Page 65 of Salvation
The whirlpool sensation of her Gift being tugged out of her through her hands was deeply disturbing. Then it was gone! Emptiness. Bereft. A great black abyss opened in her soul. Tears stung her eyes. Seven years of experiencing the joy of healing, and now it was gone.
“I am still with you, compa.” Beloved.
“Fyhen,” Storo’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts and she focused on his face. “All will be well. This is my word, and you have it. Watch the wonder you have begun.”
Alex glanced down. Golden light seemed to push through Dante’s clothing, growing to encapsulate his entire body as it arched up. Whatever was happening, it looked like it was working, healing her friend and mentor.
“Will he live?” Gryf asked.
“I think so.”
Her Gift surged up her arms, the force of its return swaying her body. But, it was back. Her Gift was back. It hadn’t taken more than twenty to thirty seconds, yet it had seemed like an eternity. A terrifying eternity.
“Alex?” Dante murmured.
She smoothed her hand over his hair. “I’m here, Dante.”
“Please relax for a moment, Magister,” Sakura told him. “Nick is still in danger.”
Right. One more time. Alex moved to Nicky’s side and arranged her hands over his chest.
“Ready?” asked Sakura.
One could never be ‘ready’ for this, but the alternative was not acceptable.
~*~
Heat scorched through Nick like a lightning bolt spreading out from his chest and arcing through his legs, arms, and even his head. Jesus, had the illness found a way to get around his Source? Or, worse, extinguished it? Pain ran rampant through him now, killing him. He was dying. Saku, she’d never know. Nor would Alex. He would never have the chance to make things right with his sister again.
Nick arched his back and a guttural scream poured out from the depths of his soul.
“Hold on. It’s almost over, Nick.”
Yes, and he’d welcome the end. He couldn’t take much more of this agony. Another scream welled up, pushing toward his throat…and died before escaping. The searing flames that had licked his insides vanished, replaced with utter calm. It was like being cradled in a hammock of fragrant, pale pink blossoms with his toes dangling in the warm surf. Then the blossoms and surf withdrew and all that remained was the harsh sound of his panting.
“Cripes, that’s disconcerting,” a familiar voice murmured.
Alex?
“I know. It scares me every time.”
Nick forced his eyelids opened. “Saku.”
It was. She was here, leaning over him, her perfect lips curved upward in a bow, reflecting the happiness in his heart. “I am here, Nick. You are okay, and Dante is, too.”
They were going to live. He gave his head a careful nod, in case the pain came back. It didn’t. “Now I understand what Storo was talking about when we healed him.”
“Like being burned alive from the inside.” Storo appeared behind Saku, bent at the waist so his head was lower than the ceiling of the Matiran-sized shelter.
“Exactly.” Nick reached up to cup Saku’s satiny cheek and she leaned into his palm. “God, I was afraid I’d never see you again. No, don’t cry.” He swiped his thumb pad under her eye to catch the tear as it fell from her lashes.
“Stop telling me what to do. I was scared too.”
He didn’t bother to control his grin. “Okay, I’ll stop.” He slid his hand under her hair, drew her down, and gave her a lingering kiss. “Thank you.”
“I could not have done it without your sister.”
Alex? So he really had heard her voice. He glanced to his right. Alex sat next to Dante, her arms crossed over her raised knees and tears streaking down her face. Regret flooded through him. Regret for leaving two years ago. Regret for being too stubborn to visit or to even viscomm with her on a regular basis. He sat up and scooted over to her and pulled her into his embrace. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so, sorry, Alex. I was such a dumb-ass for leaving. I didn’t mean to hurt you, or anyone.” He met Dante’s gaze over her head and his mentor gave him a small, forgiving smile and nodded.
