Wings of Fire (Godstone Saga 4)

His advisor stirred slowly, his head lifting and eyes opening. Caelan pressed a hand to the back of Rayne’s neck, flinching at his cool skin. He immediately summoned up Tula’s healing gift and sent it through Rayne, searching for injuries and weakness. A quick search revealed nothing but extreme exhaustion.

“No, don’t,” Rayne said roughly. He made a weak attempt at knocking Caelan’s hand away, but Caelan refused to release him.

“How long have you been healing him? Did you try to heal me as well?” Caelan snapped as he continued to pour his own healing energy into the man. His direct bond with the goddess gave him an edge over his advisor, who was already starting to perk up.

“You were both suffering. I had to do something.”

“And nearly killed yourself in the process.”

Rayne ignored him. “Check Drayce. One of your grandfather’s healers examined my work, but I’m still not sure…”

“I’ve got it. I want to get you on your feet first.”

Caelan twisted around, searching for a door. Low light gilded a small room with a pair of twin beds. Between them was a three-shelf stand laden with medicines, wraps, gauze, and other healing implements. They must have been in an infirmary within the Omari house. “Where’s Eno? He needs to put you to bed.”

“He left to get our things from Mio’s house. Omari Nori insisted that we all move into the clan manor for our own protection.”

A twist of emotions tightened in Caelan’s chest. Part of him was happy—this was exactly where he wanted to be, and he appreciated the extra protection. But part of him feared the added danger and threats this put on the lives of Clan Omari. With a sigh, he released both emotions. Right now, he had bigger concerns to occupy his mind.

The door slid open and the bodyguard in question hurried into the room. “I’m back. What can I do?”

Caelan climbed to his feet. He was still unsteady, but the longer he was awake, the more strength he gained. He helped Eno lift Rayne to his feet. “I want you to put him to bed. He needs sleep and then he needs food. Then he probably needs more sleep. Take care of him for me.”

“Got it,” Eno promised with a tender smile.

“This is ridiculous. I’m fine,” Rayne murmured. His eyes were closed and he had his face pressed into Eno’s neck, looking as if he were falling asleep standing up.

Caelan plucked up Rayne’s glasses from the nearby shelf and tucked one arm into the collar of Eno’s shirt. “Thank you for watching over him.”

“Drayce?” Eno inquired with a tilt of his head toward the bed.

“I’ll take care of him now. Please send word to Omari Nori that I’d like to see him.”

Eno nodded. “He’s been waiting for you to wake.” The bodyguard carefully ushered an exhausted Rayne out into the hall, and Caelan shut the door behind him.

With a painful lump in his throat, Caelan carefully sat on the edge of the bed, not wanting to disturb Drayce’s sleep. He picked up his hand and wrapped it in both of his own. His skin was warm to the touch, which was quite a bit better than Rayne’s. Closing his eyes, he tapped into his healing gift again, sending it searching through Drayce. The wounds were easier to find, though there were already signs of significant healing. Rayne had focused on the worst of them, but Drayce was also weak from a lack of proper food and water over the past few months.

It was such a temptation to pour all of himself into Drayce, to push in all of his magical ability to heal him quickly, but he couldn’t. He’d leave himself in the same state that he found Rayne in, and they were all still in danger. Takahashi Masaru was not going to leave them on their own with Clan Omari.

By his estimation, they were out of time. The deadline to be off the Isle of Stone was tomorrow, and there was no way they could leave yet. That was reason enough for Masaru to attack.

Then there was the issue of Nori taking in Drayce. Caelan had no idea if that was permitted, but he thought it was a safe guess that the action was enough to piss Masaru off thoroughly. The bastard had probably been hoping that his son would die after having his wings stolen.

No, Caelan would have to proceed slowly and do what he could to remove the worst of Drayce’s pain. Regardless of his effort, he knew he could never touch the emotional and psychological injuries that had been inflicted on him.

Caelan lifted Drayce’s hand to his lips and he gently kissed each knuckle. “I love you,” he whispered. “Whatever you need, whatever you want, I will find a way to give it to you.”