Treasured Sands: Soula Deveraine, #2

By Chera Carmichael

Helping Zoe Caranthe is a favor Saera can't refuse. Old debts are resurfacing and she can't outrun them again. Caught between fragile new friendships and increasingly dangerous assignments, Saera teeters on the edge of a fractured past that could ruin everything. Between old memories, Zoe's schemes and Soula's awkward attempts at courtship, her instincts flip to survival mode. Accepting Soula might be the anchor she craves, but can she risk her heart one more time? 

 

For Soula, playing with time is getting risky. Especially when she can't get Saera out of her mind—or her heart. When Saera's unexpected guest becomes a volatile variable, there's too many unexpected horrors. Bonding with Orion hasn't solved any of the problems she'd expected and Saera is the grounding influence she needs. 

 

Can she balance a reluctant courtship before her time-manipulation unravels them both?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chera Carmichael
• Release date: Dec 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393907824

Chera Carmichael

Chera Carmichael (aka Scioneeris) to her TBDH fans is a Writer by night and a 9-to-5 worker by day. Her dragel stories feature slow-burn Poly romances featuring dragons, soulmates, elemental powers and otherwordly adventures.

Book preview

1

Prologue

Saera — My Errands, Your Errands

Xander stroked idly along my shoulder, his body growing tenser by the minute. It was enough of a change to pull me from my half-asleep musings.

…you’re thinking too loud, I murmured. A lazy morning was exactly what I needed and I was loathe to disturb any chance of that little daydream becoming a reality.

He grunted, predictably. Never quite one for early morning conversations.

Sometimes I was sure it was the way his shadows were dispersed by natural daylight, except for his room was just like mine. No windows to let in any natural light. Just rock lamps in each corner, glowing softly. No need at all for him to be grumpy.

You’re up? He shifted enough to allow me to get free, if I wanted.

I snorted. No. I tugged him back down to half-smothering, sliding my unscaled hands along his dark-scaled torso. Something startled him, but I doubted he’d tell me what.

Still, curiosity lingered.

Bad sleep? I coaxed, cuddling closer.

The hand rubbing my arm, shifted to curl around me, settling at my waist, his chin pressed to my temple. You were restless.

Stir crazy, I corrected. All this energy and nothing to do with it.

Xander huffed a laugh. You have all the subtlety of an earthquake, he drawled.

I scraped my fangs along his neck for that comment.

His breath hitched, before the hand on my waist shifted to slide up between us. No biting, he said, firmly. If you need blood, then ask for it without-

Wasn’t going to, I muttered, leaning back, the moment broken. You know I wouldn’t. I was just teasing—and hoping.

His dark eyes studied me in silent thought. Maybe you should run off that extra energy, he suggested.

The deflection hurt, but I already knew better than to push at whatever this was that we had. I wanted more than he was willing to give, even though he wouldn’t step up the way my instincts craved.

We were a lovely mess.

Not that anyone ever noticed.

I don’t need a run, I muttered, sliding out from the covers and onto my feet, shadow-quiet. The thought of lounging around in bed was no longer appealing.

Xander continued to stare up at me, his eyes unreadable. Don’t start with me, he half-growled. I’m not in the mood to-

"You’re never in the mood and most certainly never in the morning, I snarked. I can take a hint, Xander. You don’t have to rub it in." I fished in the pile of clothes on the ground and picked out his shirt to wear just to be contrary.

Saera-

I’ll just get out of the house and run some errands and stuff, I said, a tad carelessly. You haven’t even turned in your paperwork on that whole Belden incident, have you?

Xander froze.

A low blow for sure and I knew it, but I was annoyed. Especially since he didn’t do any of the damn paperwork and I did. The reports in question were on my desk in the corner of my room.

I’ll get it filed and see about getting one of my armor sets repaired while I’m out. Got the entire left shoulder destroyed on one of them. I wrestled his shirt on over my head and scowled when it barely came to hip height.

Oh well. It wasn’t like it mattered.

Have anything you want repaired?

…Marcella and Tobien might.

I’ll ask them if I see them.

Saera-

And if I don’t see them, I’ll just ask when I go to pick it up.

You’re not staying to wait on them?

I think I’ll go window shopping.

Xander groaned. I’m not buying you new armor.

I did your paperwork, Xan, I said, mildly. You’ll buy me anything I want, won’t you?

You don’t need-

Petra needs it.

Xander crawled out from under the covers, sitting on the edge of the bed. Petra?

She was shielding Tobien, I think. Her armor took the worst of it. She’s lucky she’s fire. I tried not to look at him, but it was easy to see the way his shoulders drooped out of the corner of my eye.

He should know these things and yet—I was the one always sharing it. Even if I wasn’t as finely attuned to other things, I was good at this.

Fine. Petra’s armor. A small bade for yourself, if you’re still annoyed with me for not notice.

Aw, Xan, I didn’t know you cared.

We might need you later, so don’t linger.

You’ll be fine. Trust me.

Xander merely grunted.

2

Saera — A Little Bit Of Blood

I stumbled out of the arena slightly worse for wear. My healing sluggish on account of being hit with a sizable poison barb. It’d come from the exotic carnivorous plant that took a good chunk out of my left shoulder. The arena medics did a great job of patching me up halfway and leaving the rest for my natural healing.

That was typically the way it was done due to the high volume of Gheyos passing through the Healing Halls on their way in or out of the arena circuit.

I just needed it to hold together so my body could do the rest. Taking my time in getting back home would be enough. What Xander didn’t know wouldn’t kill him.

And if he did find out, it wouldn’t be too bad. A lecture or a week of growling and grumbling was tolerable most times. It wasn’t as if I actually ever told him how many duels I completed. He certainly never asked and it was better that way for both of us.

Walking was painful, but slowly numbing as my healing repaired what it could. I ignored the trail of blood that dotted the floor as I went. It would stop soon enough.

There was just the small matter of turning in Xander’s paperwork and picking up my winnings. A little extra pocket money never hurt. Especially not with my taste for expensive armor that usually came out of my own pockets.

I stopped by the locker wall to pick up the papers and personal things I’d stashed before signing into the arena. A few good-natured cheers and slaps on the back came from fellow Gheyos who’d just completed the same circuit.

Nice blades out there, called one Gheyo King. He winked. If you want any company, gorgeous—you know where to find me.

I laughed. And if I ever need another blade in my side, I’ll sign you up at first light.

More laughter rose from the queue of Gheyos waiting their turn to retrieve their belongings.

If he’s not to your taste, darling, I’d offer, purred a lovely Gheyo Queen standing two paces away. Her soft fluffy brown hair was pulled up into a high ponytail and there were five healing scratches from her cheek to her neck from where she’d fought and won in her own fight.

And if you were to mine, I’d accept, I said, grinning to soften any possible chance of it sounding like an insult.

Her smile grew wider. Well, if you ever change your mind, I sure wouldn’t mind.

I bumped shoulders—carefully—with her on the way past. She was cute and short. It would be fun, if I wasn’t such a bloody mess at the moment.

By the time I healed over and dropped off Xander’s things, there’d be barely enough time to pick up the new armor for Petra and get back to the house before everyone else was up and about.

Skipping more than one meal only riled Garren and Orion tended to give me first pick of assignments at breakfast time. Best not to disrupt our usual morning routines.

If I could help it.

I picked up my things and headed out for one of the central information hubs along the outer sections of the Gheyo area. A few protective charms kept Xander’s paperwork clean and gradually the taste of blood disappeared from my mouth as I went.

The line was long when I finally found the hub I needed. Shuffling into place, I struggled to stay upright, finding my vision a tad blurry.

Maybe I’d overdone it.

Though I couldn’t see how the Medics would’ve let me get past in such a state. They were thorough and efficient.

I cracked a yawn and moved forward three steps with the line.

Hey—you alright? The ACE in front of me turned, his dark eyes lined with worry. I can take you to the Healing Halls if you-

Two circuits. Speed run, I said, by way of explanation. Sorry about the-

He turned quickly, catching me by the shoulders. Whoa there—take it easy.

Sorry. I winced. My balance is a little off.

He frowned. They let you out of there like this?

…might be poison, I said, grimacing. It kind of burns.

His eyebrows arched upward. Poison?

Shh. I patted half-heartedly at his hand, my vision doubling. It’ll pass in a minute. I’ve had worse.

He frowned. I wish I hadn’t heard you say that, he said, mildly. What kind of ACE lets you out and about-

I wrenched free of his grasp in time to turn and cough up a bloody, purpled mess of something onto the stone floor beside me. Too late, I missed the floor and caught the boot of an unlucky passerby.

Guilt and embarrassment warred for dominance as I straightened up as best as I could and dipped my head. S-sorry about that. I’m a little-

My stomach heaved.

The ACE sighed. He stepped forward, hand reaching out to rest on my shoulder. If you’d excuse her, he began.

I jerked away from his touch, instinctively more than anything else. The sudden movement sent me toppling into the stranger’s path with a grunt.

Sorry, sorry, sorry, I chanted, reflexively. I reached up, digging my clawed hands into my chest and forcing my healing energy to the forefront.

It came in a sudden rush, all outer wounds sealing over and all poison purging by way of the dark tears that burned down my cheeks. I turned my face to the side to hide it. The process was quick and efficient, but not pretty.

I bowed formally, heels clicking together, gaze appropriately lowered. My sincere apologies. I did not see you there and I didn’t mean to let my recklessness inconvenience you.

…those were my favorite shoes, the stranger said, stiffly. I expect some kind of-

I dug out one of the winning tokens from my pocket and handed it over. Here. It’s good. Not cashed or converted. Please accept this in addition to my apology. I am so sorry.

There was a slight pause, then a half-huff and growl in one. Next time, watch where you’re…well. They didn’t finish, but instead pushed on through the crowd.

I didn’t have a chance to do anything else, because the line moved forward and I hurried to keep up. A quick cleaning spell fixed the issue of the blood and vomit.

The healing, though rushed, settled into my bones, drawing out a deep weariness that had gradually crept up on me over time. That was the price for expending so much energy and magic in such a short time.

I pasted a smile on my face as the ACE turned around again, his expression unreadable. So sorry about that, I said, pleasantly. I didn’t mean to offend in any way.

His brow remained furrowed. You’re—safe, right? He checked.

I froze.

You flinched, he said, quietly.

I glanced at his shoulder to check for the designation badge that would tell me exactly what kind of an ACE he was. The soft gray strip on the corner of his uniform denoted him as a Training ACE. The kind that knew what to look for.

Great.

…I’m fine. Probably shouldn’t be in line after all of that, but I’m running errands.

His frown did not change. And afterward?

Back home, sir. To my ACE and our Suite.

…and you’re happy?

Infinitely.

He looked as if he wanted to say something, but chose instead to sigh and turn back around.

The line moved forward.

I eventually had my turn, placing the official papers on the counter and leaning against it for balance. I was healed up, but tiring quickly. Filing for Saera Carrowytch.

Any extra declarations or notations?

Ah, on behalf of— I spelled a privacy bubble over the window out of habit. Xander Kreyfer.

Filed, came the droned answer. Please sign.

I did.

A confirmation ticket was slid through the window and I took it, tucking it into my Flexi-suit for later. Maybe I could pick up Petra’s armor later. A nap sure sounded good right now…

I made it five steps towards the exit, before I stumbled again, this time knocking into another unfortunate soul. A sharp hiss and a growl met my ears.

Watch where you’re going, woman!

Sorry, I murmured. Healing lag. My balance is a bit off—do you mind? I dug an actual coin out of my pocket instead of a token and pushed it into their hand. That would have to be enough. I wasn’t about to just hand out all of my winnings for accidentally bumping shoulders.

Another growl came from the irate Gheyo, but I didn’t wait for them to decide it wasn’t enough. If I stopped to engage, it’d be ugly. Best to keep walking, pulling a bit sharply on my Earthen element to stay standing upright.

I definitely needed to get home—and into bed. At this rate, I’d offend half of the higher ranked Gheyos by simply existing…

3

Soula — Nighmares, Still

They came for me, at night.

Clawing and tearing apart the thin fabric of time I’d gathered around my trembling shoulders. I couldn’t bear it. I needed to wake up.

Needed to end the nightmare.

Anything to keep the awful prophecy from coming true, because that’s what this was. It had to be. There was no reason at all to be stuck in these kinds of things.

…oula! Soula! Wake up—come on—listen to me. It’s just a bad dream. It’s just a dream, you’re fine. Everything’s fine, I swear-

Orion.

His lovely, strong voice. His warm, comforting embrace. He was here and he was real enough to reach through the twisted darkness in my mind.

I clung to him as the nightmare faded away and my body remembered how to function. Eventually, my eyes opened to see nothing but blackness in our bedroom. I couldn’t make out a single thing.

Fear froze me in place. Maybe I hadn’t actually awakened from the horrors my mind had concocted overnight.

Orion’s grip tightened around my shoulders. Shhh, he soothed. I know it’s dark, but it’s alright. The shadows aren’t mine, but they’re friendly. They started filling the room when you were tossing and turning. I think—you worried them, you know?

I tried to speak and couldn’t. Words wouldn’t come. The shaking started next. My teeth chattered, and my magic burned beneath my skin. It was tempting—so very tempting—to freeze time here and scamper back a few hours. Just long enough to the point where I was about to crawl into bed.

A moment where I wouldn’t have to think about darkness, shadows and everything else I’d tried to forget from the past few days.

The nightmares had started up once I brought Margaret Blackthorne back.

A once proud researcher had turned into a frightened vampire with the kind of flashbacks that left no question as to what had happened to her at the hands of Marshall. They thought she was dead now.

Only luck would keep my deception from becoming known. I couldn’t explain how I’d gotten so lucky. But no one had pried and I’d glossed it over as best as I could.

I’d revealed Margaret to Orion and the others, as soon as it was safe to break the stasis from the Void Stone. Thankfully, they’d taken her to see a proper Healer and tried to get in touch with any surviving family—as discreetly as possible. She could not identify any of the original thirteen vampire clans nor would she give the name of her Sire.

Something was off about her, but I couldn’t tell what it was. At times, I had the vaguest sense that she wasn’t just an ordinary vampire. But I had nothing to compare it to and randomly visiting strangers among the vampire clans seemed like a stupid idea.

In or out of Loop.

She kept her secrets like I kept mine—tightly locked away, as if upon fear of death. Well. Minus the fear of death for me. I’d at least see it coming and have time to run.

Margaret’s lack of information left us with a handful of options. Orion suggested entrusting her to one of the general health clinics under the protection of one of the Royal Military Circles.

That had been good enough for the time being, so I hadn’t questioned it. I hadn’t mentioned it to Dahlia either, something that I was sure would come back to bite where it’d hurt.

The less she knew of my affairs, the less would go back to the family. They’d probably help, but this was my problem. I’d gotten into it on my own and I could get out of it too.

Maybe. The more I thought about it, curled up in Orion’s arms, the more I wanted to ask for help. To just tell someone what was happening and how confusing it was. I didn’t know what to do that wouldn’t put me in the way.

Orion and the others had worked on this case for a long time. Most of the details were still unknown to me and I didn’t want to stick my nose where it wasn’t wanted.

Not if I couldn’t help them, anyway. Instead, I’d thrown myself into translating the weird diary of horrors.

Each page was significantly more chilling, now that I had some context to solidify it in my exhausted brain. Creeping around the Belden Mansion hadn’t done me any favors. An excursion I’d had to carefully explain by not explaining much of it at all. A few Loops had helped me to bypass direct questions.

Keeping these sorts of secrets would have hurt, if this was the first time I’d Looped. Secrets that were protected made it easier to swallow than thinking of them as lies.

At least, no one had called me out on it yet and my Loops were holding. As long as they held, I’d do whatever it took to keep it that way. To keep them safe. No matter what.

My heart ached, a fierce throb in my chest that refused to ease, even though I was already counting my breaths. Calmness wouldn’t come.

Hey, hey—shh. Orion kissed the top of my head, rocking me gently in his arms. Stay with me—don’t drift back into that place. You’re awake. It’s fine. It’s all fine.

I snuggled closer to him, nose pressed to the half-scaled patch near the claim mark on his neck. I’d startled him out of sleep, apparently. His natural defense was an immediate half-morph into his compact dragel form.

Still, he was calmer than I felt. His scales were already retreating and a soft pulse of warmth filtered through our bond. I listened to his voice and tried to believe that a few hours of snatched sleep was actually enough to keep me coherent and functioning.

Bite if you want, he offered. I don’t mind.

I tugged at his collar, revealing smooth, warmed scales and a distinct claim mark on the right side of his neck. It was finally healed after all this time. A thin-lined, circular tattoo. The symbol inside was a variation of the crest for the Royal Crown of Deveraine.

My personal crest. Nothing fancy, just a simple border, a couple of triangles overlapping and an infinity loop.

Orion had laughed—delighted when he’d first seen it.

I’d barely contained my horror.

But he hadn’t guessed my secret at all. Instead, he’d kissed me soundly for choosing such a romantic symbol and said that he hoped it stayed forever, just as the infinity loop promised.

The mark could change, depending on the rest of my Bonded. Our Bonded, now. But there were more important things before my own romantic endeavors.

If you’re not going to bite, I’ll-

I kissed the mark, focusing on pushing thin threads of calmness through our shared Bond.

It worked. He relaxed.

I bit, delicately. My fangs were small, but sharp. I had no need of any other kind. They’d stopped growing one year after my inheritance had come in. His blood, tangy and rich—was like a pure shot of a magical replenishment drink. A zing of energy that made my body sing with unbridled joy.

Forget sleep. A few good mouthfuls of this and I could fly from the rooftops. A tentative purr built up in my chest and I forced it down. It was just a bit of blood. No need to get all happy about it.

Orion huffed, settling back against the mound of pillows on the bed, careful not to jostle me. A comfort feed was usually only between Bonded and for me—and this would be the first time I’d sought one from him. I’d refused his previous offers, afraid of somehow letting something slip through our bond, before I was ready to admit it.

Was it that bad? He asked. Gentle fingers combed through my messy braid, untangling them with a flicker of magic so he could run his hands through the glossy waves.

Margaret, I said, softly. I licked the bite, watching as it healed over.

Again?

Same dream. They find her. They take her back. I can’t stop them. You can’t stop them. They take me too. I shivered. "Everyone gets involved. Everyone dies. Stupid, stupid, stupid!"

It’s just a dream.

Hate it.

I know.

Really, really hate it.

…at least you know there’s no prophetic gifts in your family? He offered.

I snuggled closer. He was warm and perfect in the way that I needed. I traced over the half-faded scales along his stomach. My nightmare must’ve really worried him, if scales had come to the surface. No. Just an Air Affinity, not that it does me any good with this lot.

He snorted. Don’t even think of it. Can you imagine the chaos?

I could. It was almost amusing. An Air Affinity among a house full of Air-types would be the endless drama that was the entire Deveraine Clan. Well, we weren’t that bad, but honestly, there were some things that I’d just as soon not deal with.

Orion was trying though. It was a decent effort to distract me. The nightmare still lingered, the images fresh in my mind, but his warmth kept me grounded. I sat still for a few minutes longer, enjoying the cuddle and the fact that I didn’t really have to move, if I didn’t want to.

The house’s shadows returned to the corners of the room. More light filtered in, from the windows along the top of the wall. We’d relocated to the upper floor after our Bonding, so as not to cause any problems for the rest of our housemates below.

A pointless thing, really, because I could still feel them—sense them—in my very soul.

Right now, the mansion felt empty.

Too empty.

I didn’t want to stay in it either.

Is everyone out?

Think so. Ryder handed out assignments and everyone split for the day.

Can we go to the clinic?

Breakfast first?

Yeah.

Alright. Let’s go.

4

Soula — The Clinical Check-In

The Clinic was quiet when we arrived.

Orion led the way, my hand tucked in the crook of his elbow. We’d eaten a mountain of food as usual. Or rather, I had gone through three and a half-servings of the usual, from the sheer amount of magic I’d used.

I hadn’t Looped between getting out of bed and leaving the house, but it had been tempting. Instead, I’d tried to compile the latest bit of translations from the diary and that had taken more magic than I wanted to admit.

Orion hadn’t said a word as he’d watched me with worried eyes, making a sizable dent of his own into our mountain of food. It was still strange to be walking around, as if there was nothing to be worrying about.

No Spook. No prying eyes. No noticeable enemies that seemed to care about a newly bonded Submissive and Beta enjoying a perfectly normal breakfast.

He ‘ported us out and to the Clinic, where my stomach had flipped over twice. Sometimes, just seeing Margaret made sand start to pour down from the ceiling.

Too much of it and I knew I’d want to meddle again, even if it wasn’t really needed. I’d saved her with sheer luck and now, it would take all of my willpower to leave her saved.

To my dismay, there wasn’t a friendly face at our arrival. There was one dragel on duty and I hated talking to her. A certain Matron Olivia with ties to one of the Evanson Clans.

I couldn’t recall a single time that I’d actually interacted with her and hadn’t wanted to bite her head off afterward. The sour expression on her face promised the same degree of mutual dislike.

Orion glanced down at me and then back at Matron Olivia. He didn’t say a word, but instead, summoned up the same sort of bland, polite smile that I recognized from our first meeting in the library archives.

Good morning, we’re here to check on a special patient, he said, smoothly. I am Orion Kuroe-Orseno and they were admitted with very specific instructions?

Matron Olivia mirrored back a fairly insincere smile. What excellent timing! I believe someone’s just gone to bring an updated report to the front desk.

Wonderful. We’ll wait.

A beat of awkward silence passed. Matron Olivia shuffled out from behind her small welcome table and started off to the right, with a sharp flick of her fingers.

I’ll take you there. No point in clogging up the lobby for a five-second report that can be sent directly to your personal communication-

That’s very kind of you, Orion said. He kept his smile in place. Do lead the way?

Matron Olivia made a strange sound in her throat, but continued on, her head held high, her back straight.

I tried not to notice that her hands were already half-clawed and as close to curled fists as she could manage.

The problem with using general health clinics was the lack of specific care and consideration to rank and personal preference.

Namely, it wasn’t like visiting one of the Kalzik clinics or even their personal healing rooms within their Ancestral Estate. We could visit them, sure, but I knew the Kalziks well enough to agree with Orion.

They would give the secret away without meaning to. Especially given their strict rules, healing Oaths and the recent closeness to King Raspen. They’d be honor-bound and Ryder wasn’t in the mood to deal with royal hurt feelings and pointless protocols.

Perhaps that was why Orion had spoken up.

I tightened my grip on his elbow, shuffling along with more energy than I felt. The temporary boost from the comfort feed was muddled with my oversized breakfast and now I was drifted towards a vaguely troublesome mood.

The kind of mood where my frayed patience would result in snappish answers and half-growls of annoyance.

You’re scowling, Orion murmured. He patted my hand. I’ll talk to them, you don’t have to worry about it.

I scowled a little harder in answer. It was nice of him to do that, but I was feeling too prickly to acknowledge it.

Matron Olivia was the head Healer over this Clinic, as evidenced by the ranking stripes on her burgundy-and-cream uniform. She ushered us down one of the private hallways that led to the warded rooms for special cases.

We were almost to the end of the corridor when a soft chime announced the completion of the status report. Matron Olivia stopped, drawing out a slender tablet. She tapped through a few of the screens and held up one blue-hued result.

The latest, she said, brusquely. Do you still wish to observe the patient?

Any improvements? Orion asked. He glanced at the overlapping charts and frowned.

About the same. Responsiveness hasn’t changed. We’ve given her blood, but she won’t touch it. Same with the food. One of the Medics got some potions into her, but that was by sheer luck. Matron Olivia explained. I’ve sent for a Creature Healer, but that will be some time.

Have you sent word to the Vampires? I asked.

Matron Olivia smiled thinly. The Vampires keep to their own and they do not have Healers among their ranks, whatever they are. We are a general health clinic, Miss Deveraine, we do not cater to cursed creature types.

Orion’s eyes shone bright blue behind his tinted glasses. It was an honest and innocent question, he said, quietly. I believe I requested for a specialist to be brought in?

Matron Olivia sniffed. We have made inquiries and requests were sent. There has been no word. I assure you, we would have informed you if there had been any-

Would you? I said, unable to help myself. Something about her smug, cold face really did rub me the wrong way.

Her icy stare fixed on me. "We would, she said, stiffly. This is a health clinic. We help people here. No matter how rude they may be-"

Soula, Orion said, lightly. Don’t be rude.

I squeezed his arm—hard. I wasn’t being rude. I hadn’t even started on being rude. In fact-!

A flicker of amusement traveled through our bond. I barely bit back the words on the tip of my tongue. There was nothing funny about-!

Oh.

I caught sight of the wicked gleam in his eyes. Nevermind my own temper. He was definitely a Kuroe and I knew that look. He would just be more subtle about his dislike than I was.

Charming. I rubbed my cheek against his bicep.

The room? Orion said, pleasantly. We’d like to see her.

There were no changes, Matron Olivia said. She tucked the tablet away, her shoulders squared. There’s no need to disturb the-

I believe the status said she hadn’t regained consciousness, Orion said, tapping his chin. So a visit shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Her lips pressed together in a tight line. She turned on her heel and led the way without a backward glance.

Soon, we were shown to the observation room, where Margaret Blackthrone lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling with glassy, ruby-red eyes. Her entire body was skeletal. Skin an ashen, bloodless hue and hair, thin and white, splayed around her head. There were several monitors hooked up to her arms and stomach, with various spells imbued in them. Readouts for her vitals and current state, scrolled across the dashboard in the observatory room display.

There was a blood fusion in progress, but it didn’t seem to be properly activated. At least, I’d never seen one stay static and unchanging.

Exactly the same, Matron Olivia said, pointing to two monitors beside the bed. Just like the report said. No changes, except for the weight loss, lack of appetite and the hair. She frowned. I don’t know what or why, but that is all we can tell you at this time.

She has a personal attendant? Orion wanted to know. Someone to monitor her around the clock?

Matron Olivia bristled. Of course! If that is what you are paying for, then that is what we have provided. She pressed a call button for Margaret’s attendant. She must’ve stepped out of the room for something.

Three minutes later, a young Medic-In-Training, with a nervous smile appeared in the doorway. You called? She asked, eyes darting from Matron Olivia to Margaret and then reluctantly to us.

These are the generous sponsors looking after your patient. They have a few questions. Show them the hourly reports, inform me if the any requested healers arrive, Matron Olivia said. "And try not to leave your post without leaving someone to keep watch, eh?"

O-of course, Matron Olivia. So sorry about-

Leave any further instructions or messages with her, Matron Olivia said, coolly. I have somewhere else to be.

She swept from the room with as much dignity as she could muster.

I only barely kept my observation to myself, thanks to Orion’s very quick hand over my mouth.

Orion Kuroe-Orseno, he said, pleasantly. Could you tell me what sorts of changes have occurred in the past twelve hours? I understand that the blood fusion is not taking?

5

Soula — A Special Gift

Walk it off, Orion murmured, leaning close to whisper in my ear under the pretense of appearing to smooth my hair. He’d already picked up on the fact that I was more inclined to resort to brute force than subtlety for this particular incident.

The Medic-In-Training must’ve been taking lessons from Matron Olivia. I found her insufferable in a matter of minutes, and Orion didn’t seem to fare much better. She was deliberately withholding information, and I was past the point of sweet-talking it out of them.

Orion-

I know her cousin—let me do this.

I perked a brow.

He winked.

The Medic cleared her throat from somewhere behind him, out of my line of sight. I scowled.

Alright then. I’d leave it to him. In the meantime, there were probably some empty hallways somewhere.

Pacing and not Looping would help. It usually did.

I exited the observatory room, leaving the Medic to Orion’s smooth-talking. If he had favors to pull in for this, then I would not stand in his way.

The favors I had for this sort of thing were limited to myself or immediate Circle. I couldn’t ask for anything on behalf of a stranger. I hadn’t earned those sorts of social favors yet. Margaret was one of our best leads, but wasting a favor on her didn’t sit well with me. My favors were hard won and hard-earned, therefore, I used them as sparingly as possible.

I wandered through the mostly empty corridors of the Clinic, pleased to find a long, empty strip of hallway for the necessary pacing. Ilsa always teased me that I’d picked up this habit from Ithycar, but it was more of literal sorting of things when my thoughts could not comfortably compartmentalize whatever chaotic mess I’d created.

Namely, I still had the diary to continue translating. A project that now included some necessary investigation into the vampiric side of things. I knew my limitations and had said as much to Orion, who had simply told me to focus on the diary.

Margaret, of course, was no help, due to her deteriorating health—and lack of consciousness. I’d struggled to think of ways to share the information I’d seen at the Belden’s party, without giving away how I’d managed to obtain it. Though tricky, I’d explained calling in a favor and sneaking around the house.

Orion had accepted that easily enough, though Ryder and the others had seemed rather suspicious. I couldn’t help their suspicions, so I pretended not to see them. Instead, I told them about the laboratory, the captive girl and muddled the retelling of Margaret’s rescue.

Xander wanted me to provide proof though a memory replay. Ryder wanted to know who I’d told before them. Orion suggested we take Margaret to a healer’s clinic because Saera was not a certified Healer, but a Gheyo King who had taken it alongside her Gheyo training.

We’d gone with Orion’s suggestion and everyone else’s concerns had vanished somewhere along the way. I was grateful for his understanding, finding immeasurable relief in the fact that he was definitely as stable and reliable as I’d dreamed he would be. It made me want to step up and push a little harder in whatever way I could, to bend time to assist him.

Aracle had warned me—once—that those who manipulated time, could only do so until they were discovered, especially if they were not fully Bonded. Too many eyes and ears, meant too many variables, which led to shattered Loops and interrupted alterations. The end result was worse than the original, because things torn apart, couldn’t fit back into place, once they knew what they were capable of.

Or what had once been.

I’d never imagined that I would be in the sort of position to swallow my own secrets for the sake of preserving a better truth. I’d always assumed there would be a long courtship and plenty of time to ease any Intended into my strange little world.

And now, I couldn’t tell anyone. I’d saved Margaret in-Loop. I’d anchored it, sure, but I’d never altered something of that magnitude before and even to ask Aracle about it, stirred up feelings of unease and discomfort. If that Loop shattered, Orion would be poisoned and at Death’s door and Margaret would be dead.

I’d have to keep my secret, whether I wanted to or not. For now, anyway. My element shifted restlessly, a deep, soul-grinding pressure that made my fangs ache. It wasn’t an outright lie, but it was omission by necessity and that felt just as bad. There were memory charms and elaborate cover stories I could weave, if necessary.

I simply preferred not having to do it at all.

A complete circuit up and down the hallway helped to shuffle those thoughts out of the way for the time being. I twirled at the end and strolled back. Hopefully Orion was wheedling the necessary information out of the reluctant Medic.

Translating the diary was now one of my main priorities, which meant I’d have to visit the archives at some point and collect my things. There was no point in working there any longer, though it was tempting to spy on Master Drowess. There was a lot I wanted to know about him, but didn’t want to spare the time to dig into. He’d complicated things and I wanted to know why.

I knew my own luck well enough. It wouldn’t be worth the hassle. Janine was sure to love my absence though. She’d be furious that I’d Bonded before her—even if my Circle wasn’t complete. It’d be another reason for her to pitch a fit over pointless things.

Still, I didn’t need to work two jobs—besides translating whatever Orion needed, I could also translate full-time, thanks to Kara. With the Hunt underway, it wasn’t likely that my restoration services would be in high demand. Things had slowed down considerably at the library at the start of the Hunt and trickled off to nearly nothing.

Maybe I’d stop by the library on the way back to the mansion. I was sure Orion would take me out for a second breakfast. Our first stop had helped, but I was burning through my magic at a much faster rate than I ever had before. We’d both missed Garren’s illustrious morning meal by visiting the Healer’s Clinic at this early hour.

Not that it mattered. The whole point of the Hunt was to deviate from routine, to see and be seen. Breakfast outdoors certainly qualified. Second breakfast could only be a good thing. I twirled again at the end of the hallway.

I’d have to put in a few appearances at various events and functions, courtesy of my own connections and the usual round of Deveraine obligations. It’d be fun to have Orion along for the ride this time. I wanted to show him off a little, if he’d let me.

The mark on my left shoulder, itched, faintly.

I rubbed it, absently, almost to the end of the hall, before the itching sensation became a furious burn. I stopped short of scratching it with my claws—through two layers of robes. Instead, I hastily cast a numbing charm, followed by a cooling one for the rest of my arm.

Most of the time, the marks didn’t bother me. They’d largely numbed since Orion’s bonding. Now, there was only the occasional twinge or painful ripple, neither of which actually lasted long enough for me to worry about.

I pressed my palm to the painful spot, wondering what was taking the blocking spell so long to activate. My healing abilities were barely worth mentioning, but they kept me alive and that was all that mattered.

This was different.

Healing ability had nothing to do with my warped Soulscream.

Or so I kept telling myself.

A door at the end of the hall, slid open. A Healer stepped through, signing off on a claim ticket atop the clipboard balanced on her arm.

I suggest a light meal, no strenuous activities and staying well hydrated. Blood and sugar, if you have access to it. Preferably a return visit in three days from now, but if you can’t manage it, that’s fine. There shouldn’t be any bruising or scarring. I would wager that your natural healing ability would take care of the rest by some time tomorrow. Any questions?

Saera followed the Healer out into the hallway. That’s about what I expected. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.

It’d be pointless to have you bleed out in the hall, the Healer said, dryly. Next time see us sooner or insist on a more thorough healing. You can collect your armor at the front desk on the way out. Sign the release waivers with my ID number and you’ll be cleared.

Thanks again, Saera said, gratefully. I appreciate it.

The Healer nodded, looking past her to focus on me. Can I help you? Visitors are only allowed in the neighboring wing and all unaccompanied guests are-

Saera’s eyes grew wide in panic the moment her gaze landed on me. What are you doing here— she started to say.

Walking it off.

The Healer frowned in disapproval. This is a restricted wing for patients that are suffering from unknown maladies and possibly dangerous spell-effects of-

Saera flinched. She’s with me. D-don’t worry about it.They must have sent someone after all. I’ll walk her out.

The Healer frowned, looking at Saera as if she’d like to comment, but was thinking whether it was worth the effort. A long moment passed. She sighed and walked past.

Saera waited until she rounded the corner, before turning on me. Please tell me you’re here alone and if you aren’t, please tell me that Xander isn’t here with you. Is he?

Does it matter? I tried not to stare at her eyes. Her lovely, dark brown eyes that were nothing like her usual gold. The changed hue suggested she was slowly settling down from an eventful morning.

Yes! Are you with the rest of them? Where are they? She looked over my shoulder again and then up and down the hallway.

I don’t need an escort everywhere I go, I retorted, annoyed.

This has nothing to do with that.

I stared at her. There was a deeper, barely noticeable undercurrent of panic. Pure panic. She was worried about—Xander? But he was her ACE. Or at least her acting ACE, as far as I could figure. They should be on good enough terms.

Then again, she’d been spending a little bit more time with Orion and I. The others hadn’t liked that very much, though they hadn’t commented anything about it within my hearing range in the past few weeks.

I took pity on her anxious expression. I’m here with Orion and no, he’s not behind me. He’s taking care of things with Margaret. My name was getting in the way so I’m here—walking it off.

The pointed look on her face suggested that she didn’t believe me, but that was her problem and not mine.

I looked her over from head to toe—in standard-issue patient pajamas. An oversized shirt and cropped pants in a flat, dull grey. They weren’t meant to be flattering, just easily accessible for the Healers and Medics, while retaining some patient dignity.

I guess you’re alright though, seeing as you’re walking and yelling and all that.

I’m not yelling, she said, automatically. Her shoulders hunched forward, giving the appearance of a reluctantly scolded teenager rather than a full-grown woman capable of skewering me with one of her many fancy swords.

Definitely yelling, I muttered. What happened to you?

She ignored me, folding her arms over her chest as if it would give her some authority.

I couldn’t help noticing that she kept her distance, as if afraid to draw closer. Her posture was carefully angled away, ready to bolt at a moment’s notice.

Lovely.

What are you doing here? She asked, again.

I tried not to growl. It was harder than it needed to be. Walking it off? I tried again. There was a hint of something off about her—but I couldn’t pinpoint it. Lurking somewhere invisible to the eye, the most I could guess was a severe injury that had forced her to actually visit a clinic and not give in to her own self-healing ability.

It was hard to scent anything with the strong smell of extra-strength prescription pain salve, promising a headache, if I didn’t stop focusing on it. She’d been injured, but didn’t want to draw attention to it. The kind of injury that she didn’t want Xander to know about. Though from the way she moved, there only appeared to be some sort of residual pains.

My turn, I said, lightly. What are you doing here—and are you sure you’re alright?

...routine check up, she lied. It’s nothing to worry about. A scent-charm cut through the air, blocking the scent of the pain-salve.

My arm throbbed, faintly. Was this how Orion felt when I told my odd little story? Oh Arielle, I hope not...

Looks awfully important for nothing, but I’ll let you get back to it— My stomach growled, unhelpfully.

Saera hesitated. Just Orion—no one else?

In case you haven’t noticed, yourself included, the rest of you lot have been avoiding me and I haven’t gone out of my way to chase you all down. Orion, incidentally, is quite content to be in my company and the whole being bonded to each other thing, makes it quite bearable. We’re here together. We came to check up on a certain someone, if you recall?

A guilty look crept over her face.

I tamped down a sigh. I had guessed right after all. They were avoiding me. Bonding with Orion hadn’t improved as much as I’d hoped it was, but it was certainly a good start in one direction.

…You’re probably imagining it? She tried.

Same way I’m imagining you here in front me? Talking and moving, yes?

Please don’t tell anyone you saw me here.

Why?

Please.

I need a reason.

No, you don’t!

Excuse you, I shot back. Yes I do. Now, do you have something else to change into? Not that I really mind the view—but I can’t take you seriously when you’re standing here in a-

She blushed. A full-on blush from her neck, straight up to the tips of her