Page 61 of Bound By Blood
Traelan flinched.
Erryn raised an eyebrow. That actually was impressive.
"You have quite a lot of mastery for one your age," Traelan said.
Ryul scoffed, but the hint of a pleased smile formed on his lips as he continued tracing the air with his finger in long even swoops. "When one's family departs the traditional paths, rigorous training is required of everyone."
Traelan nodded, then shuddered. "Too bad you can't warm it back up before you put it back in."
"Stop complaining," Erryn said, striking his shoulder lightly. "You'll heal faster now."
Hopefully. That was how it worked, wasn't it?
"It's like having dozens of ice serpents shooting up your veins but without the exhilarating high afterward," Traelan responded. He blew out a long breath as the last of the blood wove into his vein. Gritting his teeth, he clamped his hand over one wound, then the next. "Not that either of you should try that." He shook his head as he healed his other arm next. "My thanks, young blood fae. This does speed up my recovery greatly." He pulled the charms off and held his hands to his face. Steam rose from between his fingers as he breathed out heavily. "Oh, those wretched amateurs." He then threaded his hands through his hair and straightened. "A shame you dealt with them before I could contribute."
"Would your method have involved eating them?" Ryul reached for Erryn's hand and guided her back away from Traelan.
"It is an effective method," Traelan responded. "No one comes back from it."
"You said you don't eat humans." Erryn scowled, uncomfortable at that thought.
"I said I wouldn't harmyou." He flashed her a toothy smile before returning his focus to Ryul. "Not that I would dare lay a claw or scale on the beloved of such an abnormally advanced blood fae. Assuming none of what we witnessed tonight was smoke and mirrors. Not that I would expect you to admit it. It was impressive regardless." He staggered to his feet, adjusted his hat, and smoothed out the long pheasant feather. "As you both can handle matters on your own, I will presume you would like to be left to your own devices. My thanks to you both." He bowed at the waist and gave a flourish. "Good night, dear friends."
THE PARTING OF WAYS
"So…" Erryn turned toward Ryul after Traelan disappeared. She angled her chin up as she gave him a playful side eye. "I'm your woman?"
A smile twitched at his lips, but then his expression turned stoic as he studied her. His half-shaded gaze traveled up and down her body. "I'd rather you not be anyone else's, so yes."
"Is it just my soup-making abilities you want me for?"
"I feel like what I want is obvious."
Buttons barked and hopped up on his hind legs, pawing at her knee.
"Buttons did well tonight. You didn't see him, but he was every bit as good as a garm."
His eyebrow arched. "You've never actually seen a garm fight, have you?"
She scooped the dog up and held him out to Ryul. "He did so good. Kiss him and tell him you're proud of him."
He scratched Button's tummy. "Proud of you." His smile went crooked. Then he sighed. "You did good, you ugly little dog."
Buttons panted, flailed his little limbs, and fluttered his wings. She kissed him on the top of the head and set him down once again.
"He flew right at that one man's face and bit him on the nose and pushed him off the staircase. And he was so cute! His legs were like this." She demonstrated, stiffening her arms and legs. Then, darting forward, she swept up against him and kissed him on the lips. "And you were incredible."
"So were you. You're sure they didn't hurt you?"
"The most they did was when they knocked me out. Someone hit me in the back of the head."
"Let me see."
"It's nothing—"
He had already moved behind her and lifted her hair. Small prickles of pleasure swept down her neck as his fingers grazed the delicate skin there.
"There's a decent bruise here. And a little swelling. I could try to help it heal faster, but head wounds are a little riskier."
