Page 95 of Kiss of Magic

“No, your Majesty.” The stout little fae turned back to Raya and held his hands over her, trying to stimulate her body’s recovery.

Kam took Shade’s arm and led him a little way from the bedside, figuring the healer would work more effectively without being glared at.

“Have you had word from Nurhan?” he asked.

“Pasha is in charge. He says there have been no signs of any demonic activity. Valkar?”

“They repelled an attack.” Kam felt a swell of pride. “Ren helped take one out.”

“It seems we are both married to courageous women.” There was a sound from the bed and they turned towards it. Raya groaned faintly.

“Shade?”

The Ifrit was by her side instantly.

“Rest easy, beloved. I am here.”

“Are you okay?”

“No. I am extremely angry with you.”

“Ah.” A ghost of a smile crossed her lips. “So everything’s back to normal then.”

“How dare you drain your power? You could have died, halfling.”

“But I didn’t. I’m still here.” Her gaze drifted over his shoulder to Kam. “We all are. How’s the fight going?”

“So far, so good. We have the demons pinned in…”

There was a flash of blue. A messenger sprite skidded to a halt in front of Kam and bowed deeply.

“Count Lemar sends news, your Majesty. The demons have breached the southern perimeter. They have escaped the containment field.”

Kam’s face drained.

“They’re out of Arjhan?”

“And spreading. What are your orders, sire?”

Kam couldn’t answer. Blood thundered in his ears and his heart raced. He stared unseeingly into the distance.

I don’t know what to do. I haven’t planned for this.

“Kamran.” Shade’s voice jolted him out of his daze. “What are we to do?”

“Ren… Ren’s at Valkar… I have to go to her…”

“No.” Shade was implacable. “Ren is as safe as she can be. Valkar was built to withstand the demon horde. You are needed here, to command.”

Every fibre in Kam’s being told him to go to Ren but he knew Shade was right. As Emperor, he had to take charge. He nodded heavily.

“I will return to Arjhan and have the forces regroup.” He clasped Shade’s arm. “Be safe, my friend.”

“And you. Go well.”

Kam walked from the bunker, unfurling his wings as he went. Raya studied her husband.

“What about you?”

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