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“I’ll have none of that in my healing house. I happen to know it’s no longer necessary unless Alora accidentally depletes your soulmate bond, which she has not.”
“But it makes me feel better,” Alora argued.
Laethan let out a wry laugh. “I’m certain it does, but it is not wise if you are to remain unmarried, a state which I have repeatedly argued against.”
“Wait... I’m confused. Are you saying you’re in favor of Kaevin and I getting married? Like right now?”
Alora’s voice had that little nervous quiver it always had when their possible marriage was discussed.
“From the moment I realized you were truly soulmates, I have contended marriage would be the best option. And perhaps, since I’m no longer hiding my gift, I can persuade the council based on my special knowledge.”
“What special knowledge?” Kaevin asked.
“Though it is possible there exists a method of breaking the soulmate bond, the two of you have already shared too much pain and emotion. Separation could be achieved, but I fear your souls would be permanently scarred from it.”
“You believe we should marry immediately?” Kaevin queried, with a worried glance at Alora, whose face was almost the same white color as her teeth.
“Not until Alora is prepared,” said Laethan with a frown that said he knew how panicky she was feeling. “But seeking to dissolve the bond is a futile battle against God’s sovereign plan. Who are we to question His wisdom?”
Kaevin linked his fingers with Alora’s and whispered in her ear. “Not to worry, Alora. Uncle Charles wishes you to be older before we marry.”
“We must begin your next session, Alora, though Kaevin could be excused if his injuries have weakened him.”
“Laethan, I’ve been thinking...” Alora crossed her arms. “I believe I’ve got this pain thing figured out. I can get rid of this locked-up pain, a little at a time, by myself. There’s no need to keep doing it with the two of you helping.”
“No,” Laethan replied, wearing his normal scowl as he pushed her back until she was once again sitting on the bed. “We will do this my way, so I can be in control.”
Laethan grabbed her hand and Kaevin’s, and his eyes snapped closed. He didn’t see Alora’s jutting jaw, but Kaevin did. He wondered if he should warn Laethan how much Alora hated being told what to do. But he decided it would be easier to appease her when they were alone.
Kaevin braced himself, waiting for the pain to begin.
He waited.
But he felt no pain.
He looked at Alora, whose face was scrunched up.
Laethan’s eyes sprang open, and he stared agape at Alora, releasing her hand. “You’re blocking me?”
With a strained smile, Alora gave a sharp nod.
“How are you...?” A rare grin appeared on Laethan’s face, as he pushed his fingers through his dark hair. “Well done, Alora. I’ve underestimated you. Again.” Then Laethan did something really unusual—he laughed, a real belly laugh.
“What’s so funny?” asked Alora, in a decidedly non-humorous tone.
“You surprised me, Alora, and I’m rarely surprised.”
“Then you’ll let me do it on my own?”
“Why, pray tell, do you not wish for my help? Are you so set against relinquishing control, you would double or triple your pain? Also knowing it may take many moons before you are fully recovered?”
With watery eyes, Alora motioned for Laethan to bend close, and she whispered something in his ear. Laethan’s expression morphed from doubtful to understanding, while Kaevin fought against an unwarranted sense of jealousy, because she had a secret from him she would share with the healer.
Laethan released a long and labored sigh, shaking his head.
“Very well, Alora. You make a reasonable argument. And you’ve obviously gained the ability to control the process.”
“Thank you,” she answered.
