Elexon strode over, looking at them both with concern. His golden eyes assessed Diamond’s face and body before nodding respectfully at Hugo, inspecting him too.
“Is everyone still alive?” asked Hugo curtly, deliberately ignoring Elexon’s scrutiny.
“Yes, sir. Although Havron sustained some broken bones in that last explosion. We need to get him back to the healers at the wall,” Elexon answered, his voice steady, even as his eyes flickered back to Diamond.
“Agreed. Send one of your men with word to Prince Oden that the mission is a success,” said Hugo.
Elexon looked at her thoughtfully, but she could not meet his searching gaze. Her mortification grew. She had let them all down.
“Of course, commander. Perhaps you should leave with the squad. Three others and I will stay behind. Havron will need a stretcher to get him back to the wall. His ribs and leg are broken.”
“No…” Hugo said.
“No, we’ll stay. I’ll help you make it,” interjected Diamond hastily.
Their voices clashed. Hugo raised his brows but remained silent.
Elexon shook his head, looking from one to the other. “That is not necessary, my lady,” he answered.
“Please,” she uttered, rushing forward and placing a hand on Elexon’s arm. “He may not have been harmed if I had not been so headstrong and impatient. Please, let me help.”
Elexon regarded her silently, and for a moment Diamond thought he might refuse. Shuffling her feet she waited, knowing she wouldn’t blame him if he did.
“All right, my lady, but my men will construct it. It has to be strong enough to take his rather considerable weight back to the turret.” Bowing slightly he gave her a small smile, and she relaxed a bit. “This way,” he said.
Without another word, Hugo walked away to check the carcasses of the giants.
Diamond glanced at him surreptitiously, just to make sure he really was back to himself. She had no idea what had happened to him during that fight, and by the bleak thoughtful look on his face, she didn’t think he did either.
Chapter 45
Working with the warriors, Diamond helped gather the branches needed for Havron’s stretcher. Whilst the warriors fixed the wood together with the ripped up explosives sacks, Diamond sank down on the soft sand next to Havron.
“Hey,” she said, smiling grimly at the white-faced, sweating warrior.
“Hey,” he rasped weakly.
“I’m really sorry, Havron. I should have listened to you,” she sighed. “I’m far too wilful sometimes,” she admitted, biting her bottom lip.
“So I’ve heard,” he said wryly, panting in pain.
“Have you?” she asked, raising her brows in surprise.
“Yes. Powerful magic wielders are not usually allowed to survive in this kingdom. Word of your trials has travelled. You know? Through the ranks. And soldiers love a bit of gossip,” he smiled wanly.
Embarrassed, she smiled back, “Really?”
“Really. A half-fae female holding her own against a group of elite Queen’s guards is pretty impressive, even if our illustrious commander out-skilled you in the end.”
“Yes, well, he cheated. I was already exhausted by that point,” she pointed out dryly.
Havron gave a grin that was half a grimace. “I’ll bet your magic can outshine his any day. In a fair fight, at least,” he said.
“Thanks,” she said, “but I have no intention of fighting him again. Ever,” she added fervently.
Havron huffed a laugh then collapsed back in the sand. “After what I saw last night, I can believe that.”
Diamond blushed, smiling at the brief twinkle in his eyes before he closed them. With nothing else to do, Diamond gazed around at the destruction. An idea formed in her mind.
“Can I look at your leg?” she asked Havron quietly.
“Sure, but don’t touch it. It’s damned painful,” he rasped.
Pushing up on her knees, Diamond shuffled closer until she was next to Havron’s misshapen lower leg.
Everything is made of energy, right? She had been able to see it from the moment Lunaria had unlocked her magic. And if she could see energy and summon magic to destroy things, maybe she could harness both gifts to fix things too. It was risky. She swallowed hard, dreading to think what Hugo would do to her if it went wrong—not to mention Elexon, who kept darting furtive glances in her direction.
One last glance around told her the others were busy with the stretcher, and Hugo was examining the giant that had met his end with his head buried in the rock face.
Gently, she placed her hands on Havron’s leg.
He winced, watching her closely. “Hey, steady. What are you up to now?” he gasped, struggling to his elbows.
“Havron, I don’t know if this will work, but I would like to try and heal you. If you will allow me?” she asked, not wanting to even try without his consent.
Havron studied her, his lips in a tight line as he nodded grimly. “Sure, why not? It’s only pain,” he murmured, eyes squeezed shut.
Diamond focused deep inside herself, blocking out the noise of the ocean and the quiet voices of the warriors nearby. She allowed a tendril of magic to escape her hands; keeping control of the glowing ribbon, she pushed it carefully through Havron’s skin, feeling out the muscled layers beyond.
Warm blood thrummed against her magic until she found the smoothness of bone. Diamond concentrated, carefully feeling down the bone. The sensation of touching inside another living being was alarmingly intimate but also beautiful, like using sensitive fingertips that absorbed a picture of his soul. She gasped as the full impact of his pain hit her, but interwoven with that were feelings of trust, of love and of respect for his fellow warriors. It took every bit of self-control not to lose focus.
Havron panted, staring at her in awe.
Diamond gently pushed away his emotions.
The largest of Havron’s lower leg bones felt jagged and out of line.
“Havron, grit your teeth,” she advised as a shadow loomed over them. Hugo stared down at Diamond, eyebrows raised in question.
“I’m going to heal him,” she explained calmly, in answer to his silent question, though her stomach boiled with nerves.
“Commander? Please let her try. I trust her,” Havron croaked, beads of sweat covering his brow.
“Really?” Hugo huffed. He knelt down at Havron’s side. “Rest then. Let’s see if your trust is warranted.” And he gave Diamond an unwavering look.
She swallowed hard. If she messed up, she was going to drop like a stone from the sky. Focusing entirely on Havron’s broken bone with that sensitive ribbon of magic, she gripped the edges firmly, and slid them back into alignment.
Havron cried out.
Diamond jumped, nearly letting go. Hugo fixed her with a piercing look, his eyes flashing. The weight of his hand rested for a moment on her shoulder. Strength flowed from him into her. Diamond gasped. It wasn’t a bad feeling; it simply took her breath away. Responding to his support, her magic calmed, allowing her to steady.
“Don’t let go. His pain has to be worth it,” Hugo declared. Moving now, he held down Havron’s shoulders, his face remaining tight as the warrior grunted, sweat dripping from his forehead.
Diamond kept her resolve, determinedly holding the bone together. Her hands soon shook, but the bone reformed under her touch, becoming smooth and solid once again. Task complete, she withdrew her magic. Blood rushed through Diamond’s ears and her vision fogged.
Mercifully, Havron fell unconscious.
Sweat trickled down Diamond’s spine even as nausea washed over her. Swallowing over and over, Diamond ignored it. With trembling fingers, she felt her way down Havron’s shinbone, reassured when she felt it straight and solid. He did not even murmur at her touch.
“It worked,” she breathed softly, both shocked and pleased by the discovery she could heal as well as hurt with her gift.
“Of course,” said Hugo, his voice f
ull of pride. “If you set your mind to something, you’re too damned stubborn to let it fail.”
Diamond kept her eyes on Havron’s leg to hide the flush on her cheeks.
Elexon and Kalf jogged over with the stretcher. An incredulous look fell over both males. They stared down at Havron’s inert form.
“Did you just do what I think you did?” Elexon breathed, eyeing Havron’s leg.
“I hope so,” Diamond replied softly. On her knees, she shuffled up to the unconscious warrior’s side. Havron had broken ribs too.
“What are you doing now?” asked Hugo, gripping her forearm. Worry flickered in his eyes as he took in her pale sweaty face.
“His ribs,” she said by way of explanation.
Elexon opened his mouth to protest. Before either males could speak, she had summoned her magic and was focused entirely on finding the breaks in Havron’s chest. Once again, she felt that intimacy with Havron’s mind, but this time she was prepared. His altered state of consciousness seemed to make it less overwhelming.
Hugo studied her face and rumbled a protest. He could feel a connection to someone else too and was none too pleased by it. Despite that, her Nexus still entwined their magic and lent her some strength. After a few minutes, Diamond collapsed back on her haunches.
“There, it’s done,” she told them shakily.
Hugo flashed her a concerned look that she chose to ignore.
Elexon smiled and bowed low, fist over his chest in thanks. “That is one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed,” he said sincerely, his golden eyes studying her astutely. “Magic used to heal, not to harm. I have seen healers use spells in the past. But they are normally too weak to heal such injuries.” He squatted down in front of her. “Don’t worry, my lady. We’ll get Havron on the stretcher now, whilst you rest. I’m sure he will be forever grateful. Healing from a few colourful bruises is much better than being out of action with broken bones. Although maybe we should splint his leg for the journey?”
Diamond nodded but stayed quiet, too nauseous to speak.
Elexon continued to reassure her whilst, between them, he and Hugo lifted Havron onto the stretcher.
The warriors were soon ready to go. The deference in their gazes was beginning to make Diamond uncomfortable. With Havron secured, she pushed herself up.
Hugo materialised by her side and offered her his arm. Not wanting to appear weak, she smiled gratefully but shook her head. Instead, she turned and walked toward the stretcher. In unison, all the warriors placed their fists to their chests and bowed. Diamond flushed scarlet. They all waited for her to reach the stretcher before straightening.
Hugo spoke, his voice deep and a little amused. “Elexon, you leave first and take Havron back. We will not be far behind.”
“Yes, commander. Should we leave some warriors to escort you?”
“No, captain, I will ensure our safety,” Hugo told him.
Elexon opened his mouth as if he wanted to argue, then snapped it shut. “Of course,” he conceded.
Diamond didn’t know what to make of all this. Salutes? An escort? Too uncomfortable to meet Elexon’s gaze, she gave her attention to Havron.
“Havron?” She shook him a little.
Drowsily, he half opened his eyes. “Thank you,” he croaked, but was awake only long enough for Diamond to squeeze his hand. The squadron of warriors saluted Hugo, then raised the stretcher skyward.
Elexon looked back once and gave her a farewell wave. Returning it, she watched them go until they became tiny dots in the twilight sky.
“Come on, let’s get out of this gruesome place,” Hugo suggested, his face registering his distaste.
He was right, the ground was covered in giants’ remains, and the smell was atrocious. A large flock of sea birds and scavengers whirled overhead, waiting for the chance to feed. Diamond swallowed her disgust. She hastily nodded her agreement. Not waiting for him to ask, she walked up to him, slipping one weary arm around his waist and one over his shoulder. Strong arms squeezed her in close, and she gave herself up to the comfort and protection of his embrace. It was impossible not to, despite not wanting him to know how exhausted she was right now.
Hugo beat his wings, lifting them smoothly from the ground before gracefully heading out over the sea.
Chapter 46
Choosing the quickest route back, Diamond and Hugo flew over the raging sea. They were buffeted around cruelly by wind and rain.
Diamond’s fingernails dug grooves in Hugo’s ruined leather armour. There was no way she would fall into the black waves below. Soon her hands lost all feeling, and her eyelids drooped. Frightened she would lose her grip, Diamond wound her legs around his waist and pulled both arms up around his neck. She buried her cold face in the warmth of his neck and breathed him in. Concentrating on his warmth and scent calmed her fear. He would never let her fall.
“We’re nearly there, my love,” he murmured reassuringly in her ear. Vibrations from his voice shivered down her neck. She shuddered. Hugo responded by holding her tighter, cupping her head in one large hand and tucking her closer into the curve of his neck and shoulder. Diamond kissed his neck, not even raising her head as a slight zing of magic nipped her skin. They had passed through the shield, Diamond realised, feeling detached from everything other than Hugo.
Hugo bellowed the call sign to the watch soldiers, then he landed deftly outside the turret door. Panting hard and trying to recover from that flight, he merely held her, seemingly reluctant to let go.
Diamond breathed in his warmth, content to be held for as long as he wished.
They both felt it at the same time. Something was terribly wrong in the energy around them. Stiff with cold, her legs wobbled as Hugo lowered her to the ground, steadying her with a firm hand. Nearby, a small stairwell led directly up to the top battlements. Hugo shot up it as fast as his legs would take him. Diamond joined him, her heart beating hard as she ran forward and peered over the marble fortification and into the forest beyond.
Swift gusts of freezing wind and rain whipped through Diamond’s clothes. Shivering and cursing at nothing in particular, she narrowed her eyes and concentrated on reaching out with her magic. The air in the forest was almost too thick for her to push her magic through. Even the storm couldn’t reach into the trees and blow away the foul air.
Magic born of shadow touched her cheek, seeking to reassure. “What can you feel?” Hugo asked, his voice a controlled rumble.
Diamond allowed herself a second to glance at him. It was strange to accept—to feel—that magical bond between them. Allowing herself to be selfish, she wished they were anywhere but here. She wanted so badly to explore what this bond meant for them. For now though, all she could give Hugo was confirmation of their connection. She reached out and squeezed his hand. His fingers squeezed back. Steadiness and strength seeped into her magic.
Swallowing, she turned her attention back to the shadows. A frown creased her brow. There was nothing but inky darkness down there, no tell-tale auras or energy. “I can’t see anything, no energy at all. But something doesn’t feel right,” she told him.
Hugo cursed under his breath. He leaned outward over the wall, gripping the stone.
A hissing breath escaped her. Darkness, black and threatening, had consumed the trees. Even the nearest branches were shrouded from sight. That was when the unmistakable dirty, yellow aura of wolf-like shapes charged into view. Among them swirled the grey-blue auras of Battle Imps. Diamond made out dark green patches of energy too. Her mouth dried. Seekers. Not many, but they were there. Suddenly the darkness lifted and revealed what awaited. The enemy plagued the forest below.
“They’re here,” she croaked. “They used that unnatural darkness to get closer. Oh gods, they’re armed with bows, hundreds of them aimed at the wall—at us!” Panic laced her voice. Her legs buckled. She would have fallen but for Hugo’s lightning-quick move to catch her.
“May the goddess help us. I can feel thousands of
them out there. The darkness...” she gulped. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt. It feels so old. So full of pain.”
Hugo tensed. Malevolence rippled in a wave through their joined magic. It whispered of agony and death.
“Ragor,” snarled Hugo.
“Oh gods, does Jack have any men out there? You have to warn him. And what about Elexon? Is he back?” she asked in a shaky voice. They should have made it back by now. They should be safe, she tried to reassure herself.
Hugo swore violently. “I’ll send word to Jack and be back as soon as I can. Tallo will know where to find him. Do not leave this wall,” he commanded. But his tone belied the fear in his eyes. “I’ll come back to you,” he promised.
Diamond could only nod as he launched himself into a run, making for the shelter that housed the nearest squad captains. Minutes later there was cursing and bellowed orders to his squadron. Those curses turned into urgent shouts when the soldiers realised this wasn’t a drill. Running feet pounded against the marble as soldiers and warriors ran for their posts.
A welcome face appeared at her side.
Reese smiled grimly, still fastening his armour. “What are they doing?” he asked tersely, his normally jovial face hard.
“The Wolfmen are squatting like toads in the trees. They’re waiting for something,” she whispered, peering over the wall again.
There were shouts of surprise and disbelief when the watch soldiers saw the rest of their squadrons running toward them. Many denied having seen anything but blackness.
Reese looked at her questioningly. “Diamond, please tell me you and the commander have a good reason for waking me up and scaring the crap out of all these men.”
“We do.” She took a deep breath hoping he would believe her. “My magic gives me the ability to see the energy of living things—their aura, if you like. It flows around anything alive. You. Me. The forest. I am able to use that energy to feed my magic the same way Ragor uses energy from the souls he devours to give life to his Dust Devils,” she explained, hoping Reese would believe her. “It’s why the Queen wants me. I can turn my magic into a wild and destructive force using the energy around me. Please believe me, Reese; the Wraith Lord is here. Our enemy is waiting in those trees, about to rain a storm of arrows down on us all. Right now,” she said urgently.
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