Page 71 of The Lost Guard's Healer

“You’ve been out for two days,” he says. “We got back early this morning. We lost… ten people. And many more are recovering from injuries. But the world is no longer in danger. We did it.”

“I thought I was dying,” I wince as I struggle to sit up. “Why am I not dead?”

Rourk helps me gently to sit up against the stack of pillows. “Because you’re too stubborn to die. And the Oathland healers got to you just in time. A minute later, and it might’ve been too late. It appears that healing magic is back in the world. But you need to take it easy. It will be some time before you’re back to full strength.”

That would explain why my strength has already begun to return. The weariness is gradually drifting from my mind. I gingerly feel the bandage on my stomach. Healed by magic. I’m not sure how to feel about that, but I’m relieved to be alive.

“The Oathlands turned out to be more powerful than we knew,” Rourk says. “A combination of griffins and magic helped them reach The Kingdom in time. Clio, the Fae Queen, led the rescue with my brother Arthur. They would be happy to meet you.”

“They are here?” I ask.

“They’re with the villagers outside. Do you want to try to stand? See how you feel?”

“I do. But, Rourk,” I say, touching his arm. “A moment. I… We said some things before I passed out. I want you to know I meant everything I said. I…”

His smile warms my heart. “I love you, too,” he says, and leans down to kiss me.

The taste of him fills me with renewed strength as I hold his head and pull him closer. We both laugh in relief. I’ve never felt so relaxed and happy before. Nothing on this level of joy.

Rourk gives me a firm look and says he has something he needs to tell me.

“Your father. Aldus.” He gives me a serious look. “I’m sorry to tell you. He was killed.” He swallows and tenses. “By my hand.”

Dark terror grips me. A chill washes over me, numbing everything.

“What happened?” My voice feels miles away.

“I had to weaken Thanek’s bloodline. Enough to defeat him,” he says. “And I… I had to do it, Galene. I had to kill your father. And he was trying to help Thanek return to power.”

Tears well in my eyes, but I don’t let them fall.

“I needed your sacrifice to be worth it,” Rourk continues, his voice hoarse. “I couldn’t lose you for nothing. And I know that you will never be able to look at me the same again. My bloodline has been nothing but poison to yours. And I—”

“That’s not true,” I whisper harshly, cutting him off. “You did not choose my father’s actions.”

“I chose mine.”

“And your decision was the right one.”

“He was still your father,” Rourk says. “I know he loved you, with all his heart. Even if he was misguided.”

I nod, feeling another chill. “I don’t hate you. Just so you know.”

A dark look passes over him, making me wonder what he isn’t saying.

“Leila knows he died,” Rourk says. “I have not given her any of the details, though. I wasn’t sure what you wanted to tell her.”

“I’ll talk to her later. Thank you.”

I live in a world without parents. I feel numb and lost, but the compassionate look from Rourk gives me a dull sense of hope.

Rourk helps me to stand with his one good arm. It takes me a while to support myself under my own weight, my body feeling fragile. I manage to walk, careful not to go too fast and bring on a bout of dizziness.

“So this is what it feels like, huh?” Rourk says as he helps me through the tent. “Just like old times.”

I grin at him, trying my best to look unimpressed. “Just like old times. It was more fun being the uninjured one, though.”

“I would make you some berrybush tea,” he grins. “But you’ll likely just throw it at me.”

---