Page 50 of The Goddesses' Gifts

“Doesn’t appear that cuddling has helped,” I taunted.

She gave me a flat look and went back to stroking Lhoris’ hair. “Is it working?” she asked. “It feels right.”

I didn’t think she would be able to sense it. “Yeah, it’s flowing and he’s catching it on the other side.” I explained. “It goes in a loop, round and around.”

She nodded. “Will he be better soon?”

“I suppose,” I shrugged. “He’s been pretty beat up the last few weeks. Who knows how long he’s been ignoring the call,” I explained. “We will get ahead of it now that we know what’s going on. It’s less of an interruption if we get on a routine with it. Then you can anticipate and plan around it.”

She’s not hurting Lhoris, she won’t hurt me.

“Okay,” she nodded. “I like having a plan.”

“Same,” I agreed. “Look, you know I don’t … I’m not scared of you,” I said knowing exactly how dumb it sounded. “I just can’t shake the conditioning to be scared of this.” I gestured vaguely at Lhoris.

“I know,” she nodded. “I won’t do anything you tell me isn’t okay. Just say the word.”

I groaned in frustration. “Why do you have to be so … nice?” I grumbled and ran my fingers through my hair.

“Oh, that part isn’t optional,” she said, words dry and aloof. Which sounded stupid because of how stuffy she was.

“I liked you better when you were tied up all the time,” I grumbled.

“Wasn’t that more work for you?” she drawled.

I couldn’t argue that.

Lhoris’ hands finally relaxed.

And so did I.

Something warm and wet dripped down the front of my shirt. I peeked in my jacket and found Oshruli drooling.

“I think it’s past his bedtime,” Oz explained. Then her brow furrowed. “How do they keep track of time underground?”

I gave her a flat look and sighed. “I thought I’d get a break from the questions now that he’s asleep.”

Oz rolled her eyes and ran her nails gently over Lhoris’ scalp. “Lhoris, are you feeling better?”

He just hummed against her stomach.

“Use your words,” I grumbled.

He lifted his head. “Yes,” he said in elvish.

Oz’s eyes lit up. “I understood that!”

“Wonderful, we’ve all learned something today.” I moved around to where I could see his face. His pupils were huge considering the light. He must have been in a lot of pain to be high at the lack of it. “Do you think you can move?”

He smacked his lips and blinked slowly. “I think so?”

“Good, I think we all need a rest.”

CHAPTER 24

LOBIKNO

Ilaid down on my bedroll and waited with my heart in my throat. Oshruli stirred occasionally, reminding me that things were going to be different this time.

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