The Ring Keeper, page 50
Caught in his attempt at deception, Zarek sighed heavily. “I didn’t want to tell you when you’re supposed to be resting, but he’s hurt pretty badly.”
Ana felt tears welling in her eyes. “Haldreth’s men attacked him before we got here. It was bad, but he was alive, at least. I thought that my father might have… struck him, but I didn’t see what happened. When I asked him, Callonen said it was nothing.”
Zarek took her hand. “I know.”
“We have to go and see him!” Ana insisted, brushing tears from her eyes. “Will you please help me?”
He lifted her gently, wrapped her in a blanket, and carried her through the halls to the emperor’s rooms. The guards outside let them in without question.
Callonen lay in a large bed, wrapped in bandages. Allia sat beside him with his hand clutched in hers. Zarek took a seat next to her, with Ana still in his arms.
“How is he?” she asked Allia. Her worried face answered the question. Callonen didn’t respond to their voices. His face was pale, his breathing shallow. “He said he was all right,” Ana said, tears welling in her eyes. “Will he die?”
“I hope not,” Allia said quietly.
As they sat watching him, the healers came and went, doing what they could for him.
Ana drew in a deep breath. “I can heal him.”
“No,” Allia protested, abruptly raising her head to look at Ana. “My dearest, it’s too soon. If you aren’t strong enough, the healing will kill you. Please believe me.”
“I won’t try to heal again after this until I’m stronger, but Callonen can’t wait,” Ana said stubbornly. “Carry me closer, Zarek.”
He didn’t move.
“Callonen needs help now. I’ll be all right. If you won’t help, I’ll crawl to him!” She struggled in Zarek’s arms.
“You’re only hoping you’ll survive it. It’s too great a risk!” he protested. “Callonen wouldn’t let you do it. You know he wouldn’t.”
She tried to get up again, but couldn’t. He refused to let her go.
All the way back to her room, Ana begged him to change his mind. “Don’t leave!” she cried as he returned her to her bed and turned to go. “We have to help Callonen!”
“Please rest,” Zarek said. “Get your strength back, and when you’re stronger, you can help him.”
“How can I rest when he is dying?”
“Regain your strength. In a few days…” But they both knew that Callonen didn’t have a few days. Zarek couldn’t meet her eyes as he said it. He went to the door.
“Wait!” Ana cried desperately. “Take the ring. Give it to someone else, and they can heal him.”
“It won’t come off without injuring you.”
“I know that! It’s worth losing another finger to save his life. But I need you to help me do it.”
“I’ll see you later.” Zarek closed the door behind him.
For the first time, Ana was furious with Zarek. The rest of the day, she remained in bed, unable to get up without help. Darkness fell, and the palace became quiet as everyone went to sleep. Ana waited for Zarek to come back, but he didn’t.
When everything was silent, Ana slid her feet out of bed. She tried to stand, but crumpled to the floor and crawled slowly to the door. All was quiet in the hall, and she saw no one. With many pauses to rest, she crept toward the emperor’s room.
Before she turned the last corner, she pulled herself to her feet. Leaning against the wall, she managed to stay upright. When she came to Callonen’s door, a guard opened it for her. Thankfully, he didn’t ask any questions, even though it was very late. She made it inside, and the door closed behind her before she fell to her knees again.
Allia dozed in the chair beside the bed, holding Callonen’s hand; her back to the door. A healer sat nearby, sound asleep in his chair at the foot of the bed.
Ana crawled across the floor to the nearest side of Callonen’s bed and reached up to touch his arm.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
Year of Warding 42, White City, Sarine
Allia
IN HER CHAIR BESIDE THE BED, Allia was startled out of her doze. She realized instantly what was happening. Cirana was reaching up from the floor, determined to heal Callonen even if it killed her. Her hand gripped his arm. She didn’t have the strength she would need to complete the healing, and Allia needed to act or her daughter would die.
Allia put her hand over Cirana’s, feeling the stone of the ring digging into her palm. A burst of green light flashed from the ring, and in that moment, Allia could sense them both.
Part of her became Callonen, lying on the bed, his body battered, blood seeping from his wounds, pain spreading from his injuries. Allia’s muscles clenched against the agony.
Another part of her became Cirana. She loved Callonen and desperately wanted him to be healed, to live. All her will was bent on him, the remaining vitality in her body draining into him.
If Cirana completed the healing, she would die. Despite the pain, Allia focused her will on helping Cirana. They would both heal Callonen. Allia directed her own energy to lend strength to her daughter. Pain surged through her body, and she welcomed it as a sign that the healing was working. She refused to let go until the pain ceased and darkness covered her.
As she felt the thick rug against her cheek, Allia realized she lay on the floor beside her daughter. Her vision darkened. She couldn’t move or speak. The door banged open, and she heard Zarek’s voice and his heavy footsteps.
“Ana!” His tone rang with desperate worry.
Allia blinked and saw him bending over Cirana’s motionless form, putting an ear to her chest.
Then Allia heard Callonen’s voice, and her heart leapt. He was alive, his voice strong. “What happened? Is she…?”
Zarek let out a long breath and closed his eyes in relief. “She’s breathing, and I can hear her heart beating.”
A wave of relief washed over Allia. Her daughter was alive.
“Allia!” Callonen knelt on the floor beside her, still wrapped in bandages. “What happened? Are you all right?”
She couldn’t even turn her head, but she focused her eyes on him. When she tried to answer, she was too weak to form the words.
Callonen bent over her. “The ring?”
Allia managed a slight nod.
He gathered her in his arms and lifted her, setting her gently on the bed and covering her. “Is there anything I can do?” His concerned brown eyes looked down at her.
She couldn’t answer, but her eyes devoured him. He was healed. Safe.
He pulled the bandages from his head, and joy spread through her heart to see him completely whole again. The healing had worked. His arm was no longer broken, the wound in his side was gone. All his injuries had vanished, even his ear had been restored.
Tears of relief welled in Allia’s eyes.
“What happened?” Zarek asked. He picked up Cirana from the floor and held her cradled in his arms. “If Ana healed you, what happened to Allia?”
Callonen turned back to Allia. “You must have helped her… somehow.”
Allia nodded again.
“How is that possible?” Zarek asked.
“I’ve never seen it before,” Callonen said. “But I have no other explanation.”
“Me neither,” Zarek said. “Allia warned Ana that she could die if she tried to heal in her weakened condition. Did Allia prevent that from happening?”
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Callonen took her hand and examined the palm. “I can see the imprint of the ring on your hand. Is that what you did?”
She nodded.
Zarek’s arms tightened around Cirana. He turned to Allia, and she could see the love this young man felt for her daughter. It was in his eyes, his voice, and obvious in the tender, protective way he held her.
“Thank you,” he exclaimed. “When I went to check on her and saw she was gone, I knew where she would go. I ran here, but she had already…” Zarek looked at Callonen. “We’re all grateful you’re safe, but I didn’t think you’d approve of Ana sacrificing herself to save you.”
“Never,” Callonen agreed.
“Allia, you saved her life.” Deep gratitude filled Zarek’s voice. “I love her. You don’t know what it means to me that she’s alive.”
The only response she could give was a slight nod, but she hoped he understood.
“I’ll be right back,” Callonen said to Allia.
She could not take her eyes off him. As he stood and turned away, she saw a scar shaped like a sunburst below his ribs. She wanted to ask him about it and everything else that had happened since they’d been separated.
Callonen was looking at Zarek. “Speaking of actions I don’t approve of…”
Guilt grew plain on the young man’s face. “I humbly beg your forgiveness, Emperor. I will accept any punishment you choose for disobeying your orders.”
Putting his arm around Zarek’s shoulders, Callonen said, “I won’t deny, I was furious when you left. But I’ve had a few years to cool off. And how could I not welcome you home? You saved Sarine. But we will speak of this more later.”
“Thank you, Emperor Callonen,” Zarek said, his features relaxing in relief. “I’ll take Ana back to her room.”
He departed.
One of the healers was still at his post in a corner. “Your orders, Emperor?”
Callonen turned to him. “I am very grateful that I no longer require your services. Would you be so kind as to see to Lady Allia?”
“Of course.” The healer came to her side and checked her pulse, listened to her breathing, and examined the bandage on her arm. “Did you reopen the wound? Are you in any pain?”
She shook her head.
He turned back to Callonen. “As far as I can tell, she just needs rest. I can have her moved to one of the guest rooms. And someone should watch her tonight.”
“I will see to her myself,” Callonen said firmly. “You may go.”
“As you command, Emperor,” the healer said, bowing. “I am close at hand should you need me.”
Callonen walked with the man to the door and opened it. Just outside, two guards were on duty. “Wes,” he addressed one of them. “Do you know where General Gray is? He is keeping something for me, and I need it back.”
“Of course, Emperor. He’s just down the hall.”
A few minutes passed before Allia heard another brief conversation, and then Callonen returned.
The door clicked shut and Allia realized they were alone. How many times had she dreamed of being with him? Only a few moments ago, Callonen had been lying in bed, mortally injured. Now unexpectedly, their roles had reversed, and he felt well while she was unable to do anything.
He sat in the chair beside her and took her hand. “Are you sure you’re all right? Did you hurt your arm when you fell? Is there anything I can bring you? Anything you need to be more comfortable?”
“You,” she tried to say. No sound came out.
He knelt beside the bed and leaned close. “What is it you want?”
“You,” she managed a faint whisper.
He must have heard her, because he smiled and gave her the gentlest of kisses. “You can have more later,” he murmured. “When you’re ready.”
She wished she could tell him she wanted more now.
Callonen unwrapped the bandages on his arm and pulled off the splint. He stretched and flexed. “So much better,” he exclaimed. He pulled off the wrappings on his side and his leg.
Allia felt her cheeks color. With all the bandages gone, he was dressed only in his shorts. The memory of watching Haldreth’s men torture him swept through her. Haldreth had humiliated him and intended to destroy him. Through it all, Callonen never complained. He must have known what would happen that day if he gave himself up to his brother. At the time, he didn’t know where the ring was or if he would ever have access to its power again. But Callonen hadn’t hesitated. He’d done it to save her life.
Allia couldn’t help allowing her eyes to roam his body. She couldn’t believe what she saw after watching his enemies attack him so brutally. He appeared strong and fit, his skin unmarred, except for a new white line on his side and the old scar on his chest where his brother had stabbed him. Both of their lives had been thrown violently off course that day.
Her eyes fell on a plain silver band on a chain around his neck. It couldn’t be… Was it possible he still had her father’s ring after all this time?
Callonen met her gaze and smiled. He had not missed her looking at him. “I never dared to hope I would find the woman I adore in my bed.”
Allia tried to smile back. One corner of her mouth twitched upward.
He knelt beside her again and gazed into her eyes. “I know you aren’t feeling very strong right now, and you gave your own health to help Ana and me. When we were back in that cave, you came and rested beside me. Waking up to find you so close was the best moment of my life. Will you give me your permission to do the same?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Are you sure? If you choose, I can move you to another room where you can have all the privacy you want. Do you wish to stay?”
If Allia had felt stronger, she would have answered with more enthusiasm. “Yes,” she breathed.
Callonen lay down beside her and put his arms around her, throwing the covers over them both.
She rested her head against his chest.
“Are you comfortable?”
Allia wanted to be close to him more than anything. “Yes,” she murmured. “I love you, Cal.” She felt his warm breath on her hair.
“I never expected to have you back,” he murmured. “You’re home now. Safe. And Ana is safe. Rest. Everything is going to be all right.”
Tears of joy welled in her eyes. All was quiet, still and peaceful, and Callonen was beside her, healed of the injuries Haldreth and his men had inflicted. His arms were around her. Nothing would ever keep them apart again.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
Year of Warding 42, White City, Sarine
Ana
WHEN ANA WOKE, the light of morning came through the windows, and she saw Zarek’s concerned face above her. The last thing she remembered was the pain of Callonen’s injuries. Her mother had been beside her. Somehow, Allia’s strength had supported Ana. “Is Callonen healed?”
“He is,” Zarek said.
She breathed out a sigh.
“I’m so relieved to see you awake,” he said, rubbing his forehead and sitting back in his chair.
“You’re angry.” Ana realized, sensing it.
Zarek didn’t try to deny it. “Do you know what almost happened?” His voice sounded strained. “If not for Allia, you’d be dead. You are too willing to sacrifice yourself if you think it will help someone else.”
Ana looked back stubbornly. “What about Sarine? What about the Warding? It would disappear without Callonen. Our people depend on us for safety. I know you disagreed with me, but I couldn’t let Callonen die.”
“Disagreed?” His eyes widened. “I hope you don’t think I would ever agree to you sacrificing your life? Even for Sarine. You almost killed yourself trying to save him! I care about Callonen too, but did you think about how he would feel right now if you’d died? You know him. He would torture himself forever over it. And your mother?”
Ana felt her cheeks heat at his words. He was right, of course. She knew how upset Callonen would have been if he woke up healthy, only to discover she was dead. He wasn’t the kind of man who could forget something like that and go on with his life.
Zarek’s gray eyes seemed like a thunderstorm just then.
“I’m sorry, Zarek,” she murmured. Still barely able to move, she tried to reach out to him.
He knelt on the floor beside her bed and brought her hand to his lips, kissing it. “Ana!” He whispered. “I’ll do anything for you. But please, please don’t ask me to watch you die. After everything we’ve been through, I don’t think I could do it. Promise me you won’t do anything like this again?”
“I watched you fight the demons,” she protested. “If I give my word, you have to make the same promise, that you’ll never put yourself in danger again.”
There was a hint of a smile in his expression now. “You drive a hard bargain. But I admit your terms are fair.”
“Well?”
“As you command, my lady.” Zarek met her eyes. “I promise to love you forever, to give you my heart, and that I won’t put myself in danger unless it’s to protect you.” He smiled. “Was that good enough?”
His words sent heat through her whole body. When their eyes met, she could see the warmth in them, and she could sense that he meant exactly what he said.
“Are you sure?” she asked. “You won’t find some other impossible quest and leave me?”
He leaned closer and brought his mouth to hers. For a long moment, Ana thought of nothing besides kissing him. If she had been well, she would have thrown her arms around him and pulled him closer. When the kiss ended, she was gasping for breath. He trailed more kisses down her jaw to her throat. She never wanted him to stop.
But after several delicious moments, he drew back and looked down at her. “I spent the last three years alone, constantly on my guard, hiding my identity, trusting no one. I was feared, tolerated, maybe occasionally admired, but never loved. I took the memory of our friendship with me and kept it in my heart. When I felt alone, I thought of you. Now that I have you back, I won’t leave you. I’ve done enough impossible things for one lifetime. But are you sure you want me to stay? You’re safe now. You have your mother and Callonen beside you. There is no more danger to protect you from, nothing to hurt you, nothing to guard against. You don’t need me anymore. Do you still want me?”
“Yes,” she said, pulling him closer. “As you protected me, you never realized how badly I wanted to be with you. I want you to stay with me. Now, and for the rest of my life.”
“Good then,” he murmured, kissing her again. “It’s time for your promise.”
She looked into his gray eyes. “I promise I won’t put myself at risk unless someone I care about is in grave danger.” She reached for his hand. “I love you, Zarek.” She sensed the overwhelming joy he felt at her words.
Ana felt tears welling in her eyes. “Haldreth’s men attacked him before we got here. It was bad, but he was alive, at least. I thought that my father might have… struck him, but I didn’t see what happened. When I asked him, Callonen said it was nothing.”
Zarek took her hand. “I know.”
“We have to go and see him!” Ana insisted, brushing tears from her eyes. “Will you please help me?”
He lifted her gently, wrapped her in a blanket, and carried her through the halls to the emperor’s rooms. The guards outside let them in without question.
Callonen lay in a large bed, wrapped in bandages. Allia sat beside him with his hand clutched in hers. Zarek took a seat next to her, with Ana still in his arms.
“How is he?” she asked Allia. Her worried face answered the question. Callonen didn’t respond to their voices. His face was pale, his breathing shallow. “He said he was all right,” Ana said, tears welling in her eyes. “Will he die?”
“I hope not,” Allia said quietly.
As they sat watching him, the healers came and went, doing what they could for him.
Ana drew in a deep breath. “I can heal him.”
“No,” Allia protested, abruptly raising her head to look at Ana. “My dearest, it’s too soon. If you aren’t strong enough, the healing will kill you. Please believe me.”
“I won’t try to heal again after this until I’m stronger, but Callonen can’t wait,” Ana said stubbornly. “Carry me closer, Zarek.”
He didn’t move.
“Callonen needs help now. I’ll be all right. If you won’t help, I’ll crawl to him!” She struggled in Zarek’s arms.
“You’re only hoping you’ll survive it. It’s too great a risk!” he protested. “Callonen wouldn’t let you do it. You know he wouldn’t.”
She tried to get up again, but couldn’t. He refused to let her go.
All the way back to her room, Ana begged him to change his mind. “Don’t leave!” she cried as he returned her to her bed and turned to go. “We have to help Callonen!”
“Please rest,” Zarek said. “Get your strength back, and when you’re stronger, you can help him.”
“How can I rest when he is dying?”
“Regain your strength. In a few days…” But they both knew that Callonen didn’t have a few days. Zarek couldn’t meet her eyes as he said it. He went to the door.
“Wait!” Ana cried desperately. “Take the ring. Give it to someone else, and they can heal him.”
“It won’t come off without injuring you.”
“I know that! It’s worth losing another finger to save his life. But I need you to help me do it.”
“I’ll see you later.” Zarek closed the door behind him.
For the first time, Ana was furious with Zarek. The rest of the day, she remained in bed, unable to get up without help. Darkness fell, and the palace became quiet as everyone went to sleep. Ana waited for Zarek to come back, but he didn’t.
When everything was silent, Ana slid her feet out of bed. She tried to stand, but crumpled to the floor and crawled slowly to the door. All was quiet in the hall, and she saw no one. With many pauses to rest, she crept toward the emperor’s room.
Before she turned the last corner, she pulled herself to her feet. Leaning against the wall, she managed to stay upright. When she came to Callonen’s door, a guard opened it for her. Thankfully, he didn’t ask any questions, even though it was very late. She made it inside, and the door closed behind her before she fell to her knees again.
Allia dozed in the chair beside the bed, holding Callonen’s hand; her back to the door. A healer sat nearby, sound asleep in his chair at the foot of the bed.
Ana crawled across the floor to the nearest side of Callonen’s bed and reached up to touch his arm.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
Year of Warding 42, White City, Sarine
Allia
IN HER CHAIR BESIDE THE BED, Allia was startled out of her doze. She realized instantly what was happening. Cirana was reaching up from the floor, determined to heal Callonen even if it killed her. Her hand gripped his arm. She didn’t have the strength she would need to complete the healing, and Allia needed to act or her daughter would die.
Allia put her hand over Cirana’s, feeling the stone of the ring digging into her palm. A burst of green light flashed from the ring, and in that moment, Allia could sense them both.
Part of her became Callonen, lying on the bed, his body battered, blood seeping from his wounds, pain spreading from his injuries. Allia’s muscles clenched against the agony.
Another part of her became Cirana. She loved Callonen and desperately wanted him to be healed, to live. All her will was bent on him, the remaining vitality in her body draining into him.
If Cirana completed the healing, she would die. Despite the pain, Allia focused her will on helping Cirana. They would both heal Callonen. Allia directed her own energy to lend strength to her daughter. Pain surged through her body, and she welcomed it as a sign that the healing was working. She refused to let go until the pain ceased and darkness covered her.
As she felt the thick rug against her cheek, Allia realized she lay on the floor beside her daughter. Her vision darkened. She couldn’t move or speak. The door banged open, and she heard Zarek’s voice and his heavy footsteps.
“Ana!” His tone rang with desperate worry.
Allia blinked and saw him bending over Cirana’s motionless form, putting an ear to her chest.
Then Allia heard Callonen’s voice, and her heart leapt. He was alive, his voice strong. “What happened? Is she…?”
Zarek let out a long breath and closed his eyes in relief. “She’s breathing, and I can hear her heart beating.”
A wave of relief washed over Allia. Her daughter was alive.
“Allia!” Callonen knelt on the floor beside her, still wrapped in bandages. “What happened? Are you all right?”
She couldn’t even turn her head, but she focused her eyes on him. When she tried to answer, she was too weak to form the words.
Callonen bent over her. “The ring?”
Allia managed a slight nod.
He gathered her in his arms and lifted her, setting her gently on the bed and covering her. “Is there anything I can do?” His concerned brown eyes looked down at her.
She couldn’t answer, but her eyes devoured him. He was healed. Safe.
He pulled the bandages from his head, and joy spread through her heart to see him completely whole again. The healing had worked. His arm was no longer broken, the wound in his side was gone. All his injuries had vanished, even his ear had been restored.
Tears of relief welled in Allia’s eyes.
“What happened?” Zarek asked. He picked up Cirana from the floor and held her cradled in his arms. “If Ana healed you, what happened to Allia?”
Callonen turned back to Allia. “You must have helped her… somehow.”
Allia nodded again.
“How is that possible?” Zarek asked.
“I’ve never seen it before,” Callonen said. “But I have no other explanation.”
“Me neither,” Zarek said. “Allia warned Ana that she could die if she tried to heal in her weakened condition. Did Allia prevent that from happening?”
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Callonen took her hand and examined the palm. “I can see the imprint of the ring on your hand. Is that what you did?”
She nodded.
Zarek’s arms tightened around Cirana. He turned to Allia, and she could see the love this young man felt for her daughter. It was in his eyes, his voice, and obvious in the tender, protective way he held her.
“Thank you,” he exclaimed. “When I went to check on her and saw she was gone, I knew where she would go. I ran here, but she had already…” Zarek looked at Callonen. “We’re all grateful you’re safe, but I didn’t think you’d approve of Ana sacrificing herself to save you.”
“Never,” Callonen agreed.
“Allia, you saved her life.” Deep gratitude filled Zarek’s voice. “I love her. You don’t know what it means to me that she’s alive.”
The only response she could give was a slight nod, but she hoped he understood.
“I’ll be right back,” Callonen said to Allia.
She could not take her eyes off him. As he stood and turned away, she saw a scar shaped like a sunburst below his ribs. She wanted to ask him about it and everything else that had happened since they’d been separated.
Callonen was looking at Zarek. “Speaking of actions I don’t approve of…”
Guilt grew plain on the young man’s face. “I humbly beg your forgiveness, Emperor. I will accept any punishment you choose for disobeying your orders.”
Putting his arm around Zarek’s shoulders, Callonen said, “I won’t deny, I was furious when you left. But I’ve had a few years to cool off. And how could I not welcome you home? You saved Sarine. But we will speak of this more later.”
“Thank you, Emperor Callonen,” Zarek said, his features relaxing in relief. “I’ll take Ana back to her room.”
He departed.
One of the healers was still at his post in a corner. “Your orders, Emperor?”
Callonen turned to him. “I am very grateful that I no longer require your services. Would you be so kind as to see to Lady Allia?”
“Of course.” The healer came to her side and checked her pulse, listened to her breathing, and examined the bandage on her arm. “Did you reopen the wound? Are you in any pain?”
She shook her head.
He turned back to Callonen. “As far as I can tell, she just needs rest. I can have her moved to one of the guest rooms. And someone should watch her tonight.”
“I will see to her myself,” Callonen said firmly. “You may go.”
“As you command, Emperor,” the healer said, bowing. “I am close at hand should you need me.”
Callonen walked with the man to the door and opened it. Just outside, two guards were on duty. “Wes,” he addressed one of them. “Do you know where General Gray is? He is keeping something for me, and I need it back.”
“Of course, Emperor. He’s just down the hall.”
A few minutes passed before Allia heard another brief conversation, and then Callonen returned.
The door clicked shut and Allia realized they were alone. How many times had she dreamed of being with him? Only a few moments ago, Callonen had been lying in bed, mortally injured. Now unexpectedly, their roles had reversed, and he felt well while she was unable to do anything.
He sat in the chair beside her and took her hand. “Are you sure you’re all right? Did you hurt your arm when you fell? Is there anything I can bring you? Anything you need to be more comfortable?”
“You,” she tried to say. No sound came out.
He knelt beside the bed and leaned close. “What is it you want?”
“You,” she managed a faint whisper.
He must have heard her, because he smiled and gave her the gentlest of kisses. “You can have more later,” he murmured. “When you’re ready.”
She wished she could tell him she wanted more now.
Callonen unwrapped the bandages on his arm and pulled off the splint. He stretched and flexed. “So much better,” he exclaimed. He pulled off the wrappings on his side and his leg.
Allia felt her cheeks color. With all the bandages gone, he was dressed only in his shorts. The memory of watching Haldreth’s men torture him swept through her. Haldreth had humiliated him and intended to destroy him. Through it all, Callonen never complained. He must have known what would happen that day if he gave himself up to his brother. At the time, he didn’t know where the ring was or if he would ever have access to its power again. But Callonen hadn’t hesitated. He’d done it to save her life.
Allia couldn’t help allowing her eyes to roam his body. She couldn’t believe what she saw after watching his enemies attack him so brutally. He appeared strong and fit, his skin unmarred, except for a new white line on his side and the old scar on his chest where his brother had stabbed him. Both of their lives had been thrown violently off course that day.
Her eyes fell on a plain silver band on a chain around his neck. It couldn’t be… Was it possible he still had her father’s ring after all this time?
Callonen met her gaze and smiled. He had not missed her looking at him. “I never dared to hope I would find the woman I adore in my bed.”
Allia tried to smile back. One corner of her mouth twitched upward.
He knelt beside her again and gazed into her eyes. “I know you aren’t feeling very strong right now, and you gave your own health to help Ana and me. When we were back in that cave, you came and rested beside me. Waking up to find you so close was the best moment of my life. Will you give me your permission to do the same?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Are you sure? If you choose, I can move you to another room where you can have all the privacy you want. Do you wish to stay?”
If Allia had felt stronger, she would have answered with more enthusiasm. “Yes,” she breathed.
Callonen lay down beside her and put his arms around her, throwing the covers over them both.
She rested her head against his chest.
“Are you comfortable?”
Allia wanted to be close to him more than anything. “Yes,” she murmured. “I love you, Cal.” She felt his warm breath on her hair.
“I never expected to have you back,” he murmured. “You’re home now. Safe. And Ana is safe. Rest. Everything is going to be all right.”
Tears of joy welled in her eyes. All was quiet, still and peaceful, and Callonen was beside her, healed of the injuries Haldreth and his men had inflicted. His arms were around her. Nothing would ever keep them apart again.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
Year of Warding 42, White City, Sarine
Ana
WHEN ANA WOKE, the light of morning came through the windows, and she saw Zarek’s concerned face above her. The last thing she remembered was the pain of Callonen’s injuries. Her mother had been beside her. Somehow, Allia’s strength had supported Ana. “Is Callonen healed?”
“He is,” Zarek said.
She breathed out a sigh.
“I’m so relieved to see you awake,” he said, rubbing his forehead and sitting back in his chair.
“You’re angry.” Ana realized, sensing it.
Zarek didn’t try to deny it. “Do you know what almost happened?” His voice sounded strained. “If not for Allia, you’d be dead. You are too willing to sacrifice yourself if you think it will help someone else.”
Ana looked back stubbornly. “What about Sarine? What about the Warding? It would disappear without Callonen. Our people depend on us for safety. I know you disagreed with me, but I couldn’t let Callonen die.”
“Disagreed?” His eyes widened. “I hope you don’t think I would ever agree to you sacrificing your life? Even for Sarine. You almost killed yourself trying to save him! I care about Callonen too, but did you think about how he would feel right now if you’d died? You know him. He would torture himself forever over it. And your mother?”
Ana felt her cheeks heat at his words. He was right, of course. She knew how upset Callonen would have been if he woke up healthy, only to discover she was dead. He wasn’t the kind of man who could forget something like that and go on with his life.
Zarek’s gray eyes seemed like a thunderstorm just then.
“I’m sorry, Zarek,” she murmured. Still barely able to move, she tried to reach out to him.
He knelt on the floor beside her bed and brought her hand to his lips, kissing it. “Ana!” He whispered. “I’ll do anything for you. But please, please don’t ask me to watch you die. After everything we’ve been through, I don’t think I could do it. Promise me you won’t do anything like this again?”
“I watched you fight the demons,” she protested. “If I give my word, you have to make the same promise, that you’ll never put yourself in danger again.”
There was a hint of a smile in his expression now. “You drive a hard bargain. But I admit your terms are fair.”
“Well?”
“As you command, my lady.” Zarek met her eyes. “I promise to love you forever, to give you my heart, and that I won’t put myself in danger unless it’s to protect you.” He smiled. “Was that good enough?”
His words sent heat through her whole body. When their eyes met, she could see the warmth in them, and she could sense that he meant exactly what he said.
“Are you sure?” she asked. “You won’t find some other impossible quest and leave me?”
He leaned closer and brought his mouth to hers. For a long moment, Ana thought of nothing besides kissing him. If she had been well, she would have thrown her arms around him and pulled him closer. When the kiss ended, she was gasping for breath. He trailed more kisses down her jaw to her throat. She never wanted him to stop.
But after several delicious moments, he drew back and looked down at her. “I spent the last three years alone, constantly on my guard, hiding my identity, trusting no one. I was feared, tolerated, maybe occasionally admired, but never loved. I took the memory of our friendship with me and kept it in my heart. When I felt alone, I thought of you. Now that I have you back, I won’t leave you. I’ve done enough impossible things for one lifetime. But are you sure you want me to stay? You’re safe now. You have your mother and Callonen beside you. There is no more danger to protect you from, nothing to hurt you, nothing to guard against. You don’t need me anymore. Do you still want me?”
“Yes,” she said, pulling him closer. “As you protected me, you never realized how badly I wanted to be with you. I want you to stay with me. Now, and for the rest of my life.”
“Good then,” he murmured, kissing her again. “It’s time for your promise.”
She looked into his gray eyes. “I promise I won’t put myself at risk unless someone I care about is in grave danger.” She reached for his hand. “I love you, Zarek.” She sensed the overwhelming joy he felt at her words.
