He started to grin at her but stopped when he saw her face. Kara looked horrified.
“I’m so sorry–” she began but he waved her apology away with a bloodied hand.
“Don’t be. It was good,” he assured her, smiling despite the sting. “Not many get a hit on me.”
“Let me heal you,” she insisted, taking a step towards him.
He chuckled. “I’ve got it,” he said. With a light wave of his hand, emerald shot out, controlled and effective. The cut disappeared at once. The flow of blood stopped. He realised he hadn’t thought twice about using the healing magic now at his command. Thornes didn’t heal – they endured, fought through the pain. Kara had changed that, changed him. Really, her way made a hell of a lot more sense.
Or maybe I’m going soft.
Kara eyed his freshly healed skin and rocked back on her heels. Something flared hot and sharp through their bond. Not relief... something similar to disappointment. He didn’t understand.
“What?” he asked, frowning.
“Ilikehealing you,” she said sulkily.
Sebastian dropped his hand, caught off guard. Of all the things she could have said – she was actually upset that she’d missed a chance to fuss over him. To his own surprise, he laughed. A real, carefree laugh. Her cheeks reddened.
Typical healer.
“Fine then, Healer. Next time, I’ll let you. But you’ve got to land another one on me for that,” he smiled, raising his sword in challenge.
They spent the rest of the fading daylight sparring. It was like being back home in Thorne. Blades clashing, sweat dripping, breath coming hard. Except a lot more laughter broke through between strikes when he trained with Kara. Despite everything, he found it fun. Mostly. Muchto his consternation, she managed to land another two hits – which dented his pride a little. Still, he let her heal the small injuries without complaint.
Night fell quickly, and soon they were trudging back to their house, utterly exhausted. Even Sebastian was aching in what felt like every muscle, which meant Kara must be hurting worse. Their healing could help, but it wasn’t limitless, and they were both suffering the deep fatigue from overused magic and pushing limits they’d never tested before. Kara was dead on her feet. But she never mentioned it. She took everything in her stride.
Dinner was waiting for them at the table, still warm. Sebastian practically inhaled his meat pie and thick bread. Kara’s eyelids drooped between bites as Sebastian watched her struggle through the last few mouthfuls. As soon as he was satisfied she’d eaten enough, he stood.
“Come on,” he said. He didn’t wait for her to argue – just lifted her into his arms.
“Sebastian, I can walk–” she protested feebly, her voice trailing off as she melted against his chest.
“Sure you can,” he chuckled, already halfway to the bed. She was asleep the second her head hit the pillow. He made quick work of unlacing her boots and tucked the blanket around her with care.
“Sleep now,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
He kicked off his own boots and collapsed beside her. Kara rolled towards him instantly, reaching for him even in sleep. He tugged her onto his chest, holding her close, and a small sigh slipped from her. Three weeks. Maybe less. But right now, she was here. Warm and safe in his arms.
If this is all I get, it’s enough.
Kara woke to a hawk scratching at the glass not long after dawn, its wings beating against the wood until Sebastian crossed the room and unlatched the window. The bird hopped onto his outstretched wrist. She sat up groggily as he untied the parchment from its leg, his expression sharpening the instant he saw the Thorne seal.
He broke it open and read in silence, tension on every line of him. Kara rose and padded to his side, watching his frown deepen with every sentence.
“The Council has agreed,” he said shortly. “Draknor are landing at the western shore. Between Hale and Caldris. The beach at Menslach Bay. Galen pulled it from the scout’s mind himself. The Drakens have a weapon. They call it the Dracanth, but the Council don’t know what it can do. The man died before they could get any more information.”
“He died?” Kara asked, shocked.
“Forced mind interrogation is forbidden for a reason,” Sebastian said grimly. “Galen went deep.” He looked back to the parchment. “All Houses have been called to fight.”
His hand lowered slightly, but he didn’t continue. Kara frowned. “Sebastian. What else?”
He hesitated, and wouldn’t look at her. Apparently the Thorne seal had become very interesting to him. When she held her hand out for the letter, reluctantly, he passed it to her.
Kara’s gaze dropped to the neat black script. She read quickly, skimming – then stilled.
Lord Hale has refused to march. He will not stand where you do. Considers you both traitors still. His oath is broken.
