Page 221 of The Bonds of Indigo

“Yeah, sorry.”

“It’s whatever…” Her voice trails off as her eyes widen.

I hear footsteps, and the only other person in this house is supposed to be asleep.

When I jerk around, it’s Amarah wobbling down the hallway toward us. She hasn’t been awake in over two weeks, and while we could see her body healing naturally, we had no idea when she would wake.

Of course it would be when Kayn isn’t here. He’s been a fucking mess without her.

Her lips are pale, but her bright indigo eyes are full of life. By the time she gives me a weak, half smile, I’m up on my feet and by her side.

My arms wrap around her head, holding her tightly—but not enough to hurt her. She loops her arms around my waist and rubs her face into my chest. Even though she’s been unconscious this long, Kayn and I have washed her every two days to keep her clean and check for infection. We also wanted her to feel her best when she woke.

She hums softly and squeezes me. “Hi.”

“Hey, dollface. How’re you feeling?”

“Hungry and so, so thirsty.”

I turn us toward the kitchen. “I’ll get you something.”

She nods and lifts her head as we walk slowly toward the barstool at the island. Xera leans against the counter, her finger circling the rim of her glass.

“Kai, the Witch is awake.”

The shadow beside her tenses before continuing to plate the pancakes it was making.

“They know…” Amarah’s voice stays low. “They’re on their way back.”

I guide her onto the barstool and go to step away when Xera turns. “I’ve got it. Water?”

“Please.” Amarah leans forward onto the counter and lets out a soft groan.

“Dollface, this is Xeraphine. Or Xera for short.” The Succubus waves her hand above her shoulder.

When I look down at our girl, she gives me a nod. “Xera, this is Amarah.”

Neither of them say anything to the introductions. I think she’s still waking and Xera just doesn’t care.

“How long have I been out?”

“Fifteen days,” I say, running my hand over her back. “Scared us…” Truthfully, I still see that day every night I lay with them—how I could’ve lost them both, and how it would’ve been my fault.

She turns her head and smiles. “Can’t kill me that easy.”

“Being punched by Belial is nothing to shrug off,” Xera says, placing a glass of water on the counter and sliding it toward her. “Hard head you’ve got there.”

“Thank you.”

“Mhmm.”

A plate of food is set in front of Xera, and Amarah lifts the water to her lips. “Do you want cereal?”

“She’s lactose intolerant.”

Xera rolls her eyes. “Of course she is…” She looks down at her plate. The way her nose scrunches and her eyes narrow has me nearly laughing. There’s no way she’s going to— “Here.” She slides the plate across the island. “These aren’t made with milk. Eggs are fine, right? You aren’t everything-intolerant, are you?”

A soft, tired laugh leaves Amarah before she shakes her head. “No… but you don’t⁠—”