Page 34 of Enchanted Kisses
Caiden gave me a confident nod, then leaned to my ear. “Remember what I told you. Your mother uses either words, wind, touch, song, or kiss to heal. You can do this, Lily.”
Way to be put on the spot, I wanted to say. My pulse hammered in my veins. I tried to calm myself.Mind over matter.All I have to do is believe.
Caiden scooted closer to Alliston’s head and patted the space he’d vacated for me to take his spot.
I settled near his grandfather’s chest and placed my shaky hands over his, where they rested atop his stomach. The coldness of his skin reminded me of Dagan. Was it from him being sick or did he always feel this cold?
“Alliston? Can you tell me what to do…how to heal you?” My voice wavered. If I didn’t get a grip, Caiden would douse me with more of his feel-good juice. I had to hold it together.
Alliston’s mouth twitched with a small grin. His eyes opened to reveal silver orbs with blue flecks. “Lily?” he murmured.
“Yes.”
“You,” he cleared his throat, “look like your mother.”
I glanced at Caiden, unable to keep from smiling.
He winked. “Told you.”
Confidence might have budded within me. I returned my attention to Alliston and squeezed his hands lightly. Trying for the power of touch, I chanted in my head,Heal. Heal. Heal.
I had no idea what I was doing. I nibbled on my bottom lip and scanned his body, looking for a sign. Glowing skin. Rosy cheeks. Gold light.
Nothing happened.
His eyes closed again.
“Alliston, do you feel better?” I asked, hopeful.
No response.
Damn. Giving the power of words a try, I let go of Alliston’s hands and closed my eyes. “Gods and goddesses, please heal this man. I mean, sentry…uh, king.” I peered sideways at Caiden. “What do I call him? Does he have a special title or status?”
“I believe you covered them all.” His lips pinched together, as if he held back a smile. “Well done. Keep going.”
I gaped at him, then rolled my eyes and looked away. Yes, I had sounded like an idiot, but was he actually laughing at me? He might not look like my Caiden, but some things about him were exactly the same. Instead of getting angry, I found his familiar behavior comforting.
Ignoring him, I brought my focus back to Alliston and sent a silent prayer to my mother. “Please, tell me how to heal this man. Sentry. Ugh. King. Please, tell me what to do.”
I waited, hoping she would appear and take over. Nope, that would be too easy.
Sweat beaded across my forehead. I thought I’d try the power of a kiss. I lifted Alliston’s hands to my lips and kissed the top of each.
Again, nothing happened.
Hmph.I stifled a groan of frustration. This was like taking an exam I hadn’t studied for—something I’d only done once. I whispered to Caiden, “It’s not working.”
He touched my hand. “Give it a minute.”
Needing his calming effect, I didn’t pull away. Instead, I closed my eyes and welcomed the warmth spreading over me like a fleece blanket. Soon, heat prickled at my fingertips. I opened my eyes, curious to see whether my skin glowed. It looked the same as always. Caiden’s touch must have caused the sensation.
“Try another,” Caiden said, confidence still glinting in his eyes. He nodded and removed his hand.
What others were there? I recalled his words.Touch, kiss, words, wind, song.Unwillingto break into a melody yet—or at all, if I could help it—I raised my hands and waved them back and forth.
“What are you doing?” Caiden grabbed my wrists and pulled my arms away from his grandfather.
Did he think I was going to smack the man?
