Kane’s hands searched me, pausing on my sides as he knelt down. Gently, he pulled the torn fabric aside, ripping it more to expose the flesh below it. “Auri…”
I looked down, nervous. “What?” Not sure if I wanted to see a gaping hole in my abdomen, I looked away, cringing, waiting for the pain to settle back in.
“Auri… look.” Indrell stepped forward, her jaw slightly agape.
I looked. But what I saw gave me pause, relating to the look of awe on their faces. There was no blood. No open wound. Not even a pink scar where the knife had impaled me.
Immediately, I looked to Indrell. “Did you…”
Sarah broke free from Wulfgar and came forward, signing, “I was so worried about you! Thank you for not dying. But don’t you ever do that to us again!”
I laughed. “I’ll do my best not to.”
Others gathered closer, looking at me in awe. Hugs, handshakes, salutes. It was apparent that they were relieved at the outcome. Something I was more than grateful for since part of me was a little worried that more of them were loyal to Mika.
Seemingly, by the happy reactions I was receiving, that wasn’t the case.
Kane kept most people at bay, standing protectively by my side, save for Indrell, Sarah, Wulfgar, Aeden, Lochlin and the twins. But even that small group of people was enough to feel like the whole room descended upon me in one swoop as they all came in to look me over.
A set of hands lifted my chin up, cradling my cheeks. When I let myself focus, my eyes met Indrell’s. “This was not me.”
“No?” My eyes filled with tears.
“No.” She pulled me in for a hug before looking at the pristine flesh that covered my abdomen. “This is all you.” Returning to an embrace, Indrell spoke quietly, “I can’t wait to see how much more you can do.”
I wanted to ask her questions. So many questions. What else could I possibly do? Was I a vampire? Could I heal myself? Did I heal myself? Was it permanent? Would there be bad side effects? Like I said, so many questions.
The room was starting to clear, and before I could gather my thoughts enough to attempt to start asking anything around all of the hugs, laughter, tears and chatter, Kane was ready for the commotion to end.
With a wave of a hand, his deep, baritone voice growled out over the still gathered crowd. “Tomorrow we can gather in the meeting room and discuss all of this and more. But tonight, I’m taking Auri to our room, and I do not want to be disturbed. As much as I am thankful that she is still alive, we’ve experienced more than one tragedy today. She needs her rest.”
“You both do,” Indrell corrected her.
“Yes. You both do,” Sarah signed. “I’ll be available for whatever you both need. Just ring.”
Wulfgar nodded and agreed with her, showing how far he’d come in learning her language, “I’ll lend a hand as well. I’ll stay in the castle to be available.”
The look on Sarah’s face was surprise and happiness at the idea that he would be near. And if I wasn’t mistaken, she also blushed in that way that betrayed the fact that she was hoping she’d stay a bit closer than another room in the castle. And by the way he looked back at her? I’d guess he was hoping for the same thing.
Kane stood up straight, his chin up and shoulders back. What his posture change brought forth showed me just how much his people respected him. Each of those left in the room all stood up straight as well, mirroring his stance and then, they paid obeisance to Kane. Each one of them bowed deeply, staying there for a moment before riding back up.
But it was their next move that shocked me. With a nod from Kane, they all turned to me, still silent, they each bowed just as deep and just as long. I knew where my place was. It was there with them.
With that, Kane escorted me out of the room.
~~~
“She is immortal now, Kanedraven.” Indrell put the lid on the canister and placed it back in her bag. “But not fully.”
“What do you mean?” I rolled over, sleepily. The morning sun shone in through the open drapes, warming the room.
Kane pulled me into his lap and wrapped his arm over me. “How can she be both?”
“I don’t know. Something happened when the life force that was extinguished inside of her bonded with into her bloodstream. I don’t feel aging in the cells. She healed from her wounds. But I feel all of the natural elements of her human body. But even her magic is different.”
“Certainly, there’s some explanation.” I stated. “I mean, what kind of magic do I have now? Will I continue to heal?”
“I don’t know,” Indrell replied. “You will find out next time you get a bruise or a cut.”
“But we don’t need to test it on purpose.” Kane moved out from under me, pulling the quilt up over my shoulders.
“Awww.” I yawned. “You take all the adventure out of things.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. “I would rather you not have any adventures for a long time.”
“Fine,” I huffed. “But how can I find out what my magic is like now if it’s not the same? I’m obviously not a vampire. So, what has changed other than my cells not aging? And is this permanent?”
She hung her head. “I do not know, Auriena. I’m sorry. I wish I had more answers.” Gathering her things, Indrell patted my hand. “We will find out. Trust me.”
Walking Indrell to the door, Kane
