He tensed underneath her, but his hands stayed gentle as he rubbed her back. “Never. I’m here. I’ve got you.”
The memories of that morning came back in fragments. He’d rescued her. Fought through who knew how many soldiers to get to her. Saved her from the pyre... from Cade.
He did all that, for me.
“Thank you,” she whispered raggedly into his chest. “Thank you for saving me.”
“Don’t.” The word was harsh. Unexpected. She looked up, startled. But he wouldn’t look at her. His gaze was fixed on somewhere past her shoulder.
His face–
There was blood on his temple. Bruising all down his jaw. Exhaustion on every line of him. He looked like he had been through hell to get her out.
“You were only there because of me,” he said, voice tight. “Please don’t thank me–”
“It wasn’t your fault–”
“It was.” The words came out flat. Final. “Every second you were in there. Every time he–” He broke off, his entire body trembling. “I’m so sorry.”
“Stop that,” she ordered, tears still falling. “You saved me. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
He just held her tighter, his breathing uneven. Gradually, she felt something else – gentle kisses on her hair.
He’s kissing me.
It suddenly dawned on her that after everything he’d done for her, she’d woken up and hit him.
Oh, well done, Kara.
“I didn’t mean to hit you.”
“You didn’t.”
“I think I did.”
A small laugh rumbled in his throat. “It’s fine. I’ll allow it.”
She smiled slightly. He was watching her like she might disappear if he looked away. Like she was...everything. Heat flooded her cheeks. She glanced away, biting her lip, suddenly fascinated by her hands.
“You didn’t sleep?” she asked.
“I wasn’t planning to.”
“How long was I...?”
“Hours. Most of the day.” He cleared his throat. “You healed the wound. Then passed out. Again.” His mouth twitched. “It was very dramatic.”
She didn’t remember that. She frowned, lifting the torn edge of her dress. A mark glimmered in the dim light – not raw anymore, but a raised pink and golden scar that caught even the shadows.
She traced it with one finger. “Emerald doesn’t leave scars.”
His gaze followed, guilt shadowing his face. “Your magic wouldn’t come. I forced mine into you – made it answer me. I think that’s why.”
She laid a hand over it. “Then it’s perfect. It means you healed me. That’s all I see.”
Kara shifted slightly to see him better. He winced. Although he was trying to hide it, it was obvious his breathing was laboured, painful.
“You’re hurt!”
