Page 36 of Christa's Obsession

She didn’t need to see his face to know he meant it, but it didn’t help.

She lost the thread of the conversation that carried on around her as she drew strength from Silas. Their bond was so pure, his magic worked with that of her trees. The trees gathered around them, holding them both, helping to reduce Wanda’s distress.

She had no concept of time as it passed. Her head felt too heavy to move along with her limbs, even when it became a little easier to get the air to go into her body.

Breath in.

Breath out.

Breath in.

Breath out.

She mentally repeated it with her trees.

“—go to the demon realm.” She roused at Dakata’s voice.

“If you feel that would be the wisest thing to do?” The strain was evident in Silas’s voice as he tensed against her. Dakata had not been back to the demon realm since…

Her nose wrinkled at the familiar scent and with effort, Wanda opened her heavy-lidded, swollen eyes, releasing a cry.

“What… what happened here?” Christa’s demon wore a lethal expression, her gaze sweeping the forest, hands raised, deadly looking claws ready to attack.

“You’re back,” Wanda whispered tearfully. This time, the tears came in a flood of relief.

Wobbly and weak, Wanda attempted to climb out of the tree to get to Christa, her need to touch driving her. However, after the panic attack, all she could do was crawl to the edge of the open nook.

Christa’s demon was already reaching for her and effortlessly lifted her out to enfold her in her arms. Wanda’s feet dangled three feet off the ground as she threaded her arms under Christa’s hair and hugged her tightly, laying her cheek against Christa’s.

“I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “I wanted to be brave.”

“Hush now, my love.” Christa gently moved Wanda, one arm hooking under her bottom, holding her steady, while running her fingers down the side of Wanda’s cheek, being careful with the claws. “I understand. You couldn’t feel our connection. I should have considered that. But once I was there, I couldn’t leave, I’m sorry.”

“No,” Wanda sobbed. “I—”

A finger pressed against Wanda’s lips, stopping her from saying more. “It’s okay. I’m safe. Unharmed. And I understand. I do. I won’t leave you again, I swear.”

“Did the demon king agree to your request?” Dakata asked, sounding concerned.

“What request is this?” Dougal’s usual affable nature seemed to have disappeared. The gruff demand was anything but friendly.

“To protect the forest from demons and unwelcome visitors intending to harm,” Christa answered, as Wanda felt exhaustion creeping through her at the release of tension and anxiety. “I need Wanda to feel safe in her own home once more.”

“Aye, I can see why you would want that. Did the king agree?”

Wanda moved so she could see Dougal’s face. She sensed something was amiss, but his expression gave her no clue as to what it was. She would speak to him alone when she felt more like herself.

“He has and is planning to come tomorrow.” A flood of absolute relief came from Christa as she spoke.

“He will?” Dakata questioned, his shocked expression very easy to read. “Do you have to do anything for this?”

Wanda, who had relaxed, instantly tensed at Dakata’s question. “Did he want something for it?” she asked before Christa could answer her brother.

Christa met Wanda’s gaze. Giving her a reassuring smile. “No. His only request was to meet you.”

“What? Me?” Wanda squeaked in alarm. “Why does he want to meet me?” It was hard enough with Dakata, and the others she sensed that came and went, who Christa said were good. The idea of meeting the most powerful demon left her dry mouthed and terrified.

A gentle finger touched the wrinkled skin at the bridge of her nose. “Because you are my blissful one. He won’t harm you, he is just intrigued.”

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