Page 42 of Angel Captive

“Could I heal Xaden?” I stepped forward and the sound of drawing swords made me jump.

Two Angeliminir behind the throne leapt forward to protect her.

“Sorry.” I held up my hands and backed away.

“I do not know.” Alva shook her head. “Just be careful who you trust.”

Did she know about Melody or was she warning me about something else? “Understood.”

“Trox will take you to Xaden,” she said.

I didn’t wait for a formal goodbye or farewell speech but spun around and marched straight to the Angeliminir. He bowed to Alva then ushered me out of the throne room and down a long corridor with a long white and silver rug. I felt dirty compared to the gleaming white surfaces of the marble floor and walls with their crystal ceilings that were at least twenty feet tall and small Angeliminir dodged each other above in what looked like a game of tag in the air.

My arms crossed over my chest to hide my mid-drift from where I’d torn off pieces of my prison clothing to help Xaden’s wings.

We entered a bedroom that was double the size of my apartment back home. Xaden lay on the bed only covered with a thin sheet.

I ran over to him and clasped his hand. “Xaden, it’s me Riley.”

When he didn’t respond, I looked over my shoulder at Trox. “What’s wrong with him? Can’t you guys heal him… Alva said that was a second gift of some.”

He paled. “Yes, but Xaden went too long without the healing sleep. His body is struggling to mend so many grievous wounds.”

“Then get more healers.” My lower lip trembled. “Bring them all here.”

“We have.” He looked down at his feet. “The only thing we can do now is wait.”

27

Riley

One week later

With Xaden unconscious, I scoured through the library for any information I could find on Angeliminirs' healing. The records said only in a mate’s extreme danger could an Angeliminir be awoken from their healing sleep and even then, it didn’t always happen. But once the threat had passed, then the Angeliminir would slip into a coma-like state.

I closed the book and the tome thudded, echoing through the library.

“No luck?” Ximena asked, her eyelids dropping.

I shook my head. “You?”

“Only that the healing could last a month.”

“Guess that’s better than forever.” I winced, leaning back in my chair, and rubbing my ever-expanding belly. With three kiddos in there, I looked like I was four months already, not counting the rapid acceleration the damn Roulex had shot me up with.

Jax brought us five new books and set them on the table. “These have the same information as all the others.”

“Thanks.” I swallowed down the lump pressing in my throat. “You both have been a huge help, thank you.”

Ximena yawned, but nodded and Jax smiled.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at breakfast.” I waved goodbye and strolled to Xaden’s room. Every night since I’d arrived here, I’d stretched out next to him on his bed, curling against his side. Hoping that he knew I was here and wanted to help him however I could.

“There are two visitors outside the mountain calling for you,” Trox said with a frown.

“Me?” There wasn’t anyone I knew who I cared to see.

“Yes. An older man and a young woman.”

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