Page 84 of Shackled to the World
She grabbed the sword, the tip leaving deep gouges in the ground as she dragged it behind her. When she reached Erickson, he lifted his arm out toward her, his bones creaking. His tongue was nothing more than dried jerky as he licked his lips. He grabbed her foot and tried to drag her closer so he could get to her blood.
Annora lifted the heavy sword, feeling it drag her backwards under its weight before she caught her balance. Then she brought it down, hacking off Erickson’s head with one clean blow. Dark particles clung to the blade, and she could feel what remained of him being sucked into the afterworld. In her head, she could hear his scream of rage and denial…then his terror when he discovered he wasn’t alone.
The sword dropped from her numb grasp. Just as her knees gave out, strong arms wrapped around her and swept her off her feet. The warmth almost burned her, and she shivered as the cold seemed to be anchored in her very bones.
“Easy there.” Xander’s voice was low and rough and soothing to her nerves. Glancing up, she saw his battered face come into a blurry focus. She tried to lift her hand to touch him but didn’t have the strength.
He closed his eyes and pressed his cheek to the top of her head with a shuddering breath. The scent of the sea swept through her, easing the tight ache in her chest. A light breeze ruffled her hair, while the soft brush of feathers slid over her skin, no doubt checking her for injuries, and she found the sensation soothing.
Trusting Xander to keep her safe, she surrendered to the beckoning darkness.
* * *
“Annora.”
Her eyes snapped open with a start at the sound of Logan’s rough voice. Strong hands held her steady as she jolted, then she groaned while pain ricocheted throughout her body from head to toe, her bones feeling like they were tied in knots.
A quick glance showed they were in the truck. Mason drove without regard for speed, laying on the horn whenever another vehicle refused to get out of his way fast enough. He watched her in the rearview mirror more than the road, only seeming to relax when she gave him a small nod.
Edgar watched her from the front seat, an unconscious Sadie in his arms. Bile rose in her throat at the image of them so cozy together. When he saw she was awake, he leaned toward her, but she quickly turned away, fearing she’d be sick while her stomach felt like it was trying to eat itself.
Xander cradled her in his arms, while her legs were stretched over the bucket seats. Camden had his hand wrapped around her ankle, his fingers nervously tracing her skin over and over. That’s when she saw he sat in such a way that he was reaching down to touch something.
When she moved her head to see what held his attention, a tortured groan escaped. She grabbed her head, feeling like it was about ready to fall off. Xander’s arms tightened around her, and she’d swear she felt his lips brush her temple.
“Are you okay?” He slid his fingers under her chin and tipped her head back toward him, his teal eyes sharp with concern.
She opened her mouth, then licked her lips, her mouth so dry her voice was barely above a whisper. “Fine. Sore.”
The vehicle swerved, the guys all looked at each other, and Annora winced. Since she never complained, they must be thinking she was at death’s door. Maybe they didn’t know it but dying was the easy part. Surviving and living were far worse.
Then she bolted upright, frantically searching the vehicle. “Where’s Logan?”
At the sharp movement, a groan tore from her before she could stifle it, nausea making her mouth water unpleasantly, while her stomach churning threateningly.
Both Xander and Camden wrapped their arms around her so she couldn’t move. Camden leaned close, pressing his hand to the side of her face, his touch calming the blast of panic. “Breathe. Logan is right here. He’s resting.”
He gently turned her head, and she saw Logan was lying stretched out between the seats. Annora reached for him, then curled her fingers into a fist and pressed it against her stomach to resist temptation. He was so bruised and battered, so damaged, she was afraid to touch him.
Her uncle did that to him.
Because of her.
Just the sight of her must be repulsive.
No doubt the thought of her touching him would make his skin crawl.
“Annora.” Logan spoke her name again, mumbling it in his sleep. He shifted restlessly, grimacing, until Camden reached down and gently brushed his fingers along the side of Logan’s neck. The kitsune settled down almost immediately.
“He wakes every few minutes, searching for you.” Camden leaned back and tightened his hold around her ankle when she tried to pull away and curl into herself, as if bracing for a blow.
“Why hasn’t he healed?” she whispered, so she wouldn’t disturb Logan. She refused to look at him. Couldn’t. What if when he looked at her and she only saw hatred staring back?
“He’s exhausted.” Xander cradled her close, as if he could feel her pulling away and wanted to stop it. “He can only heal so much, so fast, before his body shuts down.”
“I’m fine.” Logan’s voice was a broken rasp.
His eyes met hers before he quickly dropped his gaze and her heart imploded with pain.
