Page 75 of Wind and Water
Chapter Eighteen
Liam
When I carry Wren through the portal she creates, there is no sensation of being ripped to pieces. The only other painless portal I’ve been through was the one made by the oracle, and that one was still disorienting. However, Wren’s magic wrought a gateway of swirling light, and it was like walking through a doorway. Unsure what to expect, I’m stunned we end up in the fairy glen.
Cool air caresses my skin as two moons, one full, one crescent, glow high above. Only the portal behind me is out of place compared to what I remember. “Close the portal, love.”
Eyes barely open, she nods, and the swirling wind dies to a pinpoint before disappearing. “I would like to be a fly on the wall when Ciaran comes for me and finds the cell empty.”
I carry her to the edge of the spring and ease her to the soft grass. “I’m not yet done with him. He’ll pay for this.”
Her stare grows wide, and the rage and hatred I see there make me even more determined to destroy those who put it there. “When we win this war, they’ll both pay the price for their sins.”
“If you need to talk about what happened, I will always listen, but for now, I’d like to take you into the water. It will heal you, and we can wash away the stink of Coire.” I run my fingers through her hair, but it’s knotted, and I don’t get far.
She winces. “It will take a small miracle to comb through this mess.” Her attempt at a smile makes me love her even more, and I wouldn’t have thought that possible.
Holding her back with one hand, I lift her shirt over her head.
Weak, she tries to help the process by raising her arms. “I feel foolish to need so much help with a simple task.”
After removing her shoes, I pull her jeans off and put them in a pile. Once I’ve stripped out of my clothes, I kneel beside her. “It’s my honor to take care of you, Wren. You’re the bravest person I have ever known—elf, human, or other.”
“Being tortured is brave?” She wraps her arms around my neck as I lift her.
“Surviving torture and using those feelings to create magic never before seen in Domhan to facilitate our escape is more courage than most and more strength than I would have.” I step into the water. “If you can float, I’ll make soap.”
She lets her head fall back into the water. Her blond curls spread out like a silken halo around her. As she floats, she watches me. “Magic has its benefits.”
With a simple spell, I draw water up and alter its composition to shift it into a bar of soap. Starting at her feet, I wash her inch by inch, cleaning off the grime of the underworld. The fairy glen and water are sufficient restorative even in the night to feed my magic. Drawing a deep breath, I concentrate on washing her hair.
She lets out a long, satisfied moan. “That feels nice. This place is magic?”
“Fairy glens are created by magic, and the echo of it remains.” I help her rinse the soap from her hair. “Shall I help you to the bank to wait while I wash?”
“I’ll float here a while.” She runs her fingers through her hair, tugging through the smaller knots. “Venora can’t find us here?”
“No. The magic here is too full of light, even if Venora walked by the glen, she wouldn’t be able to see it. If something evil did make its way in here, the glen would destroy it.” I soap and rinse quickly, then put my arms under Wren to support her.
“Should we start walking to your home?” Her eyes are tired but determined.
“Not yet. The glen will restore us before we leave.” I carry her from the water and turn the grass into a soft blanket before I lay her gently down. Even though I’m exhausted and worried, my body still responds to hers.
She points to the moons. “Can you tell from those how long we were down there?”
“Almost two months.”
Sitting up, she winces and grunts.
I run my fingers along the deep purple bruises on her ribs. “Easy.”
“Months? It seemed long, but I wouldn’t have guessed that long.” Lying beside me, she snuggles in at my shoulder.
“Time is hard to judge without a day and a night. Rest now, Wren. You’ll feel better in the morning.” I kiss her wet hair.
She sighs. “I already feel better. Safe.” The last word is barely audible as she falls asleep.
Wrapping her carefully in my arms, I hold her as sleep alludes me. I watch her chest rise and fall, and I thank the old gods that she survived. My own life is a bonus. All I want is her safety. Once again, I’m struck by the realization that I should have left her in her own world, oracle be dammed. Weshould have tried bombarding the Watcher’s Gate with magic and spared the human women our fate.
