using his momentum against him to deflect his grab. The rookies broke into appreciative murmurs.
"See?" Kenji addressed them, circling me slowly. "Never telegraph your moves. Keep your opponent guessing."
We danced around each other for a few minutes, exchanging light blows and demonstrating basic defensive maneuvers. I could tell Kenji was holding back, but so was I, this was supposed to be educational, not a true match. Still, I couldn't help showing off a little, especially when one of the female rookies cheered after I successfully blocked a complex attack sequence.
"Not bad, Zoe," Kenji praised, his voice pitched for the whole room to hear. "But you're still dropping your left guard."
He moved in close, feinting right before sweeping toward my supposedly vulnerable left side. I'd been waiting for this, Kenji always used this move when he thought he had the upper hand. Instead of backing away, I dropped low and swept my leg in a tight arc, catching his ankle and knocking his foot out from under him. He went down with a surprised grunt, and I pounced immediately, straddling his chest and pinning his wrists above his head.
The rookies erupted into cheers and whistles. Kenji stared up at me, surprise giving way to something much warmer.
"That was definitely cheating," he murmured, low enough that only I couldhear.
"All's fair in love and war," I replied, equally quietly. "My teacher taught me that."
"And which is this?" His eyes searched mine, suddenly serious despite our playful position.
I leaned down, bringing my lips close to his ear. "When I was fighting to free Ryan, I felt all of you with me. Varon's strength, Elias's healing, and your protection. I felt you praying."
