Page 106 of The Stone Secret
“But we can help,” Levi said. “Cameron, what herbs do you need?”
* * *
My legs were still shaky,my body achy from the after effects of the wraith touch, but I was on my feet.
Thank the gods I’d paid attention in herbology sessions.
I stumbled on the dorm stairs.
“Take it easy.” Levi braced me, taking my weight. “You’re still weak. I can take the tincture to him.”
“No. I need to do this. I have to see him.”
He swung me into his arms and carried me the rest of the way.
Touron and Curi had gone ahead to let Yarrow know we were en route. My old dorm room door was open, and the twins and the guys stood outside.
Shar was inside the room, kneeling by the bed while Yarrow knelt on the opposite side, holding Derek’s slender wrist.
My shield was shriveled and smaller than ever, barely taking up a third of the bed. The imperceptible rise and fall of his chest was the only sign that he was alive.
Yarrow looked over expectantly. “You have it?”
Levi set me down.
“I think I got it right.” I passed him the vial.
“Rejuvenation?”
“Yes. Willowman said it heals and restores.”
“We might need more than one dose.”
“I can make more.”
“Good.” He slid his hand beneath Derek’s head and gently tipped it back to pour the tincture into his mouth.
Some of it trickled out, but most went in, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed on reflex.
“Good,” Yarrow said. “That’s good.”
“Now what?” Shar asked. “What happens? How long will it take to—”
Derek’s form shimmered and began to grow, unfurling from its fetal position until he was the size he’d been before his great expansion.
“It’s working,” Yarrow said.
Derek groaned. “Cameron…”
I exhaled in relief. “I’m here. Buddy, I’m here.”
“Hurts…” he groaned again.
No. I didn’t want him to be in pain. “I need more herbs. I need to make more tincture.”
“I’ll gather more,” Touron said from outside the room.
“I’ll come with you,” Curi said.
