Page 71 of Of Blood & Stone

Its blue eyes stayed with her as everything turned black. She’d felt her goddess’ power, the ecstasy in her body overwhelming as she reveled in the way she connected with the great willow: the depths of its roots, the roughness of its bark, the life in its veins.

Distant and faint, her goddess’ heartbeat had made itself known to her, if only for a moment.

She’d sought the compass’ location, only to be told it wasn’t in the great willow. And then, she’d been given pain beyond anything she’d experienced before.

The price for life will always be pain.

It’d been a gift to have been shown the tree, a true miracle to have heard her goddess’ heartbeat after days of silence. But now that she couldn’t hear it anymore, couldn’t feel the life around her—the silence was deafening.

Sylzenya.

A voice called out to her. It sounded warm: familiar.

Sylzenya.

She liked the voice—wanted to drink it in.

“Sylzenya.”

She flickered her eyes open, the blue irises of the bird disappearing as she looked into a pair of pale green eyes lined with dark lashes. Thick black hair tucked behind an ear revealed an array of gold hoops. A strong, sharp jaw and chin, some dark stubble dotting his tan skin, and a look of concern that caused her heart to falter.

“Elnok?” she whispered.

He cursed. “I’m taking you to that healing pool.”

The world’s weight lifted from her body as he carried her in his arms. Suddenly her back erupted with pain.

“Wait,” she whispered, her voice hoarse, “No one can see me like this.”

“Your reputation is safe with me.”

“Elnok,” she begged, “It isn’t safe?—”

“Says the woman bleeding out on me.”

She had nothing to counter with as he rushed her out of the altar room.

“Tuck your head into my chest. It’ll make for a less bumpy ride,” he instructed.

Sylzenya obeyed, curling her fingers and bunching his tunic into her hand. Worn leather and earthy musk filled her senses, his scent calming despite the pain piercing her back.

Voices echoed in the hallway.

“Hold on,” he whispered.

She clung to him as he maneuvered into and through the grove of willows. Swift movements swept a fresh breeze into her face. His muscles flexed, strong and precise, as if he’d done this thousands of times.

“We’re here.”

A door creaked open and the familiar smell of rosewater assaulted her, the steam falling on her face as they entered the room.

“The Kreenas and acolytes will be resting today, so they won’t be using the pool,” she said.

Clothes still on, he carried her into the pool. She gritted her teeth as the water met her back. Sharp pain followed by a numbing sensation had her moan with relief. Elnok gently moved a few loose strands of hair from her face, tucking them behind her ear. His chest heaved against her head, and she realized she was still nestled into him, her hand clutching his tunic for dear life.

She could move.

But she didn’t.

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