Page 137 of Dreams and Dragon Wings
My eyes flutter closed as I soak in this news. Aurelia is somewhere safe. She is probably with my aunties. They can take care of one another. My queen will be all right, even though I have ultimately failed her here at the very end.
« Have you? »
I open my eyes and stare straight ahead, confusion drawing my eyebrows together. “Well, I’m dead, aren’t I?”
« Are you? »
I turn my head to shoot the man composed of light still sitting at my side a bewildered look, but he’s no longer there.
Well, heisthere. The Aether is always there.
But he’s no longer trying to appear to be something he’s not for my sake.
My attention turns back to the pond, to the glittering waterfall, to the sound of laughter trickling forth on the warm breeze.
“But isn’t this the Eternal Springs?”
« Is it? »
I sigh at the Aether’s latest evasive answer.
The wind shivers through the willow branches, as if to show that my God is chuckling at me.
“Where am I, then?” I finally think to ask.
« Look, » the Aether bids me. Again, the breeze stirs, sending the waters of the pond rippling. « See for yourself. »
Cautiously, I lean forward and peek over the rim of the pond’s edge and—
I blink against the golden light of day spilling across my face, dappling my vision with colored spots. Warm water drifts around me, soaking into the linen undershirt and trousers I wear.
An equally warm weight rests atop my chest and presses into my side—a weight that thrums with body heat and a steady heartbeat. A weight that smells like summer and roses.
Aurelia.
Together, my queen and I float effortlessly atop the surface of a great, prismatic lake, as if we are a pair of otters lazing in the sun.Naei.It is no mere lake upon which we float.
It is the Living Waters.
“He is awake!” Brisa cries, and suddenly my vision is filled with three fae all at once as Aurelia lifts her head from my chest to gaze up at me, and Brisa and Glorana flit into view.
“Na’theryn,” my Jewel whispers, her hand cupping my cheek. “You slept so long we were beginning to worry.”
“He just needed his beauty sleep,” Brisa teases.
Glorana amends, “Technically speaking, we all needed the rest.”
I stare in wonder at Aurelia as my thoughts try to untangle themselves.
I’m not dead. I’malive.
But how long have I been asleep, then?
What about Malice’s army? The Aerie? Are my people fighting without me?
I try to sit up, but soon find myself groaning as soreness twinges through my torso.
Brisa makes a face and blasts a weave of Air at me, forcing me to my back again. “Oh, no you don’t. That uncle of yours crushed your rib cage, and we don’t want you moving until you’re completely better.” Adopting a loftier tone, she adds, “By decree of theTherya’kai.”
