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His energy feels like a nest, and I’m grateful to have it, even if our connection is his death sentence.
Please.
He’s at my side in an instant, pulling me close and kissing the top of my head. “We’ll get through this, sweet girl.”
I cuddle into his chest, savoring his sweet, woodsy scent, forcing myself to focus on that and the calmness of Jonah’s mind.
And I know he’s right.
We will get through this.
We have to.
Or there won’t be anyone to face the scourge.
Chapter19
Yes, with an asterisk
I stareinto the liquid-like flames of the bonfire, letting its flickering dance hollow out my thoughts.
It’s a perfect night for a bonfire, cold and cloudless.
If I wanted, I could see every constellation, both the real ones and the ones I made up. But my gaze is glued to the flames and the welcome stillness in my empty mind.
The tone of conversations swirl around me. I don’t hear the words, just the vibe, until Emilia’s clear, high voice rings through my fire-induced trance.
And her vibe is way off, forcing me to pay attention.
“I’ve done my best. I don’t know how long it will last, but it’s better than nothing.”
I finally drag my eyes away from the fire. “Is he OK?”
She nods. “He’s with Mari while she tends to the silver damage. I put him in a spelled sleep so he wouldn’t suffer through that process as well.”
My shoulders sink at her phrasing.
“Did you hurt him?” My tone is flat, despite the ball of rock-hard fear lodged in my throat.
“I tried my best, Willa. It is brutal spell work.”
Drago had closed our connection shortly after I ran out of the meeting house. I haven’t been able to reestablish it since, and now I know why.
I cuddle closer to Jonah and Rafe on either side of me and try to stay out of my emotions.
“Hey,” Rook says from beside his sister.
I meet his smiling eyes.
“Let’s go inside. I have the feeling you could use a bigger distraction.”
I don’t think there’s much bigger a distraction than the four-foot-high bonfire flames Jonah built for me, but I humor him and rise.
Jonah rises to follow us inside, but Rafe pulls him back down and gives him a quick shake of his head.
“Right, well, I’ll just get out of your hair, then,” Emilia says quickly and heads toward the trail down the mountain.
“Do you want a ride?” Rafe asks, with an oddly upbeat tone.
