Page 16 of Betrayed in Blood
Gregor studied me for a moment, possibly gauging whether I was lying. Then his head fell back and emitted a deep belly laugh. “This is a story I need to hear more about. For now, get your rest. I’ll explain to Devon why you’re not at lunch.”
“Thank you.”
When he was gone, I closed the door to my room and slipped off my shoes. I glanced at the purple vial I hadn’t touched and took a small sip. It would put me to sleep, but I didn’t want to be out the rest of the day.
I was debating whether to change my clothes but decided I was too tired. A second later, a knock came. I opened the door to find a slight woman barely older than me.
“I’m Jessica, the healer.”
“Come in.” Devon’s healer was much older and, based on her age, I assumed wiser. It was hard to get my head wrapped around a healer who dressed like Ginger and was named Jessica. I expected something more exotic.
She did a quick exam, much like Madame Saldano, then brought out an orange-colored vial.
“I haven’t seen an orange potion before.” But it looked suspiciously the same color as Colantha’s juice.
Her lips quirked into a quick grin. “I use the standard ones but add a special one when warranted.” She brought out the standard pink vial. “You should finish the first one I gave you and this one as well. Gregor tells me you’re going to dreamwalk again tomorrow. I’ll ask that you keep it short. In order to mend the psychic strain from today, drink half of this vial.” She held up the orange one but pulled it back when I reached for it. “Only half now and then the other half in the morning. Do you understand?”
I rolled my eyes, and she grinned. “Fine.”
“Now, take a nap.” She closed her bag and strode to the door. Before leaving, she gave me a mischievous grin. “I hear you’re a strong one. I think you’ve breathed new life into Sonja and the others to continue their training.”
Then she was gone.
I grinned. I’d never been anyone’s inspiration before. I drank the remaining pink potion, then half the orange. Damn, if that didn’t taste similar to Colantha’s juice. I wanted to drink the whole vial but remembered Jessica’s admonishment. I set the half-empty vial down then fell into bed.
ChapterFive
Devon enteredtheir suite after lunch, concerned for Cressa after Gregor told him about the morning dreamwalking session and his sending for the healer. He’d been surprised by Gregor’s and Sonja’s excitement over the sessions.
It seemed Sonja had only heard stories of what dreamwalkers could do, never having achieved the mental levels required to modify constructs like Cressa could. Many of their leaders were persecuted and killed during the dreamwalker purge. And though she’d only lost her mother a couple of decades earlier, Sonja’s mother had been extremely careful in what she shared with her daughter, even with Gregor’s protection.
Devon wanted to get Cressa’s feedback, assuming she was healthy enough to discuss it. Her mental stability and the toll it took on her body was his primary concern, regardless of how important she might be in the coming battle.
He expected to find her napping, but, instead, she was on the bench seat that overlooked the garden wearing her silk robe. She had a cup of coffee in her hands, and she turned to greet him with a smile.
“How did the tour of the Aramburus’ empire go?” Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and a knot released in his chest. She was fine.
“Empire is it?” He removed his jacket and then his tie, looking forward to wearing something more comfortable.
She shrugged and made room, patting the bench for him to sit. “From what little Gregor said at breakfast, it sounded like they control a good portion of the market in several areas.”
“He does. And even though it’s all based on technology, he appears fairly entrenched in multiple industries. From what Miguel says, they’ve recently reached out to the local shifters to discuss an opportunity.”
“Really?” She grinned over the edge of her cup. “I wonder where he got that idea.”
He kissed the tip of her nose as he sat and pulled her to him. “How are you feeling? Gregor and Sonja were quite excited about the dreamwalk.” He glanced around the room, spotting the tray with several silver domes. “You didn’t feel like coming down for lunch?”
“I feel great if just a touch of a headache. I thought it best to give it a little more time.” She slapped his knee. “Stop staring at the tray. I ate every drop of food. I just put the lids back on so I didn’t have to look at how much I scarfed down.” She pulled away and sat cross-legged to face him. “The healer, Jessica…” She scrunched up her face. “What kind of name is that for a healer?” She chuckled, then got up to refill her cup before returning to her earlier position.
When he’d first walked in and saw her staring out the window, he’d assumed she was sedate, recuperating from spent psychic energy. He was wrong. She seemed more energized rather than tired.
“Anyway, she visited after the last session and gave me the normal pink potion for the headaches but also gave me an orange-colored vial. I swear it looks just like Colantha’s juice, and it tasted like it, too.” She nodded toward the dresser. “I still have half a vial I’m not supposed to take until tomorrow morning.”
“That explains it.”
“What?”
“You seem more animated than usual after a long session. From what Gregor shared of the dreamwalking, it sounds like you expended quite a lot of energy.”
