Callan, Luna, and most others had removed their hoods. Their hair stood on end or hung in tangled mats around their heads; some were bleeding, but they didn’t pay it any attention.
Still chained, the prisoners were spread throughout the clearing. Some remained on their feet; others had fallen to their knees.
Tucker stood ten feet away. Though he’d known about her lightning-bearer ability, his attention was riveted on us. He’d embedded the tip of his sword in the dirt and leaned on its hilt.
When he caught me looking at him, he lifted his eyebrows as if to say, now what? And that was a very good question. Now, what did we do?
Ivan and the others would come for her with everything they had. They’d tear this realm apart to find her, and I’d burn them down to keep her safe.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Ryker
When I settledmy hands on the small of Ellery’s back, I recalled she was still nude from the waist up. I was so focused on helping her regain control and getting to her that I’d forgotten she was bared to them all. And in the light of the three moons above us, she was clearly visible.
A low growl rumbled up my throat as I shifted my hold on her to pull the buttons on my shirt free. While I worked, I glowered at all those gawking at her. When they felt my eyes on them, they looked away.
The leaves and straw I’d used to pad my shirt fell at my feet when I pulled it off. I winced at the blood staining the collar from the wound in my neck. It didn’t hurt as bad as it once did, but I loathed the idea of putting my blood-drenched clothing on her.
Her own blood streaked her chest from where she must have cut off her bindings. The wounds beneath had already healed, but scratches marred her skin.
“Someone give me a shirt,” I commanded. When no one moved, my irritation rose. “Now!”
A few gathered in the clearing jumped as I tossed my ruined shirt aside and pulled Ellery closer to shelter her. Tucker glanced at his bloody, torn shirt before shrugging.
Keeping one hand on Ellery’s back, I pressed her close as I tugged the ties around my hood free. I pulled it off and tossed it aside as Ianto approached us.
While he walked, he unbuttoned his shirt and removed it to reveal the dark skin beneath. “Here.”
The giant held the shirt out to me but didn’t tear his gaze away from Ellery. I didn’t see lust in his gaze, but I still didn’t like it.
“Fuck off,” I snarled as I yanked the shirt from his fingertips.
Ianto’s warm brown eyes shot to me. Holding up his hands, he backed away and focused on the trees behind me.
I knew he cared for Ellery and she for him, but right now, I couldn’t have anyone near her… or looking at her. With care, I draped the shirt around Ellery’s shoulders, and she slid her arms into the sleeves that fell a good foot beyond her fingertips.
She looked so small and vulnerable in the giant’s clothing. I hated them on her, but at least blood didn’t soak them, and she was covered.
I tugged the front of the shirt closed, kissed the tip of her nose, and enveloped her in my arms again.
“How… how is she a lightning bearer?” Luna whispered.
Ellery stiffened a little before relaxing again. “I don’t know, but I am.”
“Yeah, no shit,” Ianto said. “I almost fell off the roof when you threw that first bolt.”
Having recovered a little, the giant offered her a tremulous smile. Ellery’s lips twitched toward one, but it faded when she shifted her gaze to all the amsirah gaping at her.
It was time to get her out of here. While I understood their curiosity and desire to know more, it had been a rough night for her, and she needed somewhere to relax and come to terms with what happened.
“We may not know why she has the gift, but it’s a miracle.” Tucker pitched his voice to carry over the clearing. “Nothing like her has ever existed before, and she’s onourside. Ellery’s fighting forusand our freedom.”
He was right about everything, but he also didn’t know the true depth of Ellery’s powers. I’d told him she was a lightning bearer, but I hadn’t revealed she possessed all five of the weathers.
I wasn’t sure what he would say, but I suspected I’d find out soon enough. The secrets were revealing themselves; it was only a matter of time before that one came out too.
And I’d prefer to tell Tucker in private. We’d been through too much together, and he deserved that much.
