Page 54 of Song of Scent and Magic

At first, it was just a tingle, like pins and needles all through my body.

In a handful of moments, it escalated to searing pain.

Every bone in my body shattered into shards. Every nerve, every vessel, every organ was pressed tight like a thousand tiny hands squeezed them, dug in nails or talons.

I threw my head back and screamed.

And screamed.

And screamed.

21

Khala

"Her fever has finally broken." Tavian sounded exhausted. Hewasexhausted. Weary right down to the bone. And worried, but that seemed to have lessened.

"It's about time," Vayne grunted. He was tired too. "I'll get Ryze."

Tavian grunted, unintelligible, but sounded like an agreement.

Something cool and wet slid across my brow. A cloth, wiping away sweat and damp hair.

My eyelids twitched. They felt like they didn't belong to me. I wanted to open them, but they wouldn't obey.

"Hey," Tavian said softly. "You're awake? Khala?"

I managed a murmur in response, just a soft one from the back of my throat.

I forced my eyes to open a slit, and found myself in almost total darkness.

My nest.

My memory was hazy. I went into heat and then… Then the pain. Then there was nothing. Until now.

He ran the washcloth over my forehead again.

"How are you feeling? You've had a high fever for about three days. I was starting to think it wouldn't break. Here, I'll get you some water." He leaned away, and came back with a cup and a straw which he pressed against my lips.

I managed a couple of sips before he took the cup away again.

"You shouldn't have too much. Your stomach is empty. I'll send down for some soup soon."

"What happened?" I asked. "Was I sick?" I’ve never heard of an illness that caused so much pain. It might be peculiar to… Gods, I was with the Fae, unless all of that was a dream.

"Not sick exactly," he said carefully. "Don't worry, you'll be fine now."

He didn't quite believe his own words. How did I know that? I felt…him. His presence and his emotions. He mentioned a fever. Was I hallucinating?

I struggled to sit up and lean back against the pillows. "I remember pain. So much pain. I didn't think it would end."

"It's over now," he said gently. "You passed out and now it's over."

"What if it happens again?" My voice was a hoarse whisper.

"It won't. I promise." That, he did believe.

"Tave," I said his name slowly. "What happened to me?"

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