The simplest solution would be Talakai’s beast taking him home. But the Bellati pulled himself to his wobbly feet at the suggestion.
“I will walk out on my own two feet,” he insisted.
Which, of course, he couldn’t. He could barely stand. Despite his restored horn, it would take him a while to regain his energy. And although he waved away both Talakai and Matt, he accepted help from Cass and Eli when they showed up.
It frustrated me. He’d almost died, and now he was determined to kill himself trying to walk out of here.
Give him time,Matt soothed.It’s not just nearly being cactused, he’s had a huge blow to his ego. His type doesn’t like to be rescued.
And you did?
By you? You can rescue me anytime, Angel.His eyes glowed softly at me.
I couldn’t help but feel that it was more than mere pride at work. Why accept help from Cass and Eli, and not us? The rejection stung, and my heart shivered as we followed Sebastian and his Bellati crutches.
We staggered our way out of the castle. The place was alive with activity—the council and Dragon Legion had arrived in time to mop up the last of the mercenaries from the town itself.
As we followed the Bellati out of the castle, Talakai ghosted away to mingle. Minutes later, he rejoined us with the information we sought. “Isobel and her coven managed to escape through the gate. A Watcher contingent is trying to track them.” He shook his head. “Those left behind fought despite Galeran’s death and the desertion of their fellows. Only a few have surrendered.”
It surprised me, but Isobel and Galeran had pumped themselves and the Bellatis full of the bloodpower. Perhaps it had infused the mercs as well. Or maybe they preferred death to incarceration by Dragons.
We found Cara in a field beyond the castle entrance, where the injured were being sorted. The Watcher’s keen gaze took us in, her brow twitching at Sebastian.
“Hello, my friends,” she said. “We have to make do outside for now—the bloodpower that permeates the castle precludes any healing within it.” She gestured to a nearby cot. “Put him there.”
“I am fine, Cara.” Sebastian protested. “I just need time to recharge.”
She said nothing, merely pointed, so Eli and Cass complied. When they released him, his legs refused to keep him standing. Which effectively got him perched on the edge of the cot, glaring at everyone around him.
I hovered anxiously as Cara ran her hands over him, pausing them on each side of his head. Both closed their eyes, and stayed so still it was as though they were carved from stone. Finally, Cara sighed and lowered her hands.
I was bursting at the seams. “Is he okay? Did I attach it properly?”
Cara smiled at me. “His horn is once again a part of him. But his energy is not only weak—it is fractured. It needs time to heal the rift.”
I regarded her anxiously. “But it will heal?”
“Yes,” she said. “With sufficient time, and balanced, pure energy to recharge him.”
“I need to return to Elandriel,” Sebastian said.
No.He didn’t want to come back to the academy? To us?
Cara shot him a look. “There are other ways for you to heal,” she said pointedly.
“None that will ensure I do so,” he insisted. “The energy of our home realm, as you know, is pure. Untainted. The best choice for my healing.”
“You are needed elsewhere,” Cara argued.
He regarded her, his face lined with exhaustion. “My teaching days are over. It will be weeks before I am able to exert myself. Replace me with Eli and Cass.”
Both Bellatis stiffened and looked at each other. Then Cass said, “If we are best utilized as instructors, we offer our services as such.”
Cara’s lips compressed, but to my dismay, she nodded. “For now, at least, it may be the best solution.” She regarded Sebastian solemnly. “Are you certain this is what you want?”
No,I protested through the link.Sebastian, you need to be with us.
I need to return home, Anna.His pale eyes rose to mine.I cannot be with you. Not like this.
