Page 151 of The Sins of Silas

I was proud of her, but I’d tell her thatlater.

Things were going well…until they weren’t.

My eyes shot to the side at the sound of Era’s cry. A soldier within the castle had snuck up on her. I went to shoot a blast of ice through the guy’s skull, but Era grasped the dagger resting on her thigh, turning to shove it through the side of his neck.

He gurgled, hands flying to the wound before he ultimately fell to the ground.

That was all the strength she had. She fell to her knees.

“Fuck, Era!” I secured my bow against my back as I quickly rushed to her, her side profusely bleeding. The fucker stabbed her.

“I-I’m fine,” she rushed, but I could feel her fear, feel her panic.

“You’re not fine,” I gritted out, then scooped her into my arms. As Faltrunian soldiers began running toward me, I pushed a forcefield out with my mind, using nearly all my power in doing so. It was always easier using my hands—this took all my concentration.

Era wept in my arms, the screams of slaughter and slurs of hate a sick song playing around us.

I didn’t know the extent of her wound—how deep it was. I just knew there was a shit ton of blood…and that I was scared.

I was so scared.

If I had acquired fire, perhaps I could cauterize the wound. Though I didn't think I would have it in me to burn her.

Her weeping began to quiet, and when I nervously looked down at her, running as I did so to find us somewhere to hide, her eyes began to flutter shut.

“Era. Era! Don’t you dare close your eyes!”

She didn’t respond.

Fuck!

I stifled a cry as I made it into an unoccupied room, setting her down on the bed and shoving a dresser in front of the door. The howls of death and the clashing of swords a sound in the distance. Losing my shield, I exhaled sharply as I returned to Era’s side.

I needed to use my gift. I needed to be able to sense any emotions of those around me in case I felt someone sneaking up. But I needed to heal Era more. Needed as much power to use toward repairing her.

I placed a panicked hand on her rib cage, and my palms felt like fire. They burned so badly.

“C’mon, Princess…fight,” I breathed, a glow emitting from my hand. If Elowen were here, she could have done a much more efficient job. But I had no idea where my sister was. I had no idea if she was even alive.

Era’s skin had a bluish hue. Her breathing was shallow, but she was alive…she was still here with me.

I used my free hand to cup her cheek, forcing her head up. “Wake up, Era,” I whispered. I shook her chin softly, and her brown eyes began to open slowly. When her eyes focused, meeting mine, tears blurred her vision, her face crumpling.

“It hurts,” she cried, her voice hoarse from the wound. I could now tell he had pierced her lung.

“I know.” I brushed her falling tears with my thumb, my own lip trembling. “I know.”

“Am I going to die?” She coughed and then cried out in agony at the pain.

“No, Princess, you will live.” I ground my teeth, willing every ounce of power I had into my palm.

Her voice was quiet and helpless when she said, “Promise?”

I knew I had no right promising such a thing. But I couldn’t take the strain in my chest looking at her panicked face, her pained eyes.

I held the side of her face with my free hand. “I promise, Era.”

Her eyes bounced between mine, her lips trembling, and she nodded.

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