Page 70 of The Lost Guard's Healer

The battle still rages on as Thanek’s forces put up a good fight, but I can see they are on the losing side now.

I smile down at Galene, and she gives me a weak, hopeful smile in return. Her eyes look heavy and distant, telling me she is losing strength.

On a far-off rooftop, the writhing tendrils withdraw into the orb of blue-white light as it begins to fade. A figure is revealed as the light vanishes. It’s a red-haired woman in a glowing silver gown. She looks radiant and otherworldly. It’s too far to see her clearly, but I know who I’m looking at. Clio De’Kalo. The newly appointed Fae Queen of the Oathlands. That means, I hope, my brother will be near.

Clio calls down to the nearest groups of Shanti People and Kingdom Guards. Though I don’t hear her words, her voice sounds soothing and commanding. A part of me had thought I’d never see her again, or anyone from the Oathlands.

Overhead, someone leaps off a griffin and drops to the city. The figure shifts into a larger form before it falls from view. I perk up. I know what that was. Who that was.

The crashes of ravenous slaughter echo through the street below. A familiar bestial growl accompanies the monstrous cries and whimpers. That brings a smile to my face.

Something large leaps up and lands on the roof before me. It’s a tall bear-like beast, huffing and grunting, its claws dripping with blood. Its wolf-like snout has sharp teeth bared, its golden eyes gleaming. The large form shifts and withdraws, taking the shape of a heavily built man in regal armor and a flowing maroon cape. He is just as I remember, with his short beard and heavy, brooding brows.

A joyful gasp escapes me. “Brother.”

Arthur Bearon comes to us, his steps hurried when his eyes fall upon Galene in my arms.

“You are saved, brother.” Arthur’s familiar deep voice is a welcome sound. “We are retaking the city.”

I swell with relief, feeling the tension seeping from my bones. There is no way the Shanti messenger had reached the Oathlands so soon. “How did you…?”

“We sensed the power surges here,” Arthur says. “Well, Clio did. She’s proving to be quite resourceful.”

“I bet,” I say, looking over the griffin riders darting through the sky and the flashes of magic across the city. I hold Galene up. “She needs help. She’s dying.”

Arthur frowns deeply, but he gives a short, hopeful nod. “We will do what we can. I promise.” He looks over at Thanek’s downed body and regards me. “You did well, brother. It’s a miracle you still live.”

I sniff, fighting back the welling of tears. “I don’t care about any of that. Please. You have to help her.”

Galene sighs quietly, fighting to keep breathing.

Something in my tone gives me away. Understanding dawns in Arthur’s eyes. He knows how much I care for this woman. The bond we have.

He darts away and leaps off the building in search of help. No more words needed.

I hold Galene close and caress her face, helpless, as I watch her strength fading. She closes her eyes.

Chapter thirty-two

Galene

Idrift out of the darkness and gradually shift into consciousness. I blink against the harsh light. I take several long moments to find my bearings and realize where I am, or what has happened. A pounding in my head dulls my thoughts, and when I try to move, my breath leaves me sharply and pain flares all over.

I’m on my bed, in my family's tent. How did I get here? Someone stirs, and I notice a man sitting on a stool beside me. Rourk is there, with his left arm in a sling. Scratches and bruises cover most of his face and arms, and his flesh is charred and blackened around his left shoulder, showing beneath his shirt.

“There you are.” Rourk’s voice is deeply familiar and comforting. “Steady. Go slow.”

I clear my throat, finding my voice hoarse. “What… happened?”

Rourk gives me a crooked smile that tells me everything is going to be okay, though there is pain in his eyes.

“You’re going to be okay. We won. The threat is gone.”

My senses come back to me, as does a rising panic. “Leila. Jonah, Milo.”

“They’re safe. They’re out right now, but they’re going to be happy to see you awake. The healers told me you should wake up soon. I wanted to be here.”

I look around, as best I can without drawing fresh pain through my ribs. A bandage is firmly wrapped around my torso, beneath a floral-decorated blouse. My dress is also fresh and new. Rourk must see the questions on my face.

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