But he still looksbroken.
"How long?" My voice comes out scratchy.
"Six hours." He doesn't look up. "Eska said you'd wake when you were ready. That you just... used too much."
Too much magic.
Right.
I try to sit up again, more carefully this time, and manage to prop myself against the headboard. The room spins for a moment, then settles.
"Are you hurt?" I ask.
"No."
"The fortress?"
"Secure. For now." His hands fist against his thighs. "The Crown soldiers retreated. Garrett's men are repairing the breach in the east wall and investigating who sabotaged the wards."
"How many did we lose?"
"Three in the initial attack. Five wounded, but they'll live." His voice is flat. Empty. "I didn't kill any of my own. This time."
This time.
The words hang in the air like a noose.
I pull the furs aside and swing my legs out of bed. My body protests, but I ignore it.
"What are you doing?" Vorak asks, finally looking up.
"Coming to you." I stand on shaky legs. "Since you won't come to me."
"Annora—"
"Don't." I cross the room slowly, one hand on the wall for balance. "Don't tell me to stay away. Don't tell me I should be afraid."
"Youshouldbe afraid." He's on his feet now, backing away as I approach. "What you saw today—that's what Iam. That's what the curse makes me."
"The curse isn't you."
"It's close enough." His voice is rough. "I could have killed you. Iwouldhave if you hadn't—" He stops. Swallows hard. "What did you do? In the courtyard. That light—"
"I don't know." Honest. "I just... I felt the curse. Felt it wrapped around you. And Ipulled."
He stares at me. "You pulled on a curse that's been killing me for ten years and it just...moved?"
"I didn't destroy it." I need him to understand that. "It's still there. I can feel it. But it's... quieter. For now."
"For now," he repeats hollowly.
I'm standing in front of him now. Close enough to touch.
He's rigid. Coiled. Every line of his body screamingdon't.
I reach up and cup his face anyway.
He closes his eyes like it hurts.
