Page 24 of A Shard of Ice

It’s going to be a long ride.

I only hope that Cyrano holds on. Then we are moving. It doesn’t take long for Damon to urge the beasts into a steady pace. His big body rocks against mine. I feel caged in and hot. I feel…my skin prickle.

“Stop.”

Damon pulls up. “Is everything okay?” he asks, his voice laced with concern.

“I preferred to be at the back…um…behind you. Can we swap?”

“No. You’re safer where you are should a lizard bird attack. I saw two flying in the distance a little earlier.”

I shiver.

“It’s fine. They continued on their way, but…”

“I get it,” I say in a soft voice. “It’s fine…I…it…” I lick my dry lips. “It’s fine. I was being silly.”

Then Damon is kicking our camel back into a jog. I pray we get there soon.

8

Damon

“It’s bigger than I thought it would be,” Kyrie gushes. Her voice is filled with excitement. “Look at all of that water.” She laughs. “I forgot how vibrant the color green could be.” Her voice hitches with emotion.

I get a lump in my throat, too.

I have to hold the camels back. They dance under us, wanting to sprint to the lush, green patch in the heart of the desert, and I can’t say I blame them. I’m sure they can scent water and food. They’ve probably walked this path many times; they know what awaits.

The oasis is a shimmering paradise, with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze and a crystal-clear pool of water reflecting the brilliant hues of the sun. We make our way toward it, the camels eagerly pulling us closer to the much-needed respite.

As we approach, Kyrie dismounts and runs to the water, splashing her face and taking deep gulps of the cool liquid. I watch her drink her fill. She looks back at me as I dismount; she’s grinning broadly, reminding me of the woman I know sowell. My best friend. Only that’s not what we are anymore. A part of me is sad, while another part is happy at the shift in the dynamic. I just need her to trust me again. To actually see me again…perhaps in a different light this time.

Her features change in an instant, becoming serious once more, her eyes darting to the wounded human.

“I forgot about Cyrano.” She frowns as she dashes back to us.

We go through the motions of making the camel go down on its haunches. The male is a little more stubborn, so it takes a few tries. He finally does as I ask, and we are able to untie Cyrano.

“He’s burning up,” Kyrie says, her voice filled with tension.

“He’s still alive and that’s something.”

As soon as Cyrano is off the camel, the beasts run down to the water and start drinking. I leave them. They won’t go anywhere. Helping Cyrano is more important right now.

“Let’s get him closer to the water,” I tell Kyrie, who nods.

She helps me carry him down, getting him close to the edge of the water. I pray that close contact with so much water will revive my magic enough to heal the male.

I remove my shirt and boots and carefully wade into the water in just my pants. It feels cool and wonderful on my skin. My internal well comes to life, and magic buzzes inside me. I can almost hear it. My body feels warmer. My hands start to glow. I’m pretty sure that my eyes will be glowing, too.

I dunk under the surface of the water, my magic bubbling inside me. I hope I will be able to harness it and use it to save Cyrano.

I push to the surface, feeling the water drip down my skin.

Kyrie gasps as I stand.

I refuse to feel ashamed of being who I am…a fae. I keep my eyes on hers, watching her chest rise and fall in quick succession. I don’t think that the look I see in her eyes is of horror, but I can’t quite place it, either. Interest…intrigue, perhaps, mingledwith shock. I look every inch of what I am, namely a fae and a powerful one, at that.

---