Chapter 19
VIVIENNE
Auren’s being completely ridiculous. Why in the seven hells does he insist upon placing himself in danger like this? “Auren, stay here,” I demand.
He cups my cheek, his thumb brushing along my jaw. “I will keep you safe, Vivienne.”
I stiffen at the endearment, hating the way it sends an unwanted flutter through my chest. “I told you not to call me that.”
“You did,” he agrees, entirely unbothered.
“Stay. Here.” I repeat more firmly this time, my fingers tightening on his arm. “This could be dangerous.”
“I’ll be fine.” He smirks, voice dropping to something low and teasing. “If I didn’t know better, wife, I’d think you actually care about my safety.”
“Of course I do,” I huff. “You’re the only one who knows where we are. If something happens to you, how am I supposed to find my way out of these woods?”
It’s a lie. I am worried about him, but I’m not going to admit it.
His smirk is infuriating. “Then I suppose I’d better stay alive for your sake.”
I force myself to glare at him, gripping his arm even tighter. “Stop being an idiot.”
He chuckles but says nothing more as he carefully removes my hand and then stalks forward, silent as a shadow, deeper into the woods.
Vaelen lets out a low growl beneath me, his massive ears pinned back, his attention locked on the thick brush ahead.
Auren goes still up ahead. “Come out,” he calls. “If you are injured, I can help.” He walks forward slowly. “My name is Auren.” He gestures back to us. “And this is my mate, Vivienne, and my wolf, Vaelen.”
“I’m Aurora,” I hear a woman’s voice reply.
Vaelen carefully stalks forward. As we draw closer, there’s a young human woman, maybe only a few years younger than me, crouched over a large, prone, stone-gray figure, her hands trembling as she presses blood-soaked fabric against a wound on his side.
I inhale sharply. It’s a massive Gargoyle.
The woman’s brown hair is a tangled mess, her clothes torn and stained. Her face is pale with exhaustion, her eyes hollow with concern.
Auren walks toward her. “Who is injured?”
“My friend—Thalric,” she replies, gesturing to the wounded Gargoyle.
Auren kneels beside the Gargoyle, his sharp gaze sweeping over the wound. His expression darkens. “Silver-tipped arrows.” He exhales through his nose. “Nasty things.”
“Can you help him?” Aurora asks.
Auren tilts his head slightly, considering. “I learned battlefield healing. It’s not as strong as a proper healer’s magic, but it will do.” He lifts his hands, and the soft blue light of his magic winds between his fingers. “He’ll need to rest at least a day before he’s back to himself.”
“Please, do what you can.”
Auren nods. He presses his glowing hands against the wound, his magic seeping into the Gargoyle’s body.
Almost the moment it touches him, the Gargoyle’s eyes snap open, and the woman gasps. “Thalric!”
His golden gaze finds hers instantly as her hands fly to his face, fingers trembling as they brush his skin. “I thought I lost you.”
He wraps his arms around her, pulling her close.
When he looks at Auren, Aurora gestures to him. “Thalric, this is Auren. He healed you with his magic.”
Auren rises smoothly to his feet, placing a hand over his chest as he inclines his head. “It’s an honor to meet you, my friend.” He gestures to me. “And this radiant, utterly charming female is my beloved wife, Vivienne, the greatest gift the gods have ever bestowed upon me.”
I scoff, but Auren simply smiles before he turns his attention back to the Gargoyle.
“The magic is working, but you’ll need to rest until morning before you’re fully healed.
Vivienne, Vaelen, and I will stay the night to keep watch in case there are any Ogres in these woods.
We’ll guard you and your mate while you recover. ”
“Thank you,” Thalric replies. “I appreciate your help.”
“You’re welcome.” He dips his chin in a subtle nod and then strides back to me. “We’ll make camp here, my lovely mate.”
“Of course we will.” I throw my hands up in frustration. “Why not? Let’s just sleep in the woods again like wild animals.”
Auren chuckles, unbothered by my sarcasm. “If you have any other grand ideas, me’lira, I would love to hear them.”
I place my hands on my hips. “How about a nice warm bed in an actual inn?”
Auren just smiles. “Soon, perhaps. Until then, I shall do my best to ensure you don’t perish from mild discomfort.”
I stop short of rolling my eyes as he helps me dismount. I scowl, instead. “You are incorrigible.”
He arches a brow and grins. “I think you’re actually starting to like me, Vivienne.”
“Hardly,” I huff. “I tolerate you.”
“Because you like me.” He gives me a playful wink. “I’m growing on you.”
He is, but I certainly won’t admit it to him. Crossing my arms, I roll my eyes.