Page 82 of Light and Shadow
“Well, she couldn’t touch me. Even the shadow demon was not real, only an illusion.” I like the idea that his magic protected me. Maybe I’m kidding myself, but I like it just the same.
As the sun hits the hills, I feel Aaran’s mind awaken, as if a shroud has been lifted.
I revel for a moment in the feel of his love within me. It’s warm, and I didn’t realize how much I’d missed it. Sitting up, I roll toward him.
No longer ashen, his cheeks are pink. His eyes blink open, and he winces before smiling at me. “Hello.”
“Hello, yourself. You almost died, and you promised me you would keep me safe.” My scolding is soft, and there’s no way to hide my relief. I feel as if I can finally release the breath I’ve been holding.
Wincing again, he attempts to sit, but gives up a moment later. “Sorry about that. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. In my defense, a monster was dragging you out to sea.”
My heart leaps in my chest. I had no idea love could be like this. Any brush with romance I had in my past life was mere fondness compared to the all-consuming adoration I feel for this elf. “I will forgive you if you stay still and heal properly.”
“Where are we?” He helps me lift his head to put a blanket behind him. His lips thin from the strain.
“We carried you all day yesterday. We’re in the hills between the sea and some river.” I’m sure someone told me the names of these places, but I can’t remember.
“The Bog Hills and the river is Dá Lock Abhainn. We’ll be safe across the river.” He closes his eyes.
“We were supposed to be safe on this continent, but she has attacked by land and by sea.” I shouldn’t add to his worries, but it’s best to be realistic. I do keep my dream to myself for now.
“Not land. She used demons from what you would call hell to attack.”
I don’t get a chance to tell him what I think of the distinction.
“You’re awake.” Nainsi rushes to Aaran’s side. “Cara is well enough to add some healing magic. I’m going to help her. You’ll be better in no time.”
Bert grins down at him. “You gave us quite a scare. Especially when Harper couldn’t reach your mind.”
Aaran’s eyes grow distant. “I was…elsewhere. I don’t know how to explain it.”
Nainsi frowns. “We are all much relieved you found your way back to us.”
“Where are Jax and the others?” Aaran’s jaw ticks.
“Relax,” I press his shoulder back before he decides to leap up and damage himself again.
Bert waves at Cara so she’ll come, then turns back. “They’ve gone to scout ahead and check that we’re not followed. Fancor and Beran are guarding the camp, and we’ll take shifts until we can safely move. Everyone is tired. Another day here would be a blessing.”
“Not if Venora knows where we are,” Nainsi mutters, her hands balled at her sides.
Cara shoos Bert and me away and kneels beside Aaran with Nainsi. She places Nainsi’s hands on his ribs and hers on top.
The tingle of magic flashes through me even from ten feet away. I feel the moment Aaran loses consciousness. I wonder if we had other choices. Should I have let him portal us away and left these people to their fate? Would Aaran be safe and whole if I had?
A flush of love flows over me from his mind.
He may be sleeping off the injury and the healing magic, but his mind is still with me.You were right, mo chroi.
It felt right at the time, but seeing him weak and pale, I wonder. Have his brothers already found the human women they were sent for? They may be with their mother, waiting and wondering if we’re alive. I am the reason more people are dying in this land. How many have been turned to shadow demons since I arrived, and how many more before we get to the gate?
Even then, will the answers be simple? I doubt it. Nothing ever is, and this battle with the witch queen has been going on since before I was born. War, death, and loss are all Aaran has ever known. It’s ridiculous to believe that I’m the solution.
My hand slides to the hilt of the sword strapped to my hip. My mother wouldn’t recognize me with a weapon. Nor would she believe I have a dagger tucked in my boot. I barely recognize myself.
Jax jogs toward me. I have no idea how far he ran, but he’s not out of breath. When he stops, he stares at my face for a long moment. “Are you well?”
I pull my shoulders back and lift my chin. “I’m fine. Aaran woke up. They’re healing him now.”
