Page 33 of Legacy's Destiny

As the fire crackled to life, the warmth was an almost painful contrast to the cold that had gripped her for so long. Deacon helped her shed her drenched clothing, wrapping her in a thick woolen blanket that was at the foot of the sleeping pallet at the side of the room. He helped her to a chair by the fire. Her legs trembled as she moved, but the heat began to seep into her, chasing away the chill.

“I’ll get some food for you,” Deacon said, his voice softer now. “You need to eat.”

She shook her head. “I can’t. I’m too nauseous.”

His brow furrowed. “What about something to drink? Tea? Hot cocoa? I can get either from the MREs.”

She managed a faint smile. “I’ll try.”

With a nod, he stood, his presence a reassuring anchor in the storm. As he stepped out to retrieve supplies, Echo closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the fire wrap around her like a second skin. Her thoughts drifted back to her aunt, to the peace she’d felt in that otherworldly light.

There was a reason she’d been pulled back.

When she opened her eyes to the sight of Deacon returning, his steady presence filling the small shelter, she knew without a doubt he was the reason.

Bandit followed him in, and she watched as Deacon went back out. Bandit removed his poncho, but he was soaked to the core as they all were. His boots squelched as he walked over to her.

“Let’s get you moved to the pallet so I can do an exam out of the elements,” Bandit said, offering her a hand.

“Can I just lie down here?” she asked. Leaving the fire wasn’t an option. She needed the warmth.

“Sure. Let me move it over here.” When he’d finished moving the sleeping pallet near the fire, he helped her lie down on the floor. Her body ached in ways she hadn’t imagined possible. The heat from the flames penetrated the deep chill that had settled in her bones.

“Cap is off to get you something warm to drink. Just don’t chug anything,” Bandit said as he took a stethoscope out of his medical bag. Exhausted, she tilted her head to look up at Bandit. “No offense, but I don’t think I’m gonna chug anything for a very long time.”

Bandit raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching before he let out a hearty laugh. The sound was warm and grounding, cuttingthrough the tension in the small hut. “Well, that’s a good sign, at least. Your humor is back.”

Echo coughed, her breath hitching as pain flared in her chest. She groaned, clutching her chest. “What did you do? Break every rib in my body?”

Bandit made a face, his expression halfway between guilt and pragmatism. “Well, you know you have to depress pretty damn hard for CPR. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had broken ribs and bruising, at the very least. Let me look at you, and we’ll do our best to make you more comfortable.”

“We?” She frowned and looked back to the door.

Bandit snorted. “In the royal sense. It’s me. Only me.”

She nodded weakly, allowing him to examine her. He worked quietly, carefully shifting the blanket just enough to place the cold disc of his stethoscope against her chest. Echo winced but didn’t complain, the sound of her own shallow breaths filling the space.

“Your lungs sound good,” Bandit said, his tone steady but cautious. “But we need to be very careful. I have some antibiotics I’m going to give you. Just a precaution at this point, but I’d rather do everything I can rather than wish I’d done something when it’s too late. Of course, this isn’t the ideal course of action. You need an X-ray to rule out anything serious—fluid in your lungs, fractures, internal injuries. Honestly, I’d rather have you in a hospital.”

Echo coughed again, her body trembling with the effort. She groaned softly, her voice raspy. “No offense, but I’d rather be in a hospital, too. But we play the hand we’re dealt, right?”

Bandit gave a low grunt of agreement. He grabbed a rolled-up pillow and gently placed it under her head, his touch surprisingly tender for someone so big and dangerous. “I’m just an EMT, not a doctor. But I think you’re gonna be okay. If youstart to run a fever or feel worse in any way, you need to let me know immediately.”

She nodded, her words barely above a whisper. “I have a violent headache.”

He shook his head knowingly. “No doubt you do. I’ll get you some over-the-counter pain relievers. The real question is whether you can keep them down.”

She nodded again, though her stomach twisted violently in protest. The nausea was relentless, rising and falling in waves that left her on the edge of losing control.

A knock at the door drew Bandit’s attention. A small woman entered the hut, carrying a tray balanced carefully in her hands. She spoke in Laotian, her words quick and soft. Bandit spoke, his tone calm and respectful. The woman set the tray down on a small table before retreating silently, the door creaking as it closed behind her.

Bandit turned back to Echo. “It seems the villagers have provided some food. She says if you need clothes or anything else, let them know. But judging by her size, I’m guessing the clothes would be pretty small.”

He walked over to the tray, a rare smile crossing his face as he examined its contents. “This is perfect. Bread, cheese, and milk. Let’s get you sitting up and see if you can tolerate a small amount.”

Echo grimaced as she propped herself up with his help, the effort draining what little energy she had left. She took a small corner of bread, chewing slowly as Bandit watched her with a critical eye.

By the time she’d swallowed the tiny piece of bread, Deacon entered the hut carrying a few items. Bandit walked over to him, lowering his voice as they spoke. Echo couldn’t hear what was said, but she didn’t care. A flicker of relief settled in her chest.Deacon was back. She had medicine for her head and body aches, and she was starting to get warm.

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