Page 104 of A Court So Dark
He groaned and winced, shrinking into himself.
“Please, hurry. He’s so pale,” Arabis urged.
Quickly, I took Kalyll’s hand, found his life force, and drew on it, careful not to take too much. In an instant, strength flooded me. My knees straightened from their bent position, the wound in the back of my head healed. My lungs drew in a deep breath, and the fog that seemed to have fallen over my eyes cleared.
“A-rabis,” Kryn mumbled, his voice a fading light that despite its dimness demanded to be heard.
“Save your breath,” she ordered him.
“I’m tired… of doing that. Al-ways holding back. I love you. Forever. Even if you… never… forgive me. I won’t stop. I—”
“You will stop now.” Sheshushedhim with a kiss, her lips upon his as she clenched her eyes shut and a tear slid down her cheek.
With my strength restored, I kneeled by his side, pulled his bloody hand away from his wound, and got to work, repairing his injuries. With my skill, I sensed his punctured liver and heavy internal bleeding.
I knitted his vital organs and torn veins first. When that was done, I focused on the wide wound, which had pierced him almost all the way through, surely the vicious stab from a broadsword. As the gash sealed, he gasped in a breath, then let it go in relief.
Arabis pulled away and peered into my face. I nodded to reassure her he would be all right. Color returned to Kryn’s face, and when she noticed it, she started to pull away. Kryn grabbed her wrist.
“Oh, no, you don’t. Not again,” he said. “You deserve to be happy. And I promise you that nothing will ever get in the way again. Not in a million years.”
Arabis seemed uncertain.
I pulled away from them and went to Kalyll. He was reclining against a tree, taking deep deliberate breaths.
“Did I take too much?” I asked.
He shook his head and gestured toward Kryn and Arabis. “I’ll say it was all worth it.”
I glanced back to find Arabis’s arms wrapped tightly around Kryn’s neck, holding on as if she would never, ever, let him go again.
Turning to my mate, I did the same.
CHAPTER 42
DANIELLA
Istoodattheedge of the small pond in Imbermore, the Summer Court capital, wearing a blue gown that tried and failed to match the lovely shade of Larina’s skin. A small pedestal with her body rested in front of me, surrounded by a circle of flowers.
Kalyll and the rest of the Sub Rosa were there, their heads bowed. My heart was heavy with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. I took a deep breath and began to speak, my voice shaking with emotion.
“Larina, we’re here to honor your bravery and sacrifice. You were a true friend, and I will miss you dearly.” I stifled a sob.
Kalyll rested his hand on my shoulder, lending me his support.
My voice steadier now, I continued. “Your courage and selflessness saved so many lives. Elf-hame owes you a debt of gratitude. Forever and ever.”
I spoke of her kindness toward Valeriana and her unabashed affection. I told her how much her friendship meant to me, and how I would think of her every day. I spoke of how getting to know her opened my eyes to the unjust way the minor folk were sometimes treated, and I vowed to make things better for them in her memory. Only Kalyll’s comforting presence gave me the courage to finish speaking.
The brooch he gave me was the only thing of value I possessed here, so I placed it on the pedestal next to her.
I met Kalyll’s gaze.Is it okay?
He nodded without hesitation.
As I stood back, a light breeze rustled through the flowers, and the sun shone brightly on Larina’s translucent wings, giving them a soft glow.
A small boat appeared on the placid waters of the pond, slowly making its way toward us. Realizing it was for Larina, my heart ached. The boat was adorned with more flowers and glimmering crystals. As it approached, her body dissolved into a shower of glitter and floated onto the boat.
