Page 105 of Elysian

The towel we held tight to her severed leg began to seep. “It’s drenched,” Tabby said.

Archer ran back inside, holding a metal piece glowing red, Branwen at his heels, more composed. I took the handle and jerked my chin to the side. Tabby removed the towel, and I touched the side to press against the top of the wound, rolling it down over the flesh.

Skin seared as soon as the reddened metal touched her skin. She jolted on the table, her chest jerking and her body beginning to shake. Branwen pet her head and murmured to her. That seemed to calm Vera, and she settled. The smell of cooked flesh filled the chamber.

“I will not be able to eat in here again,” Tabby murmured.

I did not blame her. I would not either.

“Get a clean towel,” I ordered.

“Already have one,” Lucinda neared and pressed the towel to the wound.

Vera moaned, her head rolling from side to side. Branwen tucked her hair behind her ears, whispering encouragement.

“She will need something stronger for the pain.” One of Al’s concoctions would be useful right about now.

Lucinda pursed her lips. “We might be able to make a salve to numb the area. It will be a crude version of something Al would have perfected, but at least it could offer her some relief. Do you have mint?” Lucinda asked Tabby.

“We are running low on all our tonics and tinctures. We have yet to get provisions from the village nearest here.” Archer pinned Tabby with a glare. “You well know they have a market in the evening. I can go.”

“Two hands are better than one. I will go with you,” I announced.

“You are mad!”

“No, you will not.”

Archer yelled, Cassiel’s voice a second behind his.

Tabby and I shared a look and ignored them.

With Lucinda holding the towel to Vera’s sawed flesh, I went to the collection of blades and items on the table surface above her head. I grabbed a strip of string and came back to her leg. Lucinda lifted it as I wound the string over the towel to fasten it on Vera’s leg.

Vera moaned, still unconscious.

The door banged open against the wall. Damien came stumbling in. Gashes slashed across his arms, and he limped toward Vera.

“What have you done to her?” he croaked. Branwen moved back, and he took her spot, placing both hands on her face. His accusatory glare pinned Lucinda.

“We did what we had to,” I said, stepping forward. “It was my call.” Damien looked at me, his eyes red-rimmed and damp. He exhaled sharply and rested his cheek on her forehead. The care he had for her was unmistakable.

I turned and walked directly into Cassiel. “Saints!” I exclaimed, clasping my chest.

No wonder Damien had turned away and not continued to toss accusations.

I moved to Tabby’s side and clasped her hand. “When do we go to the village?”

“Amara,” Cassiel growled.

I ignored him. Despite Tabby’s reticence, she said, “Early, before dawnlight breaks, so we can be at the market when it commences.”

“Tabitha,” Archer snapped.

“It makes the most sense for us to go. No one will recognize us since we have yet to visit the closest village.”

Archer scoffed.

“I will remain at her side. You both prepare for your journey,” Lucinda interrupted.