Thirty-Seven
CHAPTER
Zathrian was hovering over me when I opened my eyes, dabbing a cool cloth against my forehead. Despite my hazy vision, I tried to keep my eyes on him.
“Hey, hey, you’re okay. You’re okay,” Zathrian cooed, sounding worried and relieved at the same time.
I blinked slowly. Pain ripped through every fiber of my being. What happened? What’s going on?
“Hey, Sunshine. I’m going to take the pain away, okay?” Mateo said softly, standing right beside Zathrian. He injected something into the IV that was placed within my arm. A line formed between my brows, too tired and light-headed to say anything. The liquid was cold as it traveled within my veins.
“You’re okay. You’re okay.” My eyes grew heavy again as Zathrian stroked my hair with his hand, lulling me back to sleep.
Zathrian told me that it took three days for me to wake up the first time, and another day and a half to wake up completely. I didn’t even recall falling asleep. I didn’t remember much of anything from when we were at the Mountain.
Zathrian told me that the wall was stronger than ever before, the threat of the Realms was squashed, and the Mortal Realm was no longer in jeopardy.
Everything was as it should be.
Well, almost everything.
Neil and Gelia were stripped of their magic and their eternal life, banished into the Mortal Realm to live the remainder of their now human lives somewhere in East Haven.
When Zathrian told me, I really didn’t know how to feel knowing that they were still out there.
Deep down, I knew it was for the best. Death would have been a merciful punishment for the things that they had done.
I wondered how they were, despite everything.
I hoped that wherever they were, they would find a change of heart, and truly consider the consequences of their actions.
It kept me up at night.
Or at least it had all this week. It had been five and a half days since I had first woken up, and I was glad that it was all over.
Peace had returned to the Realms. I had found peace of my own, not within myself, not just yet, but within someone else.
My Mate.
Groggy and half awake, Zathrian rolled over. His chin nuzzled my shoulder, and his arm draped across my torso as he held me.
“You’re still awake?” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear as he planted a soft kiss on my cheek.
I nodded.
You should be asleep, darling.
So should you, I replied.
You mustn’t let them fill your thoughts.
It’s over. It’s a time to celebrate and rejoice that we endured the unimaginable and made it out.
You aren’t alone anymore, Aerilyn. I am here.
Let me hold you as you. Let your worries wash away.
I am always here. Whether you need a listening ear, or for me to hold you, your wish is my command.
Let me help carry the load that weighs you down.
“Mmhmm.” I hummed softly, rolling over just enough to face him. Zathrian pulled me to his chest. Both of his arms wrapped around me, drawing gentle circles on my back.
Close your eyes. Just breathe. Let me comfort you in your dreams.
I let out a soft breath, feeling him press a gentle kiss against my temple. His dream manipulation sent a sensational spark up my spine. I would dream pleasant dreams tonight because of him.
Goodnight, Zathrian.
Goodnight, Starshine.