Page 93 of A City of Smoke and Demons
Analise’s breathing was heavy, her mind foggy as she slowly came to. She blinked, tried to sit up, and failed, her limbs liquid. It was easier to sleep but there was a face with dark sockets for eyes and hands that grabbed at her throat. A man in a white suit, that beguiling smile that spoke of promises that frightened her.
My beautiful death witch.
Gasping, Analise bolted upright, ripping the bedclothes free. Terror burnt the back of her throat.
‘Analise?’
Hands on her arms, manacles around her wrists.
‘Analise, you’re safe, you’re safe, God, stop thrashing. Ezra, help me!’
Arms slid around her, locking her in place.
A voice in her ear, one she knew.
‘It’s alright, it’s alright. I’ve got you.’
I’ve got you.
Analise sniffed, and stopped fighting as gradually, the world around her sharpened. She was in her room. Lira, eyes wide, was crouched on the bed before her. Slowly, she released her hold on Analise’s wrists and sat back.
The arms around Analise’s waist felt nice. She swallowed the pain in her throat and slumped against a wall of warmth. Misshapen fingers rested on her stomach. Ezra. She closed her eyes.
‘Analise?’
‘I’m okay,’ she croaked.
Lira climbed off the bed and fetched Analise a glass of water. Once she’d drunk it and Lira had taken the glass from Analise’slimp hand, Ezra moved away, stuffing a pile of pillows behind her.
Their eyes met.
‘Thank you,’ she managed.
‘Hungry?’ he asked.
‘A little.’
He went to get her some food and after he was gone, Lira cleared her throat.
‘He hasn’t left your side, you know.’
Analise licked dry lips. ‘How long have I been asleep?’
‘Two days.’
‘Two days?’ The curtains were drawn, the darkness warm and peaceful. Analise felt wrung out like an old dishcloth, but her head was slowly clearing.
‘I think,’ Lira said softly, ‘that he was worried about you.’
When Analise didn’t respond, Lira went on. ‘He caught you before you hit the ground. I’ve not seen anyone move that fast. And I’ve definitely not seen anyone that angry before.’
‘Angry?’ Analise frowned. She couldn’t remember that. Everything after the Familiar’s face was fuzzy.
Lira nodded. ‘He called Jem all sorts of horrible things—all of which my brother deserved, to be honest. He shouldn’t have pushed you. I was mad, but Ezra was furious. He’s a little scary when he’s that angry. He carried you up here and he hasn’t left this room. He must be busting for a piss.’
Analise couldn’t even manage a grin at the comment. ‘He expects me to kill him,’ she whispered. ‘How can I do that without knowing if I can bring him back? How can I, when …’
Lira squeezed her hand, then opened the curtains. Warm light speared into the room. Analise blinked.
