Cursed Spirit

By CC Rose

Being hasty is Rehema’s weakness, and it will cost her dearly when she jeopardises Damien and Creston both on a fools run to the north once more. This time, La’Kera isn’t going to stand by and watch as her bond make repeated mistakes, La’Kera might be her bond, her link but even she will push Rehema to question her loyalty to the herds, to the code and to the lore of Dangora and all that she is as a Ryder. She will unleash her power of dragon magic, and make Rehema question her right within the herds. Danger is ever present and the shadow that eludes her at every turn has her tempting the darkness that stirs within. Darkness will cascade around her and the ever present phazer will elude her, tempt her and to her surprise, save her. The return of Hector will have her questioning her skills, and she is left wondering, is she actually cursed forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CC Rose
• Release date: Oct 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370771080

CC Rose

C C Rose lives in Queensland Australia.Inspired by all things magical, mystical and other worldly, creatures, fantasy and dragons most of all.Aim for the stars, and you’ll land on the moon.

Book preview

Book 8

Cursed Spirit

C C Rose

Two hearts and two souls become one.

For eternity of all, and all is felt and all is kept within the two

to live on and be one.

In a time of dark secrets, in an ageless world of sorrow

Where one could live forever if possible.

Bonded to light for eternity is where

hope and peace will consume ones soul

for the link of heart and mind.

Peace. Hope. Happiness.

It’s all one needs and seeks endlessly

~ ~ ~ * * * ~ ~ ~

For the nightmares,

~ ~ ~ * * * ~ ~ ~

Chapter 1

Clunch! Clunch! Click! Tap. Tap. Tap, tap tap tap tap, tap. Clunch.

The noise was endless, stirring my senses. The stale air was thick with salt, spices and a thick layer of must. I didn’t want to wake. I was tired, drained and aching all over. Every part of my body ached beyond words, weighted in place, and impossible to move or think about moving. I couldn’t blink, I couldn’t lift my arms or shift my legs—paralysed?

But I could feel everything. And it was endlessly painful. No end to the pain, or the torment. I just couldn’t rid it. Or will it away.

I was on a bed, covers were draped across me. The constant crunching and tapping echoed on. I focused on other sounds, softer and impossible to hear sounds—unless a Ryder of Dangora, which is what I was—(just not at my full health.) The calm breaths of those around the room were accompanied by heartbeats. Three of them. A gentle heart beat to my left and another closer to my right. The third was further away; it was the one doing the chopping and cutting. Their movements were familiar as to the scents that drifted around the room. Musky scents of men, though not overly powerful compared to the herbs and cooking of potions. The one from the back moved closer and stood next to me and touched my brow for several moments, assessing my health; fatherly. To shake something—someone beside me.

Creston? Karson whispered.

Mmm … she awake? His hand was in mine, another came to my face.

No. Not for awhile now, Creston. You should get some air.

I don’t want to leave. His hand held tight to mine. I wanted to return the gesture, I couldn’t. I was impassive to do anything but linger as a shell—a corpse?

She will be fine, said Damien, calmly.

She might need me.

You need the fresh air. It’s been twelve hours already. Karson sounded tired, perhaps wanting him to rest—elsewhere? Come on. She’ll be okay. She needs time. There was a shift in his position. Sitting further, up, maybe?

Do you have the communicator stone? Damien asked. The inability to see was annoying. Something was happening visually—and Damien’s voice confirmed it must have been a nod. Then we will be in touch.

I shouldn’t leave her side.

You need to freshen up. Least see Dawn for a while.

And it’s first Rest Day. She will be fine. Once I know Rehema is okay, I’ll return to my duties.

Creston? Karson was on the verge of questioning him. The reversing of the bond neutraliser will take time. It won’t be ready for several more hours. You need a break while you can. Rehema will understand.

There was a moment of hesitation, Creston shifting. His hand on my face, his fingers brushing a strand of hair to the side of my face, repeatedly, rhythmically. It was out of habit now. I wanted to reach out and hold his hand in mine. I was weighed down, unable to move, unable to make a sound, or move a single muscle. Not even a finger to let him know I was awake. That I was here, and all was going to be okay, right?

I’ll be back in a bit, Rehema. Promise. His lips pressed to my brow as he rose from his seat and then his footsteps were retreating and the door shut.

Karson touched my hand, lingering a moment before he walked quietly to the side where he was chopping ingredients for a potion, the reversing of the Bond Neutraliser? Damien stayed seated on my left and all fell silent around me.

I pushed on the heavy thoughts that clouded my mind. The memory of the party came to me sluggishly and vivid in a far off dream. Amber’s eighteenth birthday party. It was impulsive. Laughing, dancing, the neky’mon and the stone that was cursed. A Bond neutraliser? It wasn’t just stopping me and La’Kera talking, it was stopping everything about being a Ryder. Least the healing side … among other area’s. I couldn’t heal? Even when I pushed at the place where my mână came from—nothing.

La’Kera. I called endlessly to her.

She wasn’t there. Numb wasn’t even covering it. A whimper escaped my lips, Damien leaned forward; a touch of his hands on the bed beside me for mere moments before he sat further back. Karson had paused in his chopping for several lengths to continue without a word spoken.

My mind lingered on the emptiness, screaming to it with no response, and I was left to linger in the hollowness of my mind. Nothing was right. No Bond. I was empty of all thoughts, seeking her with no chance of finding her. For a time that was all I could think and slowly I simmered on the stone that had been placed in my palm. The strange and comical effects of seeing colour everywhere, the rays of endless auras spreading and spilling into all things around me. How I was rude with Damien, fearful and subjected to a blinding spell to stop me seeing the shadows. Remembering the cave view, which turned into the inside of an egg. A dragon chick that was calling to me, singing. Had it been a dream? I might have smiled, if it had been any other day, I might have been eager to seek it out. Without La’Kera’s voice to aid my thoughts, I wanted to cry. No. I can’t lose her. She’s mine. My Bond. My pearl.

Another moan escaped from my lips, wanting to scream to La’Kera, to have her answer.

Silence.

That’s all there was. Empty. Alone. Afraid. I trembled in the thought that it was a really bad dream.

His hand pressed on the bed again. His heart, while calm; held a string of rhythm, to slowly ease as to his breath. You should get rest yourself, Damien.

I will be fine. He sat further back in his chair. Annoyed?

She is calling for La’Kera. Karson noted.

As is expected. He drawled.

Karson chopped slower, and in my mind he’d looked over at him with those sea-green eyes of amusement, or was it wisdom? I know you don’t bond with your students, Damien, but watching you over the last few weeks, I have to admit. You seem less like I remembered.

As many have stated. I assure you, I am the same with her as I am with others.

She is different to any tutelage you have had. Karson sounded like he was smiling. You have shown her much in just a short time. Achieving Fire Balls and Wings in most of her classes.

And she, like many of you, have confused lessons with bonding. Damien snarled with a sneer. She learns faster than most, and if not shown how, she would run recklessly across the lands.

Hmm … stimulation I see.

Blind mêlée is already aiding her in ways she isn’t yet aware of.

And to think, that was once your best punishment. Karson chuckled. As to was blind track and magic.

And you did not suffer from it.

"No. But I was in my last term of training before you introduced it. Four years a Ryder if I remember correctly. Rehema is still in her first year, coming into her second part of learning and she exceeds most, if not all the final years."

A restless shift of feet, and the chair he was in sounded like he’d leant back. You would find her a challenge now, Karson. There was mock of irritation in his drawl.

Would I? Is that why you put in for extra time? You think I would be unable to keep up with her?

I believe so.

Than why tell me about the phazers if you intend on staying on as her mentor?

Damien sighed heavily. "She sees you as a father, Karson. A friend who she seeks and needs."

Hmm … she needs a guiding hand, not a hard hand. Both man snickered a laugh. Here. Help her up. Karson was beside me, wheeling a table towards the bed as he pulled the covers from my body.

What … do I have to do?

I imagined Karson smiling at Damien’s question because it was so unlike him to ask anything and stumble on the words.

Karson brushed his hand across my brow. She is still burning up. The fever of this curse is making it worse. I don’t know how your potion will make the effect leave her.

It will.

Rehema, can you hear me? Karson leaned closer as his gentle voice drew me to awareness. Yes. I can hear you. I can. I wanted to speak, but couldn’t. He touched my shoulder. I want to give you something for your fever, for the pain, he added.

Chi-ck-en? I mumbled the syllables. I don’t like the chicken potion. The sigh held on the edge of a laugh from Karson.

No. It’s not the mână replenishing potion. It’s for your fever. This ones much nicer—I made it. I wanted to smirk at his enthusiasm, something Corbin would do. Damien if you could help her up, He repeated his request.

Why! He was startled, his heart rate rose at the idea.

Well, I can’t well give her the potion laying down. Come on. She won’t bite. Think of her as one of your daughters.

That won’t work. She isn’t anything like them, and it as been far too many years since I had to feed them in this manner.

Do you want to help her up, or shall I? Karson held annoyance, which was rare.

Fine. He grumbled standing from his position. Just don’t mention it.

Your secret is safe with me, Lord Balrok. There was a deeper grumble from his throat.

Slowly someone was pulling me up.

All the weight that was holding me down, shifted and moved to my shoulders and arms. My head lolled, I couldn’t move or even try and correct the motion. There was no up or down, just—there.

You have to hold her to your chest. Rest her head like so… hold her head up a little—not too far—

Hurry up, Karson! The irritation doubled and I half wondered if he’d send a mână ball his way.

Helping your tutelage does not make you weak.

No. It doesn’t. … it’s … different. You know that.

Yes. Perhaps. Relax a little if you can. There was a pause. Rehema? I want you to drink as much as you can.

I was pressed to the chest, the heartbeat was pounding with a rhythm I had never thought possible. The bowl was brought to my lips. It smelt like pea and ham soup that Evelyn use to make me on winter evenings by the open fire and Walter would walk in with mud stained feet, getting a big laugh and a whistle as he shook of his snow covered jacket. She’s a cold one out there today. I sipped the thick liquid, remembering the time so long ago. Swallowing it slowly, and relieved to move my tongue from the roof of my mouth. I moaned at the flavour. I was starving and this was filling. Oh, so good. Soo warm and nice. I moved towards it.

That’s it, Rehema, slowly does it. Karson had a cloth at my chin catching any missed droplets, dabbing my lips as I emptied the contents and annoyed it wasn’t as full as I’d hoped. You can have more in a moment. I don’t want you getting a stomach ache.

I slumped to the chest with the bowl removed. My hand rested on the contours of Damien’s torso. The pounding of his heart intrigued me as though it was humming to a song that made me listen further. Sensing something about it. Why? For what reason? I breathed a deeper breath of contentment for the moment and the heart thrilled with excitement as to the exhaled breath. A warmth flooded into me, filling me, welcoming and … strength. Yes. It was strengthening—

What the hell is she doing!? Damien didn’t move. Stunned by the sensation that was passing through him most likely.

Taking your strength by the looks of it, said Karson, smoothly as though it was common knowledge.

That’s not possible.

It is Rehema. Creston spoke of it when she saved Connor. Said it was—

Exhilarating. Creston’s voice was at the door?

Damien shifted me from his chest, placing me on the bed, roughly. I wanted to lock my hand to his chest, to hold to that warmth. It was so inviting. Annoying it was Damien—I didn’t like him romantically. But his … strength. It was something I needed and I wished I could reach to it. The movement wasn’t possible. My head rested on the pillow and I was falling into the emptiness of no second voice, view, or place that was mine.

La’Kera! I called. I murmured to the annoyance. Creston was at my side, touching my cheek and stirring me from my lost thoughts.

I got you, Rehema. It’s okay. La’Kera’s okay, he whispered. She’s dreaming of you. She’s okay. Promise. He soothed, and it sounded familiar. Had he told me that already? His hand was in mine and the warmth that lingered. The strength he had had me filling on it as he raised it to his chest, rubbing his thumb across my knuckles rhythmically. His breath hushed as his heart thrilled at the connection.

She obviously knows her strength is failing her, said Karson. She might need more than just Creston’s. Taking his strength is helping.

That wasn’t taking something, Damien’s voice was further from the bed.

She gives something in return. Health or … something, said Creston, shrugging.

Perhaps she needs us all. Karson stepped closer, his hand on my arm. The warmth that lingered there had me stir to a strange thought. The power—energy, strength? How or why it was there, I couldn’t answer since I had no way of questioning it—I just needed it. Karson’s strength wasn’t what I wanted. His was different, not the same. She may only need one at a time than. Karson didn’t hide his disappointment.

She isn’t taking any more from me. Small amounts—that’s it. Creston rubbed my hand in his. The thrill of his heart was no more. The warmth that filled me was … enough? It’s you! gasped Creston.

Me! scoffed Damien.

Your soul has something she needs, Lord Balrok. Creston was trying not to show annoyance to the logic; and in my mind, I knew Creston was annoyed. She is seeking your strength.

This is ridiculous. I will not play these games.

Games, Damien? said Karson. Or kindness.

Do not disrespect me.

We’re not, said Creston confused. Rehema needs something from you … that’s why you two have been drawn together from the start. You shouldn’t deny her this.

"She needs potions—that’s what will give her strength. Not … strength in touch." As Damien walked further away, Karson and Creston sighed simultaneously. And then the door shut. Silence was here.

Creston squeezed my hand, falling into a haze of sleep; calling endlessly for La’Kera and finding nothing but darkness around me. No view of her dreams, no idea of her feelings, her thoughts, where she was or who she was with. Nothing. Darkness. A bitterness. And while the warmth of Creston’s hand stayed in mine; the strength I took lingered with me, filling me and slowly passing. It wasn’t enough. A flutter of his heart, the exhale of his breath and I was falling into the empty sleep of a dreamless void. A forgotten voice that was haunting my hopes. Floating and drifting to the haze of shadows and waking to the darkness and the motionless form of my body. Least to the knowledge it was the same. Pain throbbed endlessly in my body. Shivers touched my skin, and followed by a wave of heat that blistered my skin in seconds to flood with shivers of a cold. Sleep lingered on the edges as awareness pulled me to the idea of needing and wanting it, to never want it at all. The sound of crushing ingredients had stopped and started; at times it was too quiet and others it was too loud.

Listening to the hearts, the soft murmurs of little or no conversation. An air of uncertainty lingered on the edge of unspoken words. For a time I wasn’t able to sleep. I tried counting the chopping, but it wasn’t rhythmic enough and I focused on the heartbeats. Creston was sleeping beside me. His hand wasn’t touching mine, it had slipped from my grip and I hated I couldn’t move towards it. To reach out and hold it.

The door opened, footsteps moved quietly towards me. The gentle heartbeat accompanied the foot falls to pause at my left side. The chopping paused. A slight sigh was heard followed by thick pouring liquid. Karson moved towards me. Creston? he whispered, waking him. Was before a vision? It’s time Creston. He stirred awake, his hand in mine and I was able to feel the warmth. His smile was almost an image.

You’re okay, Rehema. His hand brushed along my brow as he shifted me to his chest, sitting me up. We have your potion ready. It will help you talk with La’Kera. He cradled me close to his chest. I wanted desperately to hear her. I managed a forced movement of my head. Easy. Here.

The bowl came to my lips. Bitter, salty and annoyingly spicy. I cringed and in one annoying swallow, I forced myself to down it. Hating the potion and knowing this was the only way to have her back. I would drink ten of them. The moment the potion touched my tongue the flavour hit me with a sweetness I couldn’t name. It held an intense rush as if flying. That’s it, Rehema, drink it all.

How long before she shows improvement? Karson was eager for me to be well.

A few hours, said Damien to the side. She is suffering from the other curses as well. Might take awhile. La’Kera will be the first to keep an eye on for this. Other then that, there isn’t much more that can be done.

You could help you know. Creston held a stiffness to his tone.

I have done that, Mr. Dalton.

Don’t start that crap, he growled. Detaching yourself isn’t the answer.

Call me when she is better, said Damien, coldly. His footsteps moved away. The door slammed and both men heaved heavy breaths.

Leaning on Creston’s chest, I wasn’t able to sleep, but I was comfortable. The pain had eased by the smallest amounts. I lifted my heavy lids, movement at last was there. Blurry colour lingered on the edges of my sight. The face that came into view was Karson, his black hair was tied to the nape of his neck as he assessed me with his caring sea green eyes.

Why won’t he help her? asked Creston, keeping me to his chest.

It is harder for him. Karson was cautious.

Why in the brown dragons does Rehema want his strength or energy? … or what ever it is, anyway?

Karson touched my cheek, a smile played on his lips, almost a forgotten memory of his amusement.

It could be for any number of reasons. You never questioned why she did it to you, you just accepted.

I didn’t think because I thought it was just us. Our love.

I see. Her ability to heal is blocked … much like the time in MaBela, and when she saved Connor she’d used all her mână on that one act… but here. She is cursed with three other hexes, and since she can’t use her mână, she seeks the next best thing.

Maybe it’s his cold heart, Creston teased.

You say, when she does this … it’s like your souls are dancing together.

It’s hard to explain, Karson. She … takes and gives something at the same time. Sharing together something. It’s—Exhilarating.

Perhaps that’s why it frightens Damien so. He isn’t the sharing type. Amusement lingered as Creston rocked me in his hold. Soothed, content and relaxed, I wasn’t ready to lay down. I was tired of being on my back. I wanted to stay in his embrace, sitting and peering at Karson—when my lids responded to my over focused thoughts.

Well, I hope his potion works.

As do I. She is cursed with two other dark spells. The illness is a combination of the bond neutraliser, the pain. But it’s the paralysed spell that she suffers the most. She can’t move. And, while her eyes are shut. She is awake. Just not her usual self. He reached out, tapping my nose, to wink a playful smile I remembered all to well, I wanted to return it. I couldn’t.

The pain he spoke of was real. The lost and empty thoughts of … nothing, annoyed me without words and all I wanted was La’Kera.

She maybe healed from one, but the others still remain. The neky’mon removed the stone, stopping anyone from knowing what curses were inside and while Damien was brave to take on the curses, I don’t think he would have been harmed as severely.

That’s it, Creston hissed. The pain. That’s what she wants to take from him.

I don’t think so, Damien’s pain is … too deep for her to heal.

Are you sure? Her pain for his. She makes the magic soul thing and his pain goes away as to hers. But … why wouldn’t he want to be painless?

I believe it’s the painlessness that he fears. Karson nodded, and another gesture was made. Let her rest now Creston. Let the potion do the work for us.

I was lowered to the bed, against my unheard grumbles, though the moment my head touched the pillow, I was drifting. His voice came as a far off dream.

You’re so strange sometimes, Rehema, if only you could explain it to us.

Doubt she could, Creston. You had no real idea of what she was doing and even she wasn’t aware she was doing it. Just another Dy’Monian power.

I’ll take first watch.

Are you sure? There was a gesture made and Karson started to clean away the bowls. Do be patient, Creston. And watch your tongue around Damien. The last thing Rehema needs is you being taken from her side.

I know. She won’t let Damien hear the end of it though. I hate how he denies her, or anyone around him … kindness. He can help her—he’s just refusing to do it.

Stubborn as one another, chuckled Karson.

The haze of pain lingered, pushing on the edges of the dreamless void. The pain was a constant ache, in places I couldn’t touch, move or shift. No amount of rolling from one side to the other was going to rid it. And since I was under a curse, there was no way to move. Time lost meaning, and was impossible to tell. I slept little, deeply at times, to not sleep at all. The ache of my body didn’t improve. The day had passed or as Creston pointed out with anger—

It’s been a whole day since the potion was given and no sign of improvement.

Karson had made several counter potions, the infirmary maid had been present several times along with Lady Mazella, my magic teacher. As the hours wore on and another day moved; whispers of me going to see La’Kera were discussed. I wished for her, seeking her endlessly, screamed to hear her voice, to see her view, to just know she was there and all I got was—nothing.

The pain doubled.

My head pounded, my body arched as my toes curled and my fingers locked into a aching need that didn’t want to ease.

Hey … easy, Rehema. Easy. Breathe. That’s it … breathe. His gentle voice soothed me, exhaling with pain, and needing his warmth. The strength I was taking from him, calmed me enough to mumble the annoyance, of no Bond, no second sight, no voice.

La’Kera!

The episodes increased to a point Karson had to hold me down and a calming spell was placed on me. The moment before sleep took hold, they had made their minds up. In the morning I would be taken to the den, to La’Kera for a final slumber.

The sound of the door shutting had me stir. Nothing but silence lingered. The gentle heartbeat stood at the door. It held my interest when ever it entered the room and even now, I wished I could move toward it. It was late at night, perhaps early in the morning. I had been given several different potions throughout the evening. The last one tasted rich; like coffee. I didn’t like it. The heartbeat came closer; slow, yet controlled as it paused by my bed. The rise in its rhythm as the fingers traced across my brow had the smallest hushed breath ease from my lips. The faint touch of his fingers on my skin sent a sense of awareness through me.

Do not take this as being friends, Miss Thorndale. His tone was a whisper.

I wanted to reach out—even scream. I couldn’t. The weights of my body had remained in place, throbbing endlessly. The pain was forever shifting from one part to another, but never leaving. Fingers lightly curled around my hand, sensing the warmth—the strength that lived in that hold. I was able to access it, to have it?

My right hand reached out—as heavy as it was—I needed it. His hand caught hold. Both hands clasped in his and the sensation of drawing on his strength simmered into a dream as our hands stayed locked. The pain was leaving, lifting and rising away in an exhaling breath of release. A glow of light filtered in my mind. Golden, warm, and bloomed to life as his grip tightened, engulfing us both with a strong and secure hold.

Opening my eyes to the rush of warmth, his steel blue eyes held with a smile. His breath exhaled as his heart thrilled with a rhythm of excitement and a smile of relief. Apples and oranges, Miss Thorndale.

Lemons … apples. I whispered, as his intense blue eyes held with mine. His scarred face flickered with a rare look of happiness—pure happiness.

Slowly, the warmth and strength was all I needed, falling into the realm of sleep to the far off void—the pain no longer existed and the need to rid it was gone. His hands stayed in mine, gradually drawing away from the need of having his strength and it settled as a strange dream on the haze of all thoughts. Floating to a realm of forgotten thoughts, to find the second voice calling to me.

Rehema.

La’Kera!

My light! I hear you. You have been freed.

I have. I missed you La’Kera. I’m so sorry I demanded magic from you.

That was not why we were stopped, Rehema. You know that. I could never hate you.

Nor I you. I was so worried. I was so scared.

I know my little one, as was I. I missed you much. Her mind filled into mine, to pull away instantly. I will wait until you wake. You need to rest now. I will not leave you.

Please show me all. Please let me see all that has happened. How many days have passed.

You have been ill for four evenings. I have not seen the neky’mon that gave you the stone. I wish to eat him myself if I find him. Phazer and all.

Oh, I missed you girl. Tears of joy wanted to spill, I was in the place I needed to be. My Bond. My pearl. I love you, La’Kera.

As I you. Rest, Rehema. In the morning we will talk more.

Show me your days. I whispered, lingering on every word, every image that tumbled to me. Every thought. I want to see your time, I don’t want to be alone. As the images spilled into my mind, I was soon living her sadness, pain, the lack of me not being there and all that I was suffering.

I was shut off from her, but she was not shut off from me—though the magic was. I breathed with a freedom. Still sore, but healing. Filling on all that La’Kera did, sleep slowly took me to the realm of real dreams, and to the place where my mind was freed of the pain; and the knowledge of all that happened. Feeling her mind wasn’t enough. I wanted to touch her, and in some ways having this connection was enough. It reminded me of the first time we did join as one. The first images of us—her seeing me, seeing her. I relaxed. Soon my pearl, soon I will hold you in my arms.

And I you, rest, My Light.

Chapter 2

Stretching my legs out for the first time in days. I blinked awake to the sensation. To move. Oh, I missed moving. Fingers, arms, body, head, back, oh, the back was able to bend. I wanted to giggle with the sensation and shifted my hand to bump into someone beside me, waking them in the process.

Rehema! You’re awake! Creston stared wide-eyed, blinking twice to make sure it wasn’t a dream. I reached out to him, pressing my palm to his cheek.

I’m awake, I whispered. My voice was stiff, and dry. I rolled further to take in his messy hair, spiked, but pressed more to one side since he’d stayed in that position for hours by the looks. His brown rustic eyes fluttered as his awe expression remained, he looked exhausted, more than I’d expect of him.

You’re awake, he repeated with delight. Oh, Rehema! He reached to me with speed. Pushing himself into me. His head buried into the nape of my neck as his arm tightened around me. I was so worried. So worried about you. Are you okay? He muffled into my neck. A hushed plea was clear, sadness and deeper emotions stirred. Feeling his warmth, the worry and knowledge of all that happened, I wrapped my arms around him, breathing in his familiar scents, the salty apple spices that made me moan with him so close.

I’m okay, Creston. I have you. I have La’Kera. I’m better than okay. His eyes stared into mine, cupping my face, leaning in and pressing his mouth to mine to widen the kiss. I love you, I whispered.

"I love you. His mouth captured mine in that strong kiss that was able to tell me how worried he was, how scared and unsure, it was all there. That kiss told me, he really did fear for me. And I kissed him back, to hold him and reassure him it was all okay now. You were so sick, Rehema. So pale. You didn’t move, didn’t talk and being cut off from La’Kera like that. I was … His breath caught with the emotion as he kept his face hidden from me. I thought I lost you."

You didn’t, Creston. I’m not going anywhere. I rose further, pressing my palm to his cheek and brushing my thumb across his lips. I know … from what La’Kera has shown me, that I was … drunk at the party and I insulted Damien; and well … I’ve been sleeping four days away. I scanned the room. But I want to see her.

Of course. Creston helped with the sheets to find I was in a night shirt—not my bed wear. You needed to be bathed. I have a set of fresh clothes by the bathing room just in case you woke.

Like now. I smiled, I was fresh, alive and awake.

How are you? Headache? Soreness?

Creston?

Just double checking, Rehema.

Please. No more questions. I’m better than good.

The potion must have worked than. His fingers entwined with mine. It was our last option before we took you to La’Kera this morning. But … it worked. You can hear La’Kera?

And she is singing endlessly for me.

I pushed at the covers and climbed from the bed, eager to run to the window. To peer outside and find her perched on a north dragon roost. Her pearl form glowing in the morning sunlight, casting a pastel hue across her form as she rumbled with a deep stare, she peered at me through the window. My pearl, I whispered; too thrilled and rocking on my heels to the song that filtered in my head. Creston embraced me from behind, he wrapped his arms around us, encasing me with a deep sigh as he nuzzled my neck again. I was happy. Watching La’Kera, listening to her. Our minds blending together as always.

Oh, I missed her so, I said.

I know. You cried for her endlessly. She could hear you, just unable to get you to hear her.

Ugh, I remember the pain. It was so hard to move.

As Karson said, you were probably awake through most the day, just unable to talk or open your eyes. Bet that was the worst—among other things.

Yeah. Um… Did I hit Damien?

Among many things that are all in the past. You were not well. The stone from the neky’mon was cursed with three different spells, charms took some of them away. Potions had to do the rest—but we couldn’t get the main spell to lift. The pain and paralysing hex wasn’t lifting. He squeezed me tighter to sigh heavy. I feel lost in a dream right now, Rehema. Call me a fool if you must.

I wouldn’t. I turned into his embrace, his hands slipped to my hips and further to my backside. If it is a dream. It feels awfully real. I lifted my heels to kiss him, to fill on his passion.

Rayn’Nar assures me it’s not a dream. He slowed the kiss to peck my nose, and gaze into my eyes as I did him. With his palm on my cheek and the song of La’Kera had the breath of peace wash over me.

I better have a shower, I breathed. I want to see La’Kera outside.

Creston dipped his head, allowing me to have the time to freshen up.

Once fresh from my four days of illness, I changed into my basic wears and rethreaded my curls into a side braid, I was ready to go visit La’Kera, Creston reached for my hand when the door burst open, and Karson stood in shock.

Hey, I managed, shifting from Creston; I walked towards Karson. His broad shoulders swallowed me to his hold as I melted into his warm embrace that had me run out of breath. I’m okay, Karson, I managed. His emotions held with concern and as he eased his hold he lowered his head to stare at me, dropping his gaze to my form and back to my face. Healed.

You had us so worried, he embraced me again, fatherly.

Can’t breathe.

Sorry. I … this. You’re okay?

Yes. Good. As I told Creston. Some time during this morning, I heard La’Kera and lingered with her thoughts to wake now. Oh, I missed so much training, I said, at the logic it was morning—combat lessons were at an end.

Rehema? You only just woke up from a severe hex. Training can wait. He squeezed my shoulder with a wide smile. Damien will let you off this once, I’m sure.

I don’t know. Pretty sure he’d want me to train in my sleep if it was possible.

Come on, let’s get some real food into you first.

I want to see La’Kera, I voiced. She hasn’t eaten a thing while I was asleep.

And she should take the moment to hunt. Karson steered me to the door and away from the window view of La’Kera.

A pang of guilt touched me and it was now I realised mine and La’Kera’s emotions were splashing into each other—like the first connection. She was starving, I was starving, she was guilty I was guilty. We didn’t know who’s feeling it was, just that we were feeling it.

Go, eat my light. I will too. I will see you soon. She took flight from the tower to soar towards the east where the hunting grounds were, Rayn’Nar and Sky’Ros were not far behind her. She’d stayed at the roost the entire time and refused to race, learn or leave.

Walking the halls, Creston holding my hand; the tight squeeze and small smile of his happiness showed.

Er … does Damien know I’m awake? I asked, seeing that he should have been here—insulting my sleeping quarters and wears at least.

He knows, said Karson. He was the one who informed me of La’Kera’s change of mood. That curse, the neky’mon …

Oh. Er … I paused in mid step. "Did Damien tell you about