One shuddering exhale escaped her. Her head dipped forward until her forehead nearly brushed his, the sheer relief making her lightheaded. A sob welled up, raw and aching, and she pressed a trembling hand over her mouth to stifle it.
She wouldn’t let him go. Not tonight. Not ever.
The realization struck with quiet finality, settling deep in her bones. For the first time since their journey began, she understood the depths of what she felt—the fierce, unyielding determination binding her to Kaelen and Alarik.
The battle wasn’t over. Tomorrow, the dangers would still be there.
But she knew no force in the world would take her from them.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
REIYANA
The wagon was quiet now, save for Kaelen’s laboured breathing. Reiya knelt beside him, smoothing salve over the cauterized wound with careful fingers.
“Apply generously,” Su Lian instructed, her voice gentle now that the worst had passed. “The bleeding’s stopped, but we need to keep infection away.”
Reiya nodded, focusing on Kaelen’s chest as it rose and fell in a stuttered rhythm. He was alive, but the venom and blood loss had drained him, leaving only a pale, unsettling stillness.
Outside, the clash of steel had faded, replaced by scattered cheers.
“The thugs are retreating,” Ru Rong said quietly.
Kaelen stirred beside her, a low groan escaping his lips.
She leaned in, brushing a damp curl from his brow. “Kai,” she whispered, her voice barely above the hush of the room. “You’re safe. It’s alright.”
His lashes fluttered, golden eyes meeting hers for the briefest moment—hazy, unfocused—before closing again.
Then, a knock broke the quiet.
She stilled. Her limbs felt heavier than they had all day. She rose, crossing to the door, her fingers trembling as she lifted the bar.
The door opened, and Reiya’s breath caught.
Alarik stood there, streaked with ash and dirt, hair damp with sweat. Relief surged through her, sharp and immediate. He was alive.
For a heartbeat, that was all that mattered.
Her eyes drank in the sight of him—worn, grim, and whole. The storm inside her stilled, just enough to take in air again. Her throat tightened, but she held it back. Not now. There’d be time later for emotions.
“The camp is secure,” he said, voice rough with exhaustion, but she heard the relief beneath it. “The Talharen guards drove off the mercenaries.”
She nodded, though the tension in her shoulders refused to ease. “And Jodhar?”
His jaw flexed, his expression darkening. “Alive, unfortunately. But gone—for now.”
His gaze lingered on her, as if searching for any sign that she was hurt. She reached for his hand without thinking, needing the reassurance of his touch. He squeezed hers in return, solid and steady.
“How’s Kai?” he asked, voice low.
Su Lian rose from where she’d been crouching beside the cot. “He needs rest. His body’s been through more than it should have. We won’t know the full extent of the venom’s effects until he wakes, but we’ll do what we can.”
“I’ll brew a remedy to slow its progression,” Ru Rong added.
Reiya exhaled, steadying herself before turning to them both. “Thank you,” she said, voice trembling. “For saving him. For everything.”
Alarik nodded, jaw tight, but the gratitude in his eyes was unmistakable. “We owe you a great debt.”
