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“Always take your weapon, Zahn,” he whispered to the male.

Vor reached out and touched Zahn’s hand. “I know you’re not able to hear me, but we’re here. All will be well. I will cover for you until you can resume your position, my friend.”

Zahn’s hand twitched.

Vor noticed it right away. “Do you hear me, Zahn?”

Somewhere deep inside Zahn must have heard him, because his hand closest to Au'revele started trying to find her arm.

Au'revele sat down again, and moved her arm closer to his searching hand. The moment he felt her arm he gripped it, locking her in place. “Zahn, do you remember…”

“Vor,” Vor said.

“Vor? Do you remember Vor?”

Zahn’s eyelids began to flutter as he fought to open them.

“They are keeping him sedated for the time being. He’s not fully healed and they want him to heal before he jumps up and tries to join the other warriors,” Au'revele explained.

Vor smiled. “It is a real concern with Zahn.”

Zahn continued trying to open his eyes until he could just barely squint at Au’revele.

“Your friend is here,” she said.

Vor walked around to Au'revele’s side of the bed and knelt down for Zahn to better see him. “What did you do this time?” Vor asked.

Zahn did his best to focus on Vor for several seconds before one corner of his mouth just barely pulled back in a not-quite-there smile.

“Do not worry, my friend. I am here. Many of us are here. We’re not leaving until this is all straightened out. I’m assuming your position until you are strong enough to do it yourself.”

Zahn closed his eyes for a long, long blink, then opened them again. He struggled, but managed to lift Au’revele’s hand into the air just a couple of inches above the bed. He looked directly into Vor’s eyes, though his own were bleary and just barely open.

Vor nodded and smiled at him. “I understand. She’s yours. She will be kept safe.”

Zahn closed his eyes and let go of Au'revele’s arm.

She pulled her arm back, and sat back in her chair.

Zahn opened his eyes again to see where she’d moved to.

“I’m not leaving. I’m staying here,” she said.

“I’m assigned to protect Sirena Vivian. But I’ll send two of our warriors to guard your door along with the guard already here,” Vor said.

Zahn looked directly into Vor’s gaze once more before he closed his eyes and fell into another sedated sleep.

“I feel it only right to tell you that we are not mated. I am not his female as of this moment,” Au'revele said.

“Are you to be his?” Vor asked.

“I believe so. If he still feels as he seems to now.”

“Did he say you’re his?” Vor asked.

“Yes.”

“Then you’re his. I belonged to my Ehlealah for months and months before she finally accepted me.”

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