Relinquish(86)

My knees nearly give way as Alesta appears, her hand sweeping gracefully over the curved staircase bannister as she descends from the floor above. “Let’s get you to bed, shall we?”

I nod, allowing Alesta to guide me down winding halls and past countless doors. This place seems to have no end. Just as I begin to fear I will never be alone, Alesta stops in front of a pair of hand-carved cherry-colored wooden doors. The engraving is exquisite, but I hardly have the heart to care as I pass through the archway.

Alesta releases me the moment I’m inside and turns to lock the doors. “Are you all right? I was so worried about you. When I heard all of the shouting, I feared the worst.”

My hands tremble at my sides as they hang limply. Tears stream freely down my cheeks as I sink to the floor.

I feel dirty, used. If I close my eyes, I can still feel Aloysius’s hands upon my body, hear myself screaming in protest, locked within my own mind.

“It was horrible,” I whimper. Drawing my legs up into my chest, I wrap my arms about them, rocking ever so slightly. “I could hear myself talking, could feel everything, but I was helpless to stop it.”

Alesta eyes me warily. “Are you… you again?”

“Yes.” I nod. “I think so.”

“There’s only one way to be sure.” She steps past me and opens another set of double doors. Inside, the room is darker, the lights dimmer, but I can still make out a shape upon the bed. I can smell the metallic scent of blood.

“Bastien!”





Nineteen



I sink down beside Bastien, my hands quaking as I grip his hand. He groans but does not wake.

“He was like this when they brought him in. All they told me was to take care of him for you, but I didn’t understand what they meant.” Alesta chews on her lower lip, hovering just behind me. “Is this your friend?”

“Yes,” I whisper as I brush my fingertips across his swollen eye. “Drakon did this.”

Alesta stands silently beside me. I can feel her concern, but she doesn’t speak as I lean forward and place a kiss upon his forehead. His skin is clammy. “He needs medicine. I don’t have any here, but I can return to my home and get something for him.”

“No need.” Lifting Bastien’s hand to my lips, I close my eyes and concentrate. I can feel warmth beginning to spread along my limbs, rising to meet up with my heart. Behind closed eyelids, I can see the healing glow, hear Alesta’s gasp, but none of it matters. I focus on the beating of his heart, pushing the healing fires from my body into his.

I saved his life in much the same way a year ago, the day before we faced off with Drakon. In a surprise attack on our base, Bastien had been gravely wounded. I arrived in time to save him, but his healing came with a cost.

“Illyria?”

A hand reaches out to cup my face. I press my cheek into the palm of his hand, not caring that he can feel my tears. “I thought I lost you,” I whisper.

He blinks several times, obviously confused about his surroundings. He rolls his head to the side and smiles. “You look good.”

I laugh and wipe at my eyes. “It figures you would like the outfit.”

“Nah.” He grunts as he lifts himself into a sitting position. “I like what’s in it.”

Blushing furiously, I avert my gaze and realize Alesta stands behind me. “Oh, I’m sorry. Bastien, this is Alesta, my…” I pause, unsure of what exactly I should call her.

Alesta smiles and steps forward, her hand outstretched. “I’m her maid.”

He casts a wary glance at me. “Do you trust her?”

She stiffens and lowers her gaze. I reach out and take her hand, squeezing it once. “I do.”

Her cheeks flush with a pleasant rose color. “What will you do with him?” Alesta asks. Her gaze sweeps slowly over Bastien and I can feel my ire rising as she blushes.

“He’s my bodyguard. Is there somewhere he can stay?” I look around the room. The walls are lined with freshly picked flowers; an array of beautiful petals of different shapes and sizes adorn the shelves.

“Over here.” Alesta places her hand on a hidden panel. It opens to reveal a very masculine bedroom beyond. It holds a double bed with black covers, a writing desk, a wardrobe on the far wall, and a small functional bathroom. Certainly nothing like my own room, but it will do.

“It’s perfect. Do you mind if we have some privacy?”

Alesta smiles and motions that she is going to wait outside. The door closes behind her and I am instantly swept into Bastien’s arms. He presses his face into my neck, holding me tightly. “I thought I’d never see you again,” he breathes.