Gilded Wings(26)

“It’s cold,” she exhaled.

“Yes, it’s an ice pack which will help take down the swelling. Keep it on until I say.”

“Alright.” Courtney sighed. As she held the patch over her eyes, Alaine pulled a needle and thread from her medical bag.

I knew she would need stitches, but this was something I couldn’t watch. That’s probably why Alaine told her to hold the pack over her eyes, so she wouldn’t see and freak out.

“Hold still,” Alaine said. I’m just going to fix your injury.

I went to Courtney’s side, and held onto her hand.

She squeezed my fingers. “Emma?” she asked.

“I’m right here,” I answered.

“Those stupid monsters didn’t let us finish our movie.”

I laughed. “Well, I think Julie Andrews can wait for another day.”

“I think I need a new room,” she said softly.

“Don’t worry,” Alaine answered. “We’ll fix your room, and it will be better than ever.”

“Good,” she said through a yawn. “I feel so sleepy.”

“Then rest,” Alaine said.

“Aren’t you supposed to keep people with a concussion awake?” I asked.

“Yes, but the potion will help with any internal damage. Sleep is what she needs,” Alaine said softly.

I nodded, impressed at how much she knew. One day I hoped to know just as much as she did, so I could also help others.

In a matter of seconds, Courtney’s mouth drooped open. She was fast asleep.

“That didn’t take long.” Thomas laughed.

“She’s had a rough day. I’m glad she’s sleeping. Sometimes the potion will do what is best for the patient. In her case it was sleep.”

“’I’ll take some of whatever she had,” Caleb said, huddled in a corner. He was so quiet I’d forgotten he’d come in, and he was obviously shaken.

“You were brave, little man,” Thomas said, patting him on the shoulder. “You pulled your sister away from harm. You’re a real life hero.”

Caleb smiled.

After Alaine finished stitching Courtney’s head, she called Caleb over to an adjacent twin bed.

“Are you hurt?” she asked.

“No,” he answered softly. “Are those creatures going to be coming after us forever?”

Alaine closed her eyes and shook her head. She sucked in a deep breath and knelt beside him. “No, not forever.” Her answer was simple, but I could still see fear embedded in Caleb’s eyes.

“But how? There are so many of them. They’re going to kill us one day.” His eyes pooled with tears.

“I would never allow it,” Alaine promised. “We will find a way to either eliminate them, or keep them away. But for now, you also need to rest,” she said, nodding to Thomas.

Thomas came and stood behind Caleb and placed his hands on his shoulders. “Don’t worry, little man. We’ve got your back,” he assured. Caleb nodded, then Thomas leaned over and whispered in his ear.

I watched Caleb’s eyes get heavy, before they rolled back and closed. Thomas laid him back on the pillow and Alaine threw a blanket over him.

“Gotta love the sleeper,” I said quietly. Thomas grinned.

“It’s not safe for them to stay here anymore,” she noted sadly. “I’ll have to make arrangements for them to stay with someone far away from this madness. At least until it’s finally dealt with.”

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “If I hadn’t come here, none of this would have happened.”

Ever since the accident, trouble – in its most horrific forms – followed me, and put everyone around me in danger. Caleb was kidnapped, Courtney was injured, Kade was now mortal and had to endure pain and suffering, and even Ethon was now brought into the mix. All because of me.

“That’s not true,” Kade said, still holding me.

“No, it is. This whole house is in danger because Lucian and Lucifer want me. What if you just send me away? They shouldn’t have to go away from their home, or be put into any more danger,” I said, glancing at Courtney and Caleb. I couldn’t bear to look at Courtney’s battered face.

Alaine walked over to me and laid her hand on my shoulder. “Emma, they would have come anyway. You aren’t the only one Lucian wants. I’m also on his list.” She took hold of my hand. “We are in this together. And we will finish this, together. Alright?”

“Alright,” I sighed. I knew she was right.

“Thomas, we need to get back and help.”

“How is it out there?” Kade asked.

“They are holding their own. This is the most Darkling I’ve seen in a long time. Lucian must be planning his attack soon. He actually might have, if anyone had taken down the barrier. Thank goodness it’s still intact.”