Chapter 19
Asterion
Icarry her limp body back to my hut. The mate bond causes me physical pain to see her state and fuels a burning fire inside me.
She should be taking better care of herself, and if she cannot do it, I will.
I tuck her into my bed of furs, piling more on top to make sure the cold does not have a chance to creep back into her bones.
I keep the fire burning so hot that heat shimmers in the air, and sweat is my constant companion.
I pull up my chair to the edge of the bed, and I do not leave her side.
I wipe at her skin with a damp cloth, cleaning the slick of sweat from her forehead and brushing the hair from her eyes, reminding me of every time she swatted at the violet strands or huffed at them as we trekked up the mountain.
I brew a clear broth and help her drink it, cradling her head in my arms and being so careful not to let her choke.
I take a chunk of wood from my stockpile and find my place in my chair by her side, whittling away at it with a knife while I wait for her to wake.
I wake with a start.
She stirs in the night, tossing and turning, kicking off furs and screaming out in the dark.
“Shhh.” I reach for her hand, taking it in mine.
Her screams turn to whimpers before she settles again.
I finish making a comb for her, gently brushing out the tangled and matted strands of hair while she sleeps.
It is hours before I am satisfied it is free from knots.
I manage to get her to take more broth. She sighs, and I am startled when she rolls over to reach for my hand in her sleep. I do not pull it away.