Page 59 of Revenge of the Elf Lord

“Until everyone comes down on you and you are thrown into Jötunheimr prison for eternity. Can’t do your favorite things then, can you?” Zel said.

Cyran’s gaze refocused on the woman in his arms, amazed at how important she had become to his life. She was the very breath he took and the light in his eyes. How had that happened? She was his everything.

I love you too, Cyran.Her whispered voice in his mind was so faint, he almost didn't hear it.

Hold on, nín gilgalad. I promise I will figure this out. There has to be a countercurse to what Haman has done to you.

You told Zel your stepfather’s spells were always convoluted, and simplifying them was the way to reverse them. Focus on that. I will hang on with everything I have. If the choice is taken from us and the worst happens, I love you with all my heart.

Please tell my parents I love them—and Castien too. Also, tell my mother Loki has always watched out for her and Fenrir. She needs to know her father loves her.

You will tell them all of this yourself. I know the viruses he injected. What is your body telling you?There was a lengthy pause, his fear rising at what she might say to him.

Honestly, I don’t feel any worse than I did. It’s as if my body is adjusting and fighting the concoction. Besides what happened to me in Helheimr, I have never been sick, so this is new for me.

He brushed his gloved thumb over the red bumps, which seemed to have faded slightly. “Shalendra, what if it’s as simple as using your magic? When a body experiences a sickness, the immune system builds antibodies to fight the illness. After what you went through as a child, that immunity and your magic may be the answer.”

Her skin seemed less flushed than it had, giving him hope. “You brought me back from death—maybe that’s what everyone means about the potency of your magic. Remember the story about the rabbit? Use your magic on yourself, and I will add mine.

Her eyelids fluttered and cracked open, her beautiful teal gaze holding his.Seeing your handsome face and the love in your eyes gives me strength.With effort, she moved her hand onto his arm and wrapped her long fingers around his wrist.

“I’m here for you, nín gilgalad. I willalwaysbe here for you.”

Loki leaned over Cyran’s shoulder. “While you may not like it, I, too, will be watching over you.”

Zel shook his head and groaned. “I can’t be the only one not to have your back, princess. For your aunt and uncle, I will also protect you. After all, no one ever wants to mess with a demon.”

Her lips curled up, but her gaze never left Cyran’s. Tied to her as he was, he sensed rather than felt the surge of her powers as she focused them on killing off the virus spreading through her body much faster than usual. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead and upper lip, but she never blinked.

He summoned his medical bag and pulled out a soft white cloth with his free hand, using it to wipe away the moisture as he sent her his power and strength. Her black eyebrows twitched then bunched into a frown, her grip around his wrist weakening as her strength waned.

So tired…Her eyelids closed, and her hand slid from his arm, dropping to the floor. He pressed his fingers to the side of her throat but couldn’t feel her pulse.

“You must keep fighting, Shalendra!” He gripped her shoulder and pulled her to his chest, his chin resting on her head. Not knowing what else to do, he threw every ounce of his healing magic into her, visualizing his powers filling her slender body so she could continue healing herself.

Their powers touched, creating an explosion of magic as the strands twisted around each other and expanded. A bright white light surrounded them, filling the room with its healing glow and removing all the shadows Haman had constructed.

The energy roiling inside Shalendra’s body beat at him, pulling his attention back to her struggle as he held the growing power inside of her. Suddenly, the ball of their combined power expanded, filling his body.

He first noticed their hearts, beating as one. Then, oxygen began to move in and out of their lungs. He floated along in a sea of pain, experiencing Shalendra’s agony.

Breathe, nín gilgalad,he whispered in her mind, although rising above the overwhelming sense of death was the most challenging thing he had ever done. His admiration and pride for the woman in his arms grew even more.

Time seemed to speed up, swirling around them like a tornado. He sensed a tiny change, a slight lessening of pain. As the minutes passed, Shalendra breathed easier. He sent her every last bit of his magic, draining his body, but he could do nothing less to save the woman he loved.

As if in a haze, the weight of a hand lay heavy on his shoulder, and raw power, more than he had ever felt, flooded his body.

“Cyran?”

He felt a slight tug on his gloved hand. As if from a long distance, Shalendra’s voice called to him, pleading with him to come back to her. It took him a moment, but he slowly turned his head. His gaze met hers. She now sat on her knees in front of him, worry in her teal gaze.

“Why are your eyes red?” Her eyebrows drew together as she studied his face.

“That would be my fault,” Zel said. “He gave you all his magic, and before he faded, I sent him, let’s call it, a boost to bring him back and ground him once more.”

Cyran glanced up at Zel and nodded. “Thank you. I felt her powers fading as she fought the viruses. I did the only thing I could think of and gave her mine.”

“Oh, Cyran.” She raised her hand and cradled his jaw, her thumb caressing his cheek, then threw her arms around his neck. “Never do that again. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

---