I pressed open the door to Lioran’s infirmary room.
“Aelira.” The corners of his mouth curved slowly into a gentle smile as he sat upright in bed. He quickly straightened his lips, trying to hide his discomfort.
“You’re sitting.” For a moment, he seemed whole again.
A chuckle escaped his lips and then he winced. “It’s good to see you.”
Sunlight crept in through the window, illuminating Lioran’s eyes. Shimmering silver sparkled within them again. I slid into place next to him in a chair already pulled by the bed.
He reached for my unbandaged arm and traced the newly formed pink scar. “It’s healing nicely.” The hairs on my arms rose and the gemstone radiated warmth. I slid the stone over on the cold silver chain. “Your necklace is beautiful. A family heirloom?”
“A gift from my father…my fae father.” I clutched the stone. I held my breath for a moment. “I don’t really know much about it.”
“May I see it?” he asked.
For a moment, I hesitated before I unclasped the necklace. I wound up the silver chain before setting it in the palm of his hand.
“It’s an onyx—an earth grounding stone.” The light caught on the facets of the stone, illuminating the black stone. “A fitting gift for someone with your magic.”
“Do you think he knew what my magic would be?” He held the necklace back out to me.
“It’s possible. Some fae can see the future through visions like Cora.” His voice trailed off as he yawned loudly. He was struggling to keep himself upright.
“She knows the future?”
“Only what the stars show her—fragments of moments that have yet to pass.” He shifted himself and his fists clenched as he stifled a moan.
“Can I help you?” I extended my arms to him.
“I’m fine.” With an exasperated exhale, he leaned back into the pillows behind him. “I keep asking to get out of here, but no one will let me.”
“Maybe it’s because you can’t sit still.” I adjusted a pillow that shifted behind his back. My hand caught the side of his arm, lingering over his tattoos for a moment too long. “Is there anything I can do? I have plenty of free time today.”
“Sit with me a while longer.” His dark curls hung over his eyes. I wanted to brush them aside but resisted as I nestled into the chair beside him. “Maybe in a few more days I’ll get out of here. Then we can walk around the Heart.”
“When you’re ready, I’d love to see it. Fyn said I should stay close to the castle for now.”
“My men haven’t returned from ensuring the borders of the Heart are secure yet. I’ll feel better once we know the threat hasn’t extended here.”
“Me too.” I flinched at the thought of the attackers, at the thought of Thalen. My finger trembled against the side of the bed.
He slid his hand over mine, the warmth of his touch grounding me.
“You’re safe here,” he said. For a heartbeat, I sat with his tender touch.
“Lioran…” I looked out the window as I spoke.
Silence met me.
When I turned around, he was asleep.
The next morning, Fyn led me down a stone path further into the Heart of Lythira. Wildflowers sprawled in the dirt. Winding stairs led from the edge of the path up the trunk of a tree where homes stood. They reminded me of the cabins in Evyn, but these were grander.
“Cora is waiting for us.” Fyn barely glanced back.
My boots fell heavy on the stone steps as we ascended the spiral stairs. My navy gown dragged on the stonework. The dagger swayed in its sheath, beating against my body with each step. After the attack in the woods, I went nowhere without it. I lost track of the number of stairs we climbed until Fyn stopped outside an entrance to one of the homes.
Fyn pressed the wooden door open. Cora lounged on cushions in the corner. The sun illuminated her red hair as she sipped her tea.
