Page 51 of Between Soul and Vessel
Slowly, he woke, his eyelids heavy. “Haaah,” heyawned, his mouth stretching wide.
“Afternoon, sleeping beauty,” I greeted.
“What time is it?” Ryker groggily asked as he sat up in the chair. He scrubbed his hand over his face, fingers rasping against his stubble.
“About two o’clock,” Zahra answered as she made her way to his side, her hand falling over his shoulder, giving it a tender rub. “Have you had anything to eat, hon? You’ve been sleeping a lot. The Spirit Realm can do that to the living. Let me go fix you something so you can get some energy back.” She looked at Lyra. “You too, love. You should have something to eat as well.”
Lyra nodded, but Ryker said, “I’m fine for now. Thank you though.”
“Word of the wise, son—she won’t take no for an answer,” Dameon said, looping his arm around his mate’s waist.
Zahra glanced from Ryker to Lyra to Harper. “I look after my family. Now, what can I get you two to eat?”
While they discussed food options, I said to Harper, “You look well.”
She smiled. “I feel much better.”
“Zahra told me the good news—you are getting released today.”
“I am.” Her eyes filled with emotion. “Thank you for bringing them here.”
“I’m just relieved it worked,” I answered honestly.
Her brows drew together. “How are things going with finding Sage?”
“That’s what I came here to tell you. Sage is alive. She’s in a place called the Mother Realm, and we are going to be leaving within the hour to get her back.”
“I knew she couldn’t be gone.” Harper’s eyes filled with happy tears.
“I knew it too,” Ryker spoke softly as he brushed back a few of his own.
Lyra covered her face and silently wept into her hands. Harper wrapped her arms around her, placing her cheek against the top of her head. Dameon and Zahra dabbed their eyes.
In truth, there wasn’t a dry eye in that room, not even my own.
Shortly after, Ryker asked, “Who’s all going?”
“Myself, Folkoln, Kaleb, Soren, and possibly Fallon,” I answered.
“I don’t understand.” Ryker shook his head. “Why would you take that traitor with you?”
“Believe me, I don’t like it either, but he has a connection to Sage and might be able to help us find her quicker,” I answered, folding my arms across my chest.
“Let me come with you,” Ryker said. “Someone’s going to need to keep an eye on him. Just face it, if your plan fails with Soren, you’ll need a good tracker.”
Harper jerked her head up. “If you’re going, I’m coming too.” Lyra tapped her arm and gave her a firm nod. “We’rebothcoming,” she corrected.
“Harper, dear, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Zahra countered softly, expression concerned.
“Sage is my friend,” Harper argued with fiery passion.
“She is mine too. Rest assured, they’ll get her back.” Zahra’s voice was gentle. “You just transitioned.”
“BecauseLyra and Ryker are here. I know they can’t stay in the Spirit Realm much longer, but this will give me more time with them, which, as we now know”—Harper gestured to herself—“is good for me. So . . .” She looked at me and flashed a smile. “We’re going with you.”
Zahra opened her mouth to speak, but Dameon cut in, “My flame, she is as strong-willed as you, and this arguing will get you nowhere. If she wishes to go, then let her.”
Zahra sighed before turning to me. “You will take care of my family, yes?”
