Page 47 of Light and Shadow
The tingle that I’ve learned to associate with magic warms me as Aaran searches for whatever is wrong with me.
His frown deepens. “She’s left some bit of her darkness inside you, Harper.” His eyes open, and their bright blue irises are filled with concern. “I’m going to try to remove it.”
I look at the sun low on the horizon and put my hand over his. “Wait. You said your magic is restored by the sun. There will be none soon. You should wait until morning at least. What if whatever it is kills you?”
Nainsi puts her hand on Aaran’s shoulder. “She’s right. You shouldn’t attempt this without knowing more about the magic.”
His lips tighten to a thin line. “We can’t leave this inside her to fester.”
Stepping to the front, Cara eases him aside and places her hands on my stomach. Her magic is cool and vibrates faster butsofter than Aaran’s. Without words to know her by, Cara is a mystery, but as her magic strengthens, the pain ebbs.
I don’t want anyone to be injured in an effort to heal me. I can manage the painful reminder of my time in the presence of the witch queen and her horrible consort.
After a few minutes, Cara’s cheeks pale. Before I can put a hand on her to stop her, she backs away. She nods to Aaran and gestures to me, indicating he should try again.
Still sitting beside me, he leans in. His hands warm me. His magic draws away more evil or heals the wound. The ache lessens. After two minutes, Cara pulls Aaran away and waves at Nainsi to treat me.
I keep my questions to myself. What are they doing? Are they healing or absorbing evil? Can Venora’s magic harm them as they treat me?
Jax lends his magic next. His hands are cold, and he glares at me, as if I am the cause of his problems. Perhaps it is how he looks all the time. Though, in Clandunna he was tender with Selina and his children. He is yet another person in this insane world who I can’t figure out.
Fancor kneels beside me. His round cheeks turn bright red. “My people are not natural healers, dear girl, but I shall lend what help I can.”
“Thank you.”
His magic is bright and forceful at the same time. It’s strange how each person’s magic feels so different, like a fingerprint. Fancor’s hands are rough, and it’s as if heat radiates from the dwarf. Somehow, he feels more human than the elves. He and Bert are not dissimilar.
Bert is taller, but both men are broad and muscular. Both speak directly without anything to hide.
The bright red dims only slightly at the apple of his cheeks and he pulls back. “I sense nothing dark anymore. How do you feel?” His dark eyes stare intently into mine.
I draw a long deep breath, and indeed the hurt that was deep inside me is gone. Searching for it, I continue to draw in air and stretch. “I feel better.”
Chapter Twelve
Aaran
Fancor grins wide, as if Harper were his child and had achieved some great honor or passed a vital test. Backing away, he puts his thick hands on his hips and nods approval to the group who healed her. The dwarf seems to have taken on the role of elder brother to all of us in a very short time.
I surprise myself with my fondness for Fancor. He didn’t have to come with us through the portal or raise his sword in battle, but he did so twice to benefit our cause. He certainly had no responsibility to journey across land and sea. Yet, here he is, lending his magic to us to save a human he’s known for only a few days.
Perhaps it’s time to rethink everything I’ve been told about dwarves.
My own joy is more tentative. I want to believe what Venora did was temporary, but this lingering dark within Harper worries me. It’s unusual for light or dark to linger unless the spell is placed with intent, but the magic felt unfocused and hazy.
My mother would not approve of my affection for Harper, and as I will someday take her place as leader, I shouldn’t entertain feelings, yet I won’t ignore them. It’s far too late for that. “Are you certain you’re alright?” I go back to her side and put my hands just under her breasts. The gray fog that lurked within her has lifted.I don’t think Venora knew she left that with you.It’s the first time I’ve opened my mind to her since taking her to the lake.
“I’m still sore in many places, but the ache in my center is gone.” Her eyes are soft green as she stares at me. So many questions roll through her mind that I can’t keep up.
Rather than try, I touch her cheek. “Later.” Pulling my hand away, I reject the idea of ignoring my desire. We would both know it was a lie, and a hurtful one. Unless Harper feels nothing for me, and I sense that’s not the case.
Despite my terror at the idea of losing her, for many more reasons other than the needs of Domhan, I step away. I am responsible for all of these people. Looking out over the worried faces of the ragtag elven party, I say, “It’s getting dark. We’ll have to make camp here. Tomorrow we must make our way toward the sea and find a ship worthy enough to get us to Siar Fàilte. Those who are injured, come forward before the sun goes down. We may not be able to restore your magic at this time, but we can ease any hurts so that you might travel easier.”
A surge of pride from Harper hits me like a warm bath.
It’s a little terrifying how much I crave her approval. My entire world and the existence of my species, not to mention the danger of death to everyone I know, should be my highest priority. However, Harper is above everything else. She is the double moons, the sun, and all the worlds. The rest is responsibility; she is air and the beating of my heart.
When the healing is done and the camp made, the entire party eats around a fire big enough to have cooked several large deer hunted in the tall grass to the east.
