“Guards seized him,” Maddox answered. “He’s currently in the castle dungeon, restrained by magic chains. They prevent him from using magic. He’ll be questioned as soon as he regains consciousness.”
“There’s more to the story.” Briar adjusted his glasses and exhaled. “The mage was already unconscious when the guards found him.”
“Really?” I vaguely remembered a commotion and distant yells. My hazy memory was beginning to piss me off.
Lake’s wolf ears lowered. “They say a demon attacked him.”
“A Fenrir,” Callum added with a wobble in his chin. “Sir Noah said the beast was small with black fur and a white patch on its chest.”
“Oreo.” More tears filled my eyes. “He saved me?”
“Aye.” Callum leaned forward and rested his cheek against mine. “Forgive me, Ev. If we would’ve killed him that day, you might’ve been…”
“Enough of that, Lieutenant,” Maddox softly said. “The beast saved him. That’s all that matters.”
Callum nodded and wiped at his eyes.
“Is Oreo okay?” My vision blurred even more. “They didn’t hurt him, did they?”
“He fled when the guards arrived.” Maddox smoothed his thumb beneath my eye, catching a tear.
Relief had me sinking more into the cot.
“The demon saved you in more than one way.” Briar lightly touched my chest. “I believe you were hit with a fire spell. A powerful one at that. It scorched your skin. Burned a hole right through your chest. Your lungs were charred, and your heart…” His hand shook. “There would have been no way to heal you by the time I arrived. You would’ve died in minutes.”
Maddox made another sound in his throat that hurt me a lot more than my actual wounds. He dropped his head to my shoulder.
“However.” Briar brushed aside my bangs, giving me a watery smile. “When we found you, your skin had begun to mend itself. Your spine was also healed. I noticed a deep bruise when examining you that indicated a break that should’ve crippled you.”
“When I hit the tree, there was a loud snap,” I said, remembering. “I couldn’t feel my legs.”
When he nodded, a tear slipped from the corner of his eye. “Demons, as supernatural beings, have their own supply of mana. Lower level ones, like the one found dead, can only hold so much, which is why it became sick when exposed to the mage’s spell. However, Fenrir are the strongest. Their mana allows them to move swiftly and summon bolts of energy to attack their prey. They can also heal. My belief is Oreo gave some of that mana to you.”
“What?” My voice cracked.
“He used some of his own life force to heal you,” Briar said with a mix of disbelief and awe. “As incredible as it sounds, it’s the only explanation I have. Perhaps demons aren’t as ruthless as we were led to believe.”
“You bonded with him,” Lake told me, then sneered. “I also wonder if he’s the one who’s been eating the tomato plant. Little bugger.”
For some reason, that made me laugh. Which was a big mistake. A deep ache spread through my chest and radiated down to my toes.
“That’s enough talking for now.” Briar looked at the others. “He needs to rest.”
Callum grabbed my hand. “I’m not leaving him. He stayed by my side when I was injured, and I shall remain by his.”
“As will I,” Maddox said, running his fingers through the side of my hair. “I stepped away for only a moment earlier to speak with Sir Noah. I refuse to leave your side again.”
Rowan looked at Briar. “If you think I’m leaving, you’ve lost your marbles, Specs.”
“I said nothing of leaving him.” Briar huffed. “Only that we should let him rest. His body will heal faster if he sleeps.”
I sucked in a breath as a sharp pain pierced the center of my chest. Right where the mage’s spell had struck me.
“Drink this, love.” Briar lifted a vial to my lips. “It will help with your pain.”
“Herbert’s medicine?”
A faint smile touched his lips. “The heroic beetle.”
