AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As soon as he saw her, staring up at him through Sera’s purple eyes, his heart swelled. “Elyse,” he cried, dropping his sword and running to her. He fell to his knees beside her and tenderly wrapped his arms around her. She whimpered but nestled her body against his.
They didn’t speak. Even though she wore Sera’s skin, she was undoubtedly his. He held her tighter, grateful that she hadn’t been hurt worse.
Distantly, he heard the clatter of chains as Manny freed Sera. They came to stand before them, Sera rubbing the chafed skin on her wrists where the shackles had been.
“Are you okay?” Killian asked her.
She nodded, her dark eyes distant. “Just a little dizzy is all.” Then she shifted her gaze to Elyse. “Are you ready?”
Elyse lifted her head an inch from Killian’s chest. “Are you?”
Sera glanced down at the mangled ankle, and her lips tightened. “I’ll manage,” she said quietly.
Sera knelt before them, and Killian helped Elyse sit up. The two women held each other’s hands—their own hands—and both closed their eyes.
The moment their minds re-entered their own bodies, Sera gasped and clutched her ankle.
“Fuck,” she groaned—the least lady-like thing Killian had ever seen her do.
Manny was instantly at her side, replacing Killian. “We’ll heal it—right?”
Killian looked up at Elyse, wondering why she hadn’t already healed the broken ankle. Her expression was grim.
“I can heal it,” she said tentatively. “But…”
“It’ll take too long,” Sera finished for her through gritted teeth. “And we’ll need potions.”
“And even then, she should rest for a few hours at least,” Elyse added. Her mouth drew into a taut line, and the shadows beneath her tired eyes seemed to darken.
Manny’s hand stroked Sera’s back in a soothing motion, but the seer’s face was resolute. She’d already known this would be the end of the mission for her.
“I’m going with you,” Manny declared, drawing closer to Sera.
Killian opened his mouth to protest, but Manny cut him off with a sharp look.
“I’m not leaving her,” he said with stony determination. “Besides, I’m more harm than help. You’ll be better off not having to worry about me.”
Killian knew there was no changing Manny’s mind. He would have done the same for Elyse. Still, fear turned in his stomach. Part of him knew Manny was right, that his inability to properly defend himself was a hindrance. Yet he didn’t know if he could face Ymaritis without his second, his best friend, by his side.
Elyse slipped her fingers into his, and warmth immediately spread up his arm, filling his chest. She turned to Manny. “Take her to Privya’s,” she commanded softly. “Stay there, and we’ll meet you after—with the rose,” she added, a hint of bravery in her voice.
Killian handed Manny a transportation potion from his pocket as Elyse knelt before Sera. She slid her hand across Sera’s face and blinked a tear from her eyes.
“Thank you,” she uttered.
Sera forced a pained smile onto her lips. “You would have done the same for me.”
They stayed like that for a moment before Elyse let out a ragged sigh. “Okay,” she breathed. “We should get going.” She rose and stared down at Manny, giving him a fierce look. “Take care of her,” she said, equal parts demand and request.
Manny nodded as he slipped his hand into Sera’s. “We’ll see you soon,” he said, and threw the transportation potion to the ground.
Killian waved his hand in front of him, clearing the blue smoke from his vision. He turned to face Elyse but jumped when he saw Jaime standing behind her.
Gods above, he’d completely forgotten Jaime was there. He was surprised the buffoon hadn’t been fawning over Elyse’s injury.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he said to her, glaring sidelong at Killian. He pulled a transportation potion from his pocket, but Killian held out his hand.
“Wait,” he urged. “I think we should take a look around. Maybe there’s something here that will be helpful.”
