Page 42 of A Storm Rises

“What can I do?” He could carry her out of the hunt. Or even run back for a healer. But those options would leave him vulnerable and maybe even cause her wicked High King father to blame him for her state. He would surely end him on the spot. Yet still, he was pulled to help her.

“My satchel.” She closed her eyes and pointed into the distance. “In the meadow. I have a vial of healing water from the Green Falls.”

He raised his brows. He didn’t think the hunters could bring anything outside of what they were provided. Yet Avalynn had a vial of saving water. Typical. She’d also withheld the Shadowblood’s disappearing qualities. Besides magical powers, what other advantage did she have?

“Stormshroud will get it.” He slipped off his, showed Stormy, and then pointed to the meadow. “Get Avalynn’s satchel.”

The wolf raced off in a flash while Mateo stayed with Avalynn. Eyes closed, her chest moved slowly up and then slowly down, as if she neared the endless sleep. He held her hand and traced her palm. Should he keep her awake? Or let her rest?

Leaves rustled, and Stormshroud bounded back with Avalynn’s scorched bag dangling from her jaws. He took it and shoved his hand inside. Empty. He flipped it and shook. Nothing. The contents must have spilled out and burned.

“Not my lucky day?” Her head barely lifted.

He wiped the sweat beads from his forehead. “No.”

“Great.” She fanned her fingers. “Help me sit up.”

He clasped her hand and helped her with a gentle pull. “What are you doing?”

She took a labored breath. Her trembling finger pointed toward the spot where they had left Eiric’s body. “See if Eiric is still there.”

He hurried over and found the body gone. He came back in a dash. “He’s vanished.”

“That’s good.” Her muscles relaxed. “Either my Enbarr or another knows this spot.” She winced with each word. “I will call and see if it will come back and take me to the Green Falls.”

“You know how to make that call?” He moved closer so she could lean on him.

She groaned. “Not exactly. But I must try.”

Stormshroud let out a short howl and spun in place. Mateo scanned the tree line. As if on cue, the majestic Enbarr strode through the tree trunks. Avalynn had not even tried to summon it, yet here it was with its gleaming white and silver coat and fluttering long lashes.

Avalynn smiled. “My beautiful friend. How did you know?” It stopped beside her and brayed. “I am injured and must go to the Green Falls. Will you take me?”

The magical beast whinnied, then lowered its front legs so she could climb on.

Mateo helped Avalynn stand. But as soon as he let go, her legs buckled. He swooped her up in his arms. “Let me know if I’m hurting you.”

She spoke in a weak tone. “I am mostly numb.”

“I can work with that.” With extreme care, he lifted her and sat her on the horse. He stepped back. The Enbarr swung its head. It nipped at Mateo’s tunic and pulled him close. “I am not going. Only Avalynn.” The Enbarr ignored his command and kept snorting and nipping.

“Get on,” Avalynn said in a strained voice. “You know how she is.”

Oh, he knew. The Enbarr was stubborn and seemed to have strong feelings about them. So, he climbed onto the beast and snuggled in front of Avalynn. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his back.

She whispered, “Thank you, Mateo.”

He stroked her hands so gently, the overwhelming need to protect her flooding through him like an irresistible tide and pulling him into a sea of unspoken devotion. This time, he did not fight it. This time, he wanted her to know. “I would do anything for you.”

A soft laugh came out of her. “Now you tell me.”

Stormy barked. He glanced her way with a nod. “Stay here, girl. We’ll be back soon.”

With a whinny, the Enbarr took slow and steady steps through the trees, each movement faster than the one before until it sped over the terrain with the grace of a summer breeze.

Avalynn tightened her squeeze around Mateo’s waist while he gripped the Enbarr’s mane, eyes shut, head down. Avalynn’s perfect curves pressed against him, sending a pleasing warmth throughout his body. There were those lightning bugs again, swirling in his stomach. But he could not let them stay. He would help with her wounds, but then they would return to the hunt where he must take first, get those healing seeds, and then go home to the Sublands. He had to believe her High King father would spare her from the last place death penalty. She was his daughter after all. He touched the cross in his pocket. Please, let him spare her. It wasn’t too much to ask.

The Enbarr’s speed slowed, and Mateo’s cramped hands released its thick mane. He stretched and popped his stiff and sore fingers. He had no idea how far they had traveled, but it seemed far enough for them to be on the other side of Faevenly.

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