see caused her head to throb more.
Every time someone so much as bumped the bed she had to bite back a moan of pain. She didn’t want anyone, especially Hayden, to see just how badly she hurt.
Sonya’s magic began to flow over Isla, the feel of it beautiful and sweet. It was strong and pure. Isla felt as if tree limbs were softly brushing over her, soothing her. It was an illusion of Sonya’s magic that only other Druids would be able to detect, but it was lovely and did help to calm her.
It was just a moment later that Isla felt more magic. This time it was earthy and like a root that coiled around her giving healing energy. Cara, Isla realized.
Together the Druids did their best to take away the ache in Isla’s head, but they could only manage to diminish it somewhat. It was enough that Isla was able to open her eyes, though.
“Save your magic,” she told Sonya and Cara. “I just need to rest.”
Isla heard Hayden bark Marcail’s name. A moment later Marcail knelt beside the bed, her head even with Isla’s. “Nay,” Isla said. “Don’t.”
“Shh,” Marcail whispered. “I won’t take away the pain, though I would if you would allow me.”
“It might harm your child.”
Marcail smiled, a smile full of love and wisdom. “I feel my child’s magic already. I don’t think it would hurt the babe.”
“Nay,” she said again.
“As I thought you would say. If you won’t let me take the pain, there is something you could try. Your have more magic than any of us here, so if anyone can do this, you can.”
Isla felt a cool cloth on her forehead. “What is it?”
“When I do take someone’s emotions, I have to let my magic surround me. If I don’t, the emotions could very well kill me.”
“I knew it,” Isla heard Quinn grind out from somewhere in the tower.
Marcail didn’t break eye contact with Isla. “Call your magic and let it fill you, let it protect you.”
“And you think this will make the pain stop?”
“It helps to lessen my illness when I take emotions.”
It was worth a try at least. “Can you have everyone leave?”
“Of course.” Marcail rose to her feet. “Isla needs to be alone.”
Cara wiped Isla’s face once more. “I’ll be back in a wee bit to check on you.”
Isla smiled and let her eyes shut.
“I’m not leaving,” Hayden said tightly.
Elation swept through Isla. His presence comforted her as nothing else could. She caught Cara’s hand before she could leave. “He can stay.”
Cara’s smile was slow as it spread across her face. “Fallon. Quinn. Leave Hayden. Isla has asked that he be allowed to stay.”
Cara’s fingers squeezed Isla’s for a moment before she walked away. It wasn’t long before the door closed. Isla had her back to the door so she didn’t know where Hayden was, and she feared turning over would cause more pain.
“None of it helped, did it?”
His voice was warm, deep, and soft as it drifted to her. “A little.”
She wanted to feel his arms around her again, to have his strength surround her. It had felt so good to be carried by him. Hayden had sheltered her from the sun and protected her as much as he could. He might say he didn’t care, but she knew he did. Deep down, he did.
And that was the problem. He did care. For a
If she died right then, it all would have been enough. She had known the warmth of a skilled lover, the gentleness of a fierce Warrior. And it had all been for her alone.
Isla’s heart swelled with the knowledge.
THIRTY-THREE
Isla wanted Hayden beside her. She wanted to feel his touch, his warmth. As if he had heard her silent plea, he loomed beside the bed staring down her.
“What can I do?” he asked.
“Hold me.”
His brow puckered. “I doona want to hurt you.”
“Your touch soothes, Hayden. I need you.”
She didn’t have to tell him twice. He kicked off his boots before he gently removed her shoes. He walked around the bed and crawled in behind her.
Isla sighed contentedly when he molded his body to hers. His warm breath fanned her neck, and he laid his arm next to hers as it draped her stomach.
“Is it Deirdre?” he asked.
“I’m not sure.” And she didn’t lie. “Before, when Deirdre would take over, the pain was blinding, but it never lasted long.”
His fingers intertwined with hers. “So this is different. A result of Deirdre’s loss of magic?”
“She didn’t lose all her magic. You need to remember that. But, aye, it could be.”
“Your shield? Would that hinder her?”
“If her magic was weak it could distort it.”
He sighed and tightened his arm around her. “I want to help.”
“You are. More than you know.” She thought of Grania, of how her niece had died, and she found she wanted to tell Hayden. “I’ve something to tell you.” “What?”
“You know the little girl Fallon found in Cairn Toul?”
She felt his head nod. “Aye. That was Grania.”
“It was. While Deirdre was occupied fighting you, I went to Grania. I had already seen Lavena and knew nothing could help her, but I thought I could take Grania away.” His hand smoothed the hair away from the side of her face. “What happened?”
“She fought me. She had a dagger and tried to use it. She called Deirdre her mother.”
“Deirdre corrupted her,” Hayden murmured.
“Aye. I knew it then, but I couldn’t give up. I tried to take the dagger away from her, but we slipped. Somehow, she fell on the weapon. She was dead by the time I realized what had happened.” His fingers with hers and gave her a slight squeeze. “It was an accident.”
“I still killed her.”
“And she’s better off where she is. Deirdre no longer has control of her.”
Isla knew he was right. She was glad he had listened to her. “I want to try what Marcail suggested. Sonya and Cara were able to lessen the pain.” “But it still hurts,” he finished for her. “I can see it in your eyes and the way you hold your body. I would see it gone, Isla. Just tell me what you need.” He’d given her more than she could have ever thought to want, and now he was offering her even more. “Don’t leave me until I’m finished.” “I willna leave. As long as you need or want me, I’ll be here for you.”
The way he said it, with such conviction, Isla had no choice but to believe him. Finally he was giving her the words she needed, now, when it was most likely too late. “Thank you.” He kissed her neck. “Come. Let loose your magic so you can rid yourself of this pain.”
Isla settled more comfortably against him and let out a deep breath. She found herself more relaxed with Hayden next to her, and that gave her the courage she needed to turn to her magic.
She then focused on her magic, channeling all that she was, all that she yearned for toward building her magic. It was difficult to push past the throbbing of her head. At times she lost her grip on her magic, but she
