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Joyful tears streamed down my face as I cradled him close, his solid presence again the only thing tethering me to sanity. “Never,” I swore fiercely. Through dire battles and collapsing towers, we would find our way back to one another’s arms. Of that, I had never been more certain.
The weakened snarevine hissed and snapped its frustration, unable to reach us in the protective sunlight. We had survived this brush with death, but grim work awaited driving out the lingering darkness.
“Gods, it hurts!” Wincing, Rhys shifted to brace me as we limped slowly into the shining dawn.
The light illuminated a path forward, winding but navigable. Hand in hand, breath mingling, we left the sorrows of the night behind and walked steadfastly onward into the day.
CHAPTER10
Sera
Twilight streamedthrough the infirmary’s arched windows, at odds with the somber mood that lingered. Nurse Jillian Dewar, tutted over me as her spells knit torn flesh and fused fractured bones. The gash on my leg still wept crimson, but the pain had mercifully dulled.
In the next cot, Rhys lay unnaturally still, his stony form resistant to the nurse’s elixirs and charms. Guilt gnawed at me seeing his proud wings shattered, knowing he’d sacrificed them for my sake.
The infirmary doors burst open abruptly, interrupting my brooding. Lily and Jasper rushed in, concern etched on their faces.
Lily set aside the bubbling potion she’d been brewing all week, eyebrows furrowing in concern as she hurried over. I caught a whiff of pungent herbs and earthy scents rising from the concoction—she’d been experimenting more with spellcraft lately.
“Thank gods you’re alright!” Lily exclaimed, throwing her arms around me tightly before remembering my injuries. “When we heard about the snarevine...” She trailed off, eyes shadowed.
Jasper gripped my shoulder, stoic but gentle. “Takes more than a pesky weed to finish off our girl. But what in blazes were you doing out there alone?”
Their protectiveness warmed me, even as I avoided the question. Rhys and I weren’t ready to share this new delicate thing blooming between us. “Just restless I suppose,” I hedged. “I’ll be more careful going forward.”
Jasper nodded firmly. “See that you are. Can’t have you wandering into any more monster dens, you hear?” His tone was gruff but caring.
Behind him, I noticed Lily’s gaze straying curiously to where Rhys lay. Her eyes narrowed in recognition. I wanted to redirect her scrutiny, but just then the infirmary doors opened again.
“Mr. Knight, a word if you please.” The Headmistress’ crisp tones brooked no argument. With a mumbled excuse, Jasper beat a hasty retreat, leaving Lily and me alone.
She drifted closer to my cot, voice lowered. “Isn’t that Rhys Greystone over there? You shouldn’t be getting mixed up with the likes of him, Sera.”
I bristled, hackles rising. “And why is that?” I asked coolly. Who was she to judge Rhys when she didn’t even know him?
Lily bit her lip. “It’s only that... he’s cursed, you know. A wicked sorceress hexed him in first year for breaking her heart. He’s fated to become a stone sculpture forever when this term ends.”
Her bombshell revelation stole my breath. Rhys, cursed? He had hinted at some ancient burden, but never elaborated. Before I could press for details, Lily was already edging away nervously.
“Just be cautious with him, alright? I should leave you to rest.” With an anxious look at the silently observing Headmistress, she hurried off.
My thoughts churned in chaotic circles. Was it true Rhys was doomed to an eternity of darkness and isolation? Why had he not trusted me enough to share this agony?
Lost in brooding speculation, I didn’t hear Rhys approach until he spoke. “How are you feeling?” His hand hovered uncertainly over mine until I threaded our fingers together, my silent fury evaporating. None of it mattered next to the relief of having him alive and whole before me. For now, that was enough.
“I’ll live thanks to you,” I said simply. “And you? Any pain?”
He attempted a nonchalant shrug, ruined by his wince. “I’ve had worse. Anyway, it was worth it to know you’re safe.” The earnest depths of his eyes stole my breath anew. I would never understand what I had done to be worthy of such devotion.
Before I could reply, the Headmistress’ voice cut through. “Miss Silvermist, may I have a word? Privately.” Her severe expression allowed no room for argument.
Rhys tensed, but left us reluctantly. Once alone, the Headmistress eyed me sternly. “Would you care to explain what possessed you to go wandering the grounds at night when your life hangs in the balance?”
Her words stole my voice. She thought I had slipped out alone? But how did she know of the danger I faced?
Reading the confusion on my face, she continued. “Come now, did you think your divination professor’s visions could be kept from me? I have known of the threat against you since Samhain.”
The revelation left my head spinning. She had known all this time, yet left me ignorant and vulnerable?
