“I…I—” I tried, but couldn't speak about it. I didn’t even know how to explain what the fuck just happened.
“Never mind that. Are you hurt?”
Still not facing him, I shook my head just enough to give him an answer, then I allowed my eyes to close and ignored the rest of the world.
“Thank the gods.” He sighed in pure relief. “Theothers are on their way. Kohen found me first. Sent me back here while he went to find Seb and Pia.”
I sniffled, more tears pooling from me. I didn't know why I was so upset. I was alive.
Sawyer held me while I sobbed. “You're okay. I promise you. Everything is okay,” he whispered, pulling my hair back in a way that almost felt too intimate coming from a friend.
I shook my head. “It's not okay.” I didn't know why I felt that way, but something was off. I couldn’t quite place what, but I just didn't feel likeme.
“You are safe for right now. Try to relax.”
“I…I…Can’t. I—” My words broke through the midst of my hyperventilation, the shallow breaths not allowing for my vocal cords to function.
Sawyer’s armored biceps tightened around me, the pressure helping to ease the other feelings that swirled in my veins. “Deep breaths. Inhale for me. Come on, Maeve. You can do this.”
I was panicking—a feeling not new to me, but very much unappreciated at this time. There was still a battle going on just steps away from where we sat, huddled together in the center of the courtyard.
“Look at me.”
I scanned my eyes to find Sawyer’s deep green ones, my shoulders following my neck.
“Follow my lead. Breathe in.” Sawyer drew a deep breath, and I tried to do the same.
The dusty air pulled into my lungs, crackling when it met the walls of my chest.
“Good. Now out.”
It blew out completely broken and shuddered, but it was air nonetheless.
“Again.”
When I no longer gasped like a fish out of water, I turned back towards the statues.
Still shaking in his arms, Sawyer asked, “Is there anything I need to know?”
We both fell silent while he waited for my answer. He didn't move a muscle until we heard heavy, panicked footsteps rushing towards us, and I hardly flinched when I felt his body be replaced by one more familiar.
Pinewood and frost.
“How are you here?” My words were no more than a broken whisper.
Sebastian's breath tickled my neck as he settled himself behind me, cradling me in his arms. His armor felt cool on my skin, and helped ease the flames of starlight that raged within me. “I don't know.”
I went out on a limb and assumed that when Blythe transferred her magic to me, it undid any commands I had in place. It was okay though—I was glad he was here. I needed him.
His hair was matted with sweat and his eyebrows were pulled together as I looked back at him. My eyes were drawn to his battle leathers, sopping wet with someone's blood.
“Yours?” I asked, now noticing his lower hip.
“Yes.” Sebastian nodded. “I'm fine.” He sat on the ground behind me, pulling me back between his legs. His arms cradled around me, holding me tightly against his chest as I continued to cry.
Another glimpse of my hands made me realize that the markings sparkled. Shimmering pieces of starlight permanently emulating from my flesh. The sight caused my breath to lock in my lungs, initiating more hyperventilation.
Sebastian brushed my hair to the side. “You're okay,” he said as a statement. “You're alive.”
