Page 37 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume Two

“Three cracked ribs, four broken bones in your wing, and several gashes and burns. You’re quite lucky it’s not worse.” Sora firmed his voice. “And you absolutely cannot shift from this form until I clear you. Do so, you lose the ability to fly.”

Ravi blinked, and he looked more awake now. “No! But that means I’m stuck out here.”

“That’s what it means.”

Tori pitched in, just as firm. “And that means you have to stay still.”

Ravi rolled his eyes, expression plaintive. “But I’m really bad at that.”

“I know you are. Do it anyway.” Tori had absolutely no mercy.

Sora stroked the soft spot on his nose, right between his nostrils, and Ravi settled back in with a sigh of pleasure. That was always a good spot for dragons. “I’ll keep you company, alright?”

“That does make it better,” Ravi admitted.

“It was incredibly brave, what you did. I’m glad you thought so quickly but sorry you were hurt in the process.”

It was hard to tell under the scales, but Ravi might have been blushing. He certainly had a hard time meeting anyone’s eyes, especially Sora’s.

“Uh, well, all in the line of duty.”

“Indeed.” Sora gestured toward the mattress. “I think we can carefully move you over to there and allow your wing more room to lie flat. It’ll be more comfortable for you, but let’s do this carefully. I don’t want to aggravate anything.”

“Sure, but tell me first. I saw her fly out the window, so I know I thwarted the Jaeggi. But there was no one else, right?”

“No, she was the only bomber,” North assured him. “They’re still sweeping the castle and double checking, but it looked like she was a lone suicide bomber.”

“Thank fuck. Cause I am not feeling fighting fit right now.” Ravi groaned as he started transferring his weight over. “Oww. Owwwww. Guys, I have to tell you, being hit by a bomb? Zero stars, absolutely do not recommend. Fuck, I want to curl up in a hot bath. With bubbles. And maybe stay in it for a few years.”

“After Sora says it’s okay,” North reiterated, helping to move him.

Rolling those big brown eyes at him again, Ravi pleaded, “Maybe if I shift slowly?”

“No shifting at all.”

It would be a battle between Ravi’s patience and his natural healing speed from this point on. Sora could see the writing clearly on the wall. But he had an idea or two how to temper the impatience.

“I have a lovely potion that will ease the aches and pains. I’ll rub it all over you. And kiss the boo-boos. But you have to stay in dragon form.”

Ravi paused and eyed him suspiciously. “Every boo-boo? You promise?”

“I promise.” And Sora meant it. He noticed the looks the other two mages were giving him, as if surprised at his offer and sincerity, but he didn’t elaborate. He had nothing to explain to them, after all.

“Hot damn.” Ravi sighed, then groaned as he sank onto the mattress. “I guess something good had to come out of this. I’ll hold you to that promise, Sora.”

“Do so. In the meantime, let’s find more mattresses and pillows. I don’t think just one will cut it.”

Sora had Ravi situated to be as comfortable as possible while still in an active environment. He had several mattresses under him, mounds of pillows, and comforters hastily stitched together and thrown over his back to keep him warm as he healed. Unlike a fire dragon, he had no natural heat to offer his healing body, so the comforter was essential. Really, if someone were to make a case that dragons hoarded soft things, Ravi would be the perfect illustration in this moment.

Good to his word, King Alric returned three hours after checking on Ravi, with Baldewin on his heels. Baldewin had a large blue stuffed rabbit in his hands for some reason, which he promptly tucked in between Ravi’s forearm and chest.

“You’re the only one who understands me.” Ravi sighed in pleasure.

Baldewin shook his head. “You, sleep without at least one cuddly thing nearby? We’d never hear the end of it. How are you, Ravi?”

“Sore, aching, but I have a hot male nurse. I mean, as a silver lining, it’s a damn good one.” Ravi grinned at Sora, who grinned back.

Such an incorrigible dragon. Sora would tickle him for the impertinence if it wouldn’t set off his multitude of injuries.