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Blue gave me a half-hearted smile and nodded.
The River
Tzidal
* * *
It always amazedme how fear could change time, either slow it down or speed it up, depending on what your mind dreaded more.
The path to the river was fast. Blue hauled Lex over his shoulder, and we walked quickly. I had to help Blue readjust the siren several times, and a few tricky breaks in the path made for some interesting maneuvers, but we were next to the water in no time, the sun slowly etching its way to indicate mid-day.
A strained moaning drifted in the air, and I spun to the sound of Lex’s voice. Blue was already on his knees, rolling the siren carefully to see his face better. The swelling around his eyes had gone down a bit, but his skin was still discolored with deep purple bruises.
Lex’s throat worked as he tried to talk, and I brought my hand to his lips, quieting him. “It’s okay,” I whispered. “Save your strength.”
“How are we going to get him better?” Blue asked, holding Lex’s hand. I could see the siren squeezing Blue’s fingers as he slowly woke up.
“I don’t know.” I shook my head. I would think of something, but I needed time and Joon. I searched for my mate through our bond, but it was so muted. He was here but somehow too far to feel anything real.
Blue-eyed the black water. “Lex?”
A soft hum left the siren’s throat in response.
“I think we should try to wash some of the blood off of you.”
A sharp ‘no’ muddled by thick fear burst from Lex’s lips. His big, grey eyes met mine, terror pouring off him. “Dark waters,” he whispered to me.
“Dark waters?” Blue asked, looking at me to make sure he heard right.
“Lex doesn’t like dark water you can’t see the bottom of.” I smoothed down the siren’s white hair. It was caked in his black blood.
“Why?” Blue whispered, no judgment in his voice, just curious.
I shook my head, continuing to caress my friend. I had never asked. It was clear that whatever the reason was, it hurt Lex to think about.
“I was killed in dark waters once,” Lex whispered. “Me….and my mate.”
I paused, thinking over his words. Blue’s eyes narrowed in thought, and he cocked his head, looking at me.
“I thought your partners weren’t called mates,” I said.
“They aren’t,” Lex said, shifting slightly against the rocky shore.
Blue’s eyes darted to mine, and I returned his confused expression.
“Were you mated to a wolf?” Blue asked.
Lex cleared his throat, the sound rough, almost painful. “Yes,” he said, his voice stronger.
I didn’t know what to say. So I said nothing. Blue took Lex’s hand, squeezing it gently.
“My people didn’t care for it. They said it went against nature and our laws. So they killed him.” Lex pressed his lips together, smoothing his hand down the front of his bloodied robes.
“I’m so sorry.” I kissed the top of his head. Lex closed his eyes, letting me love him for a moment. I wanted him to soak up my tender feelings and let them heal him a bit. I didn’t know how siren’s worked or fed off emotions, but I hoped it might help. Even just a little.
“What, what was he like?” Blue asked, his voice a little uneasy at asking something so personal.
“Fierce. And mean.” Lex smiled with so much pride as a tear fell down the side of his face. It was slightly silvery in color and mixed into the black blood in his hair. “He was perfect.”
