Page 57 of Elora and the Crow

Bren winced. “Jesus, I can’t even imagine.”

“It’s healed now, though, and his head and back are looking better. He’ll need at least another day of his back wounds being coated in Cece’s healing paste, and he’s still pretty tired and low energy from the concussion, but he’s improving. I’m searching for a healing spell that specifically targets his head injury.”

Bren studied her. “You look tired, Elora.”

“Always such a charmer, Bren.”

He caught her hand, squeezing it lightly. “I’m worried about you.”

She smiled at him. “I’m fine, buddy, I promise. Just tired and worried, and my magic is a bit low because of all the spells I’ve done in the last couple of days.”

“Is that normal?” Bren frowned.

“Yes. For blood witches, our magic can be affected by our moods. So, if we’re tired or anxious, our magic can fluctuate. Witches who learn magic by apprenticeship don’t really have their magic affected by their moods. At least not as strongly.”

“Are you sure that’s all it is?” Bren asked.

“I’m sure,” she said. “Don’t worry about me, okay?”

“You’re one of my best friends. I’m going to worry,” he said.

“You have enough on your plate with work and with Kaida and the baby,” she said.

“I have enough space for you, too,” he said.

She was feeling a little weepy over Bren’s words, which showed how tired she really was. Cece was well known for wearing her heart on her sleeve, and it was easy to make her cry just by telling her something even slightly sad. But crying wasn’t Elora’s thing. Never had been.

“Thanks, Bren.” She leaned into Bren’s solid strength when he put his arm around her.

He kissed her forehead. “When is your next work shift?”

“Tomorrow. I was supposed to work yesterday and today, but Charissa had someone else cover my shifts so I could help Jonah,” she said.

“Can you afford that?” Bren asked.

She nodded. “Yeah. I have a small emergency fund set aside from my side work doing spells for people. But I won’t have to touch it. One of the first things Jonah did was pay me back the money I spent buying him from that cuckoo witch.”

“Okay, good,” Bren said.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, and when Elora yawned, Bren grinned and kissed her forehead again. “Okay, my lunch break is over, and I’m heading back to the precinct. You have a nap. That’s an order.”

She hugged him hard. “Thank you, Bren, for everything.”

* * *

Elorablinked and opened her eyes. She stared at the bedroom ceiling before stretching. God, she felt so much better. The exhaustion had disappeared, and her magic was its usual bright hum.

She stretched again before grabbing her phone and checking the time. It was almost six, and she blinked in surprise. She’d slept for nearly six hours. She rolled to her side to face Jonah. He was awake and staring at her, and she blushed when he grinned. “What?”

“Nothing,” he said. “You’re cute when you sleep.”

She rolled her eyes. “No, I’m not. How are you feeling? Hey - you shaved.”

He scrubbed his hand over his jaw, the beard replaced by his usual dark stubble. “Yeah. I woke up about an hour ago and showered and shaved.”

“How’s your back?”

“Better,” he said. “I don’t think I need the paste anymore.”

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