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Never again would I commit such heinous acts. Nor would I have to worry anymore about atoning for them, for this woman had shown me resolute strength. She had nearly sacrificed herself for my friends and me. She deserved nothing less than my dedication—and that would be enough to make up for my mistake.
Her care and safety were my duty until our lives ended. I swore it as I extended my wings and launched into the night sky, rain lightly pattering us as I flew back to Silverdawn. Life billowed around us despite the bloody scene we left behind. Her love did that, and it fueled our journey home.
Love, I thought.This must be what that feels like.
Chapter 22 - Juriah
Three Days Later
Even though Macy had been healed on the scene, she had fallen into a coma during the flight back to Silverdawn territory. Starry sparkles had taken to her skin, making her appear soft and dewy like she had just run in from a light rain shower. With her eyes closed and her cheeks perpetually rosy, she appeared as a preserved doll.
I smoothed lip balm over her luscious lips. I fluffed her pillow. I made sure the sheets were tucked just the way she liked them under her hips. She was picky about her comfort, and I had brought the memory foam pillow from my bed that she favored. It smelled like her. It smelled like green apples.
Spirited energy floated into the room. Etta appeared shortly after, smiling weakly as she shuffled toward us. “How’s she doing?”
“She’s a trooper.”
“She’s got you, so she’s got plenty of trooping left to do.”
I chuckled. “You have a wonderful bedside manner.”
“I know. I just…” Her eyes drifted to the doorway. Across the hallway was another room with another bed and another person—Izdor. “I kept him alive for as long as I could.”
I bowed my head with gratitude and reverence. “For that, we are incredibly thankful, Etta. You did more for him than anyone could have asked.”
“He’s kind and sweet. He’s been good to us.” She hung her head. “I just wish I could do more.”
“You’re doing plenty, Etta.” I smiled. “Did we get any news about Baneridge or Percy?”
She shook her head. “I was trying to help Raven with a location spell on the remains of the house, but I kept getting blocked. “Turns out they had a witch locked in the basement who, uh…”
She paled so much I thought she would faint.
I reached across the bed and took her hand, relaying as much comforting energy as I could muster. “Etta, I didn’t know there was anyone else in that house. None of us did. Please, don’t beat yourself up over that.”
“I just wish I could have done more. I was so weak.”
“You were kidnapped. You did your best.”
She shuddered. “That poor girl died in a cage. They must have been using her magic for something. They ended up draining her.”
“Is that what blocked you from tracking them?”
“Yeah, Percy must have been using her force, or something.”
I frowned. “That must be why he’s so interested in Elderlings. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve been harvested for our powers. But doing that to a regular witch would—and did—kill her.”
“We buried her this morning. Held a witch funeral.” Her lips tightened as she wiped an errant tear from her cheek. “Had a nice turnout too. New wolves showed up.”
I stared at her. “New wolves?”
“They showed up when we were burying the witch. Raven invited them here.”
“New wolves?”
She giggled. “Is there an echo in here?”
“I’m simply shocked, Etta. Forgive me. I didn’t think Raven would invite strangers back to her pack right after a battle ended.”
