He opened his mouth, probably to argue, but she placed a finger on his lips and leaned down to meet his gaze. “Breathe with me?” she asked softly, like he had the day at the pond when he’d removed the quills.
In the firelight, his stare collided with hers, then in an agonizingly intimate glide, skimmed down her face to her lips, and paused there. His throat rolled as he swallowed before he lifted his gaze to meet hers once more. Emmery gave him a small smile, which he didn’t return, but his reedy breaths steadied to match hers, in and out, slow, steady, synchronized.
The thorns stilled then retracted beneath his skin. Emmery laid her hand on his arm and before he could stop her, channelled her magic. Silver threads seeped from her, and though her flame surged, she tucked it away. The moment the threads connected with Destonne, she whimpered. His pain hit her in jagged waves, but it wasn’t comparable to the day Senka had attacked him. Nothing compared to that agony.
The ragged edges drew together, and his bleeding slowed but before she could finish mending the wound, weakness took hold of her, maybe from the lack of food and water. Her head swayed and her vision tunneled. Before she hit the ground, Destonne caught her around the waist then steadied her and took her face in his hands.
“When did you get here?” he asked. His words rushed, as if the question couldn’t come fast enough. “Are you alright? Are you hurt? What happened?”
Emmery’s cheeks warmed under his touch. “Not hurt. Brennen didn’t hurt me.” She gently laid her hands on Destonne’s and slid them from her face, though her gaze remained welded with his. His eyes welled with too many emotions to process.
“I’m sorry.”Their attention snapped back to Brennen, who had retreated and slunk down the hallway. His head bowed between his paws in shame. “I’m … so very sorry.”
Emmery shuffled toward him, but the wolf took another step back.
“I’m alright,” Destonne assured, his voice calm now. He held up his arm. “See? Good as new.”
From where the wolf sat, she hoped Brennen couldn’t see Destonne’s wince of pain. The wound wasn’t healed. Not by a long shot.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
VESPER
“You’re trying to convince me you’ve miraculously healed, and that I didn’t hear you coughing just ten minutes ago?” Vesper scolded, his arms crossed over his chest like his father used to do. Gods, when had he become such a buzzkill?
Vesper’s gaze flicked to the dragon skeletons which crowded much of the cavern. While he’d been tempted in the last few days to try and animate one, it seemed the riders were particularly protective of their mounts. Best not to piss them off already.
Nef gave him a sheepish smile then looked all around the cavern. Anywhere but his eyes. “I swear, I’m feeling better. Besides, Dimitri said he would take me flying and—”
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’m not telling you to stay here. I’m saying be aware of how you’re feeling. Kyrith said if you push yourself too much, it can negate the draught she gave you. The higher the altitude, the worse the air quality.”
“I’ll be careful.” She huffed a laugh and a soft pink coloured her cheeks. “Would you stop fretting over me? It’s unnerving.”
He hadn't told her why. Hadn’t shared exactly why the guilt ate him alive each time he saw her. And after they’d both agreed to keep each other’s secrets: Nef’s bond and his family name, they’d decided to stay here until things were sorted. Besides, where else would they go?
Vesper rubbed the pactum scar atop his hand hidden by his glove; opposite the one with Destonne’s crest. He refused to think about that bargain. Instead, he focussed on the scarred dragon’s head and willed his past to stay behind him. This pactum with Thorrin meant a new future.
“You’ve been through too much these last weeks,” he said and tilted his head at her. “I know we’ve only been here a few days, and we haven’t seen much of each other since I’ve been busy with all of this—” He gestured around the cavern as if it explained his training. “But you’ve spent some time with Dimitri, huh? He seems like good company.”
Nef crossed her arms over her chest. “Mind your own business.”
A broad grin claimed his mouth and he bent at the waist to match her height. “Do you have a thing for him?”
Her face flushed a horrific scarlet.
Vesper chuckled. “I won’t tell a soul. It’s way more fun to tease you anyway.”
“Don’t you dare,” she snarled. Her finger prodded his chest as she blushed even harder. “And there’s nothing to tease about.” She smiled at him then and he noticed the shadows beneath her eyes. They seemed darker today.
A lump formed in his throat at the thought of this plague taking her away from this world. And while this could have been awkward, given their past, he only wanted her to be happy now that she couldchoosewho she wanted. Dimitri seemed harmless; dull as they came, but that was likely the best for Nef. She needed someone safe, and he might be good for her. But she might not have much time left.
“If you do care for him,” Vesper said, “don't hesitate, alright? Go for it.”
Her brows lifted in surprise, but Kyrith and Thorrin’s footsteps interrupted their conversation.
Kyrith cleared her throat. “Break it up, lovebirds. Your boy has work to do.” They both shot her a questioning look, but she directed at Nef, “You must be feeling better from all that colour in your cheeks.”
That only made Nef’s face grow redder. “I’ll leave you to your training. I’ll see you later, Ves.” She gave him a small smile before she practically ran from the cavern.