Page 102 of Gift from the Stone

“Yes, princess. I just wanted you to breathe, so I pushed some of my air into you so you could catch your breath.”

“How?”

He smirks down at my stunned expression and grabs my hand gently. Gliding it to his chest, he mimics the position he has his hand on me.

“Close your eyes, princess. Pushing your element into someone, you have to be gentle, soft. If not, you could cause someone’s lungs to pop. So think of puffing the air lightly, like blowing a kiss. Command your air to fill my lungs just enough to breathe. Very slowly, and only a little,” he instructs softly.

That’s a petrifying thought. I’d hate to pop his lung.

When he gives my hand a squeeze, encouraging me on, I do as he said. Instead of picturing myself blowing him a kiss, I imagine myself laying my lips on his chest, breathing the air directly into him. Commanding my air out, softly, slowly, I fill his lungs with pure, clean air so he can take a deep breath.

I feel his chest expand under my fingertips and he hums, gently wrapping his hand around my wrist.

“Very good, princess,” he praises.

His small lesson helps settle the whirlwind tearing through me and I take a few deep breaths, savoring the air he gave me.

Get it together for now. You can’t break down yet. There’s still too much to do. Shove it down until you get home, then you can fall apart in their arms.

Opening my eyes, I give Corentin a grateful smile before turning to seek out Tillman. He’s here, he’s fine.

“I’m okay,” I whisper, giving him an unconvincing, watery smile.

“You’re not, but we’re here for you, Willow,” he says, already knowing the truth. I nod and prepare to change the subject because if I don’t, I’ll break down.

“Dream-walking. It’s an ability that comes with the sight, and I’ve been doing it with Aria, leading up to this day. There’s so much more I need to explain, but there’s a lot we’ve got to do. They’re going to need our help.”

“Fuck them. I’ll take you home right now. This doesn’t have to be your problem to solve,” my dark, damaged protector declares.

Turning to face Caspian, a real smile crosses my face as I look at his cloak of rage. He really will sweep me through the shadows, leaving everyone else behind to fend for themselves. I’m honestly surprised he hasn’t decided to do just that.

“It’s not my problem to solve, but we’re going to help. We need to help,” I tell him as I caress his face with my fingers.

He releases a small grunt of indifference before muttering, “Fine.”

“What’s the plan?” I ask Corentin lightly as he turns me back to face him.

“Do you feel a little better?” he asks low rather than answer me.

“Much better.”

“Good. Then thank you for saving my brother’s life, but you’re in so much fucking trouble when we get you home. You scared us today. Scared the fuck out of me. Do you remember what I told you would happen if you made me lose my mind with worry?”

“That only applied if I ran off on you all,” I whisper.

“You did run off then, and I let it slide because it was our fault. Today, you ran headfirst into danger, almost got yourself killed. Tell the others what I said would happen, Willow.” His tone is drenched in a delicious, I mean dangerous, promise. One that has me pressing my thighs together.

Damn if he can’t switch it up real fast.

“He said he’d paint my ass pink for making him lose his mind in worry. And one of you would be stuck to my side day in and day out. I’d never be allowed to go anywhere alone again, not even the shower,” I whisper, watching Corentin’s blazing gaze smolder with heat.

“Yeah, I do believe our bad little Primary will need some punishment for her carelessness,” Caspian agrees darkly, stepping closer to my side as Tillman presses in behind me.

“I wasn’t careless. I thought it through,” I argue.

“You were careless with our hearts. You’ll never sacrifice yourself for one of us or anyone ever again,” he orders.

Looking at Draken for some help, I find none as his eyes flash to slits.

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