Page 116 of Fangs
I kept my lips pressed together and tried to brace myself.
“Bones, I don’t blame you for what Madame did,” he said, his voice so gentle. “That’s not why I didn’t come to see you.”
Why did it feel worse when people didn’t blame me? What the fuck was I supposed to do with all this guilt?
“It was two-fold, really,” Nemo continued. “I figured you needed some time to heal as well. I didn’t want you to have to deal with these injuries so soon after, uh, everything. The second reason is I have a—” He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his thinning white hair. “I deeply dislike doctors and clinics and most medical things—not ’cause of you. It’s somethin’ I’ve dealt with for most of my life.
“You’re actually the first healer I’ve been able to let examine me in, well, many, many years. When I fell ill with the sickness, I didn’t summon you. I convinced myself I could ride it out.” He grimaced. “The folly of man, I suppose. Smith was the one who discovered I was ill and sent for you. Your healin’ power is an incredible thing, Bones. Even under the watchtower, when you would heal me, it was such a welcome respite from the pain. Not just ’cause you healed my physical body, but ’cause you poured your emotions into your power.”
My heart beat faster as I stared at him.
“I could feel your regret, your horror, your pain at what you were forced to do. While you were healin’ me, it was more than just the pain easing. It felt like comfort, like somethin’ so powerful it created a shelter from everythin’ for a moment.” He smiled, his eyes damp. “If you hadn’t been there giving me that respite, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to withstand the pain. I might’ve broke and given up names, and more good people would’ve died.”
He paused, regarding me as I struggled to keep from losing control of my emotions.
“I know it wasn’t just me, either. I spoke to Mist to see if she felt the same when you healed her. She brought it up without any prompting. She got real fierce defending you. Seems she assumed I was contemplating punishin’ you, and she was not gonna stand for that.” He smiled again, and the kindness there made my eyes spill over. “I believe everyone you healed in that room felt the same. They knew your pain and felt your comfort. You probably gave more people the strength to hold fast than you even realize.”
Mist. I hadn’t checked in on her, either. Sam shifted closer, and I noticed he was offering another handkerchief. I took it with a watery look of gratitude.
“Trey knew you would play an important part in freeing the hold from Madame. He told me many times you weren’t just healin’ people. You were giving them hope. When he came and told me he was going with you so he could help you get away from Madame, I was initially reluctant to let you go. He made it clear he wasn’t askin’ for permission but lettin’ me know as a courtesy.”
I was really crying now. Sam wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
Nemo cleared his throat again, and pain filled his face. “He made me promise if somethin’ happened and the two of you got dragged back to the Vault, I would do everythin’ in my power to make sure you survived. He was willin’ to sacrifice his life for the people here, but he was adamant that we couldn’t let Madame kill you—kill that hope you’d given so many.”
The pain in my chest was unbearable. So many emotions were raging through me. Fury, grief, and love all intermingled together. Sam wrapped his other arm around me, too, and I could hear his unsteady breaths.
“In the end, I couldn’t do much since Madame had me locked away, but I wanted you to know that Trey understood the risks when he chose to help you escape.” There was a short pause. “I spoke briefly to Mac before they departed, and he informed me he told you about Trey’s radioed message.”
I tensed.
“He didn’t have time to give me all the details, but he said you were very upset that he didn’t tell you sooner. I’m afraid that’d be my mistake. I hoped to give you some time and instructed the others to wait.” He let out a heavy sigh. “I hope you will forgive an old man’s misguided attempt to protect you.”
Sam’s arms tightened around me. I took a deep, shuddering breath and raised my head, wincing slightly at the state of Sam’s shirt from my tears. Nemo smiled sadly as I met his gaze.
“That’s all I wanted to say, but if you ever have any questions, you’re always welcome, Bones.”
“Ember,” I said hoarsely.
Nemo’s eyebrows raised in question.
“My name is Ember.”
He smiled, his eyes warming. “Ember it is, then.”
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Sam said, his voice almost as hoarse as mine, “Mac had a message for you.”
Nemo looked surprised but gestured for Sam to continue.
“Emmy asked him to bring Lana back so she could heal her, so they’re comin’ back with her.”
Nemo glanced at me, but he didn’t look surprised. “Thank you, Sam. I’ll make the necessary arrangements. Are they leaving today or tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
Nemo nodded, his eyes going slightly distant. “Alright. I’ll inform the others.”
“Have a good night, sir,” Sam added, pulling me toward the door.
