Page 45 of Elysian

My breathing cut off from the sour taste.

I tried to move my head, but his hand clamped over my mouth didn’t allow it.

“Saints, Amara, drink!”

My vision swam. Right before it completely went, I did as he said, just as he lifted his hand. I coughed, the taste of the liquid upon my tongue.

“You oafish beast.” I slapped my palm down on his chest.

I gagged, the thick, cold liquid traveling downward, and with it came sweet relief.

Cassiel wound his arm over my shoulders, tucking me under his arm. As much as I did not want to give into his warmth, I did. I exhaled shakily at the bone-deep ache caused by his touch. It had not disappeared, but in his arms, it felt manageable.

“What did you force me to drink?” I accused.

“It will help you.”

“All it is doing . . .” I slurred, shaking my head.

His face wobbled into view, then he swept me into his arms, carrying me to the cot and settling me down. I twisted onto my side, tucking my hand under my cheek.

“Are you well?” It was as if he spoke underwater.

Bit by bit, my mind wandered. I could still feel pain, but it was as if it were covered by a sheet. Still, Cassiel remained near.

The bloom in my stomach trembled. The wilted, near-dead petals began to revive.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Need

Cassiel watched me with predatory intent. My heart thrummed in my chest as I avoided his swiping hand. I kept backing up until my back hit the surface of the pane. My limp still hindered my gait, but the pain had faded to a shadow of its usual weight. The weakness that had plagued me for so long had eased.

“Al!” I shouted, smacking my palms on the pane between us.

It hurt my hand more than anything. I kept smashing my fist against the pane despite it not offering much in the way of noise. My only hope that he heard me was that the bookshelf remained open.

“Al!” My voice gave out.

I cleared my throat, pressing a hand to the soreness. Cassiel kept pacing the length that the chain allowed.

“Cassiel?” I breathed.

He exhaled hard, nose flaring, then reached for me again.

“You’ve awakened,” Al exclaimed.

I whirled around. “Let me out,” I begged.

“Sorry, my dear, I must retrieve Lord Vaner. His Highness seems close to bloodlust.”

Al left with speedy efficiency, and I turned back to Cassiel. He had begun to wind the chain in one hand. He yanked, and the metal held. I let out a shaky breath. I had rushed away from the cot so quickly, my slippers still remained beside it, along with the blade within one shoe.

Cassiel kept breathing harshly, his shoulders jerking from the gusts.

A creak from behind me forced me to spin back around. Al entered with a notepad and his spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose. Behind him entered about seven individuals and Officer Brandt holding the effigy.

Faces blurred until Vaner’s gleeful smile caught my eye. It hollowed my stomach.