Page 79 of Stone Heart
“How long will that take?” She slid her gaze toward the bed. She didn’t like how still his form was.
“Only time will tell, m’lady.” He bowed again then disappeared through the door before it shut, leaving her alone in Rhodack’s suite.
She blew out a deep breath and walked over to the bed. She sat on the edge and ran a finger along his gargoyle face. Tears burned her eyes because she knew this was her fault.
Her powers were so strong, it could have killed him.
“You’re so brave,” she whispered, still running her fingertip along his hardened face. She was always in awe of the leathery feel of his gargoyle skin. “Even knowing I could possibly kill you with my powers, you refused to just hand me over to them.”
She knew without a doubt that she loved him. Everything about him made him perfect for her. She curled up alongside him, not wanting to leave him. She would stay by his side and take care of him until his mind determined it was time for him to awaken.
Now, her eyes drooped as sleep slowly claimed her.
“My lady,”a voice whispered, breaking through Rina’s foggy dream.
She whimpered, not wanting to release Rhodack’s body. Subconsciously, she knew she was dreaming, but it was just too real. She was pulling Rhodack from the rubble. The necromancers were advancing on her, and she refused to let him go.
“My lady. You are dreaming. Wake up.”
Rina’s body jerked to a sitting position. She was in attack mode, ready to protect Rhodack. Her gaze flew around the room, finding Calista standing next to the bed. Sensing movement, Rina glanced around. Other members of Rhodack’s harem stood in the room. Each of the women had supplies in their hands.
“I’m…I’m sorry,” she murmured, pushing her hair from her face. She glanced down at the still unconscious Rhodack.
“No need to apologize, my lady,” Calista replied.
“What are you doing here?” Rina asked, turning back to Calista.
“Why, we’re here to take care of the clan leader and his mate,” Ajuki answered from her position at the foot of the bed.
“We’ve told you before, my lady, that you and Rhodack are our concern. We’re to see to your every need, and right now, forgive me for saying, but you need a bath.” Manga nodded to her.
Rina hadn’t thought of herself since they’d arrived back at the lair. She glanced down at herself and cringed.
“How long have I been asleep?” she murmured.
“About ten hours, my lady. You must have been drained,” one of the newcomers said.
Rina remembered the three of them as the ones who’d originally sided with Avalena.
Dese, Manea, and Cyan.
She took the three newcomers in, unsure if they were to be trusted.
“I’m Manea, and I know what you’re thinking. You have to believe us when we say that we would never harm the mate to our lord,” the second female announced.
“No, we wouldn’t. Avalena had us believing you were just a new female trying to do harm to our group. We take belonging to Rhodack seriously and just wanted to protect him,” the third one spoke up.
Rina’s gaze flew to Calista.
Could she trust them?
“Yes, my lady. They meant well, and I do believe that they’re sorry. You’ll just have to get to know them as you’ve gotten to know Manga, Ajuki, and me,” Calista assured her. “Now, let us get you cleaned up.”
“What about Rhodack?” Rina asked.
Ajuki came and assisted her from the bed. Manga and Manea disappeared into the bathroom.
“We will give him a bed bath and ensure that he’s comfortable while he’s in the healing slumber,” Cyan said, stepping toward the bed.
