Page 47 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

I would scream if I could, but the muscles in my jaw aren’t budging, clamping my mouth shut. I groan.

I want it to stop.

Everything hurts, only … the coolness inside me is unaffected. I dive for it, huddle into it, tug it up around me to give me some relief, and …

It works.

I keep tugging and pulling, and as it covers more of me, the pain becomes … bearable and concentrating easier, which makes the beast more compliant.

I slowly regain control of my muscles, but they are still cramped and rigid, and the adrenaline coursing through my body makes it hard to relax.

The bluish light stops, plunging the world around me into darkness, and I collapse to the ground. All that is left are orange spots dotting my vision, blinding me to my surroundings. I concentrate on breathing.

Gods, I’m happy I’m still breathing.

Shuffling and voices penetrate the buzzing in my head.

“She’s breathing.”

“Is she burned?”

“Was that lightning?”

“What the fuck is going on?”

“Are we under attack?” The voices sound far away, too soft to recognize.

“Gray, can you hear me?” Calix says right next to my ear. “I don’t know where I can touch you.” I try to sit up. The weight of a hand settles on my shoulder, only to be snatched away again when I grimace. “Don’t. Just breathe for a minute.” He sounds worried. “Where does it hurt?”

“What happened?” Joel demands with underlying panic in his voice. Great, just what I need right after Kyronos wanted to talk to me about it.

As if I summoned him with that thought, I feel Kyronos coming up next to me.

Wait, what?

I have no idea why I sense his magic without touching him, but that is unmistakably the warm presence I felt when he healed me.

Great.

I groan.

As if I need to be even more aware of his presence.

“Make room. Give me some space to work here,” Kyronos barks. “Have them search the surroundings and double the guards, Cassius.” His voice sounds clipped and angry.

Steps are leaving, and the murmurs become muted as everyone hastens to comply.

Calloused hands frame my face. “Where does it hurt, Summer?” His clipped and harsh words are a stark contrast to his gentle touch.

“I’m fine,” I croak out.

“Are we back to that again?” Now he sounds exasperated on top of angry. “Are you going to make me check?”

I blush at the thought of him undressing me. Thank god it’s dark enough that he can’t see it. I hope my warm cheeks don’t give me away.

The spots in front of my eyes slowly start to fade, and I can make out the dark shape of his head above me.

“You wouldn’t be able to see a thing,” I mutter while Kyronos helps me out of my pack and to sit up. My voice still sounds pathetic, and the thought of him using his hands to search for injuries makes breathing difficult.

---