I nod, understanding the sad logic. "What of you? How are you doing?" I ask.
"It has been difficult, balancing the demands of war with the need to rebuild and provide for my people."
I place my free hand on his shoulder. "You're a good man, Fen. You'll make the right choices."
He looks down at me, a guarded expression on his face. "You would not think so if you knew all."
"I know more than you think, and I still believe you are good at heart. Even good people make poor choices from time to time."
He freezes, staring at me. "Arianna, what do you speak of?"
"I…" There's so much I can't say, so I will him to say it for me.
He faces me, holding both of my hands in his. "I didn't know who you were until I woke having tasted your blood. Please believe me."
I sag in relief at his words. More than anything, I had to know: had he lied to me?
But I couldn't ask. The contract wouldn't allow it. Even now, I feel us skirting too close to the topic. I smile and squeeze his hands. "Thank you. That's all I need to know."
"So we are… good?" he asks uncertainly.
"Yes. We are good."
Asher calls my name and I turn, frowning. He's ready to leave.
Fen caresses my cheek. "Go. I will see you soon." He kisses me on the lips, gently. It's our first kiss since the cave, and I hold onto him, hold onto the moment where it's just him and me and no one else matters.
I can still feel the heat of his lips against mine as I travel with Asher past the wall, to the mirror, and enter my world once again.
***
We make fast time, heading straight to the hospital in Asher's limo. The moon is bright, and I roll down my window, enjoying the fresh cool air. Tall metal buildings pass us by, so foreign to me now. But Portland is less Sky Castle, more Stonehill, and full of comforting memories.
Asher looks at my neck and cocks his head. "Where did you get that fabulous dragon necklace?"
I look down and frown. Yami is wrapped around my throat like a collar, but he doesn't look real. He looks like jewelry. "It's Yami," I say.
"Ah, of course," says Asher. "Spirits are weaker away from their home world. He can't take living form here."
I tap Yami's head, wondering if he's dreaming. "See you soon, buddy," I whisper.
In moments, we arrive at the hospital and greet Pete in the waiting room. His red hair is wild, and dark circles hang under his eyes. I hug him and introduce him to Asher. "How is she?" I ask.
"She's out of surgery and recovering. I can't see her yet. But she's strong and doing well." I can tell he's nervous, but also happy she made it safely through.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be here earlier," I say.
"You're here now," he says, smiling. "That's what matters." He glances at my neck. "Nice necklace. I would almost swear it's—"
A doctor enters the room. "She's awake and would like to see you. Is there an Arianna here?"
I step forward. "I'm Ari."
"Es would like to see you as well."
I leave Asher in the lobby looking profoundly uncomfortable and follow the doctor to Es' room. She's hooked up to monitors and tubes, and she's far too pale, her blond hair a mess, but she's alive, and her smile is bright.
"Hey baby," Pete says, walking over to hold her hand and kiss her forehead. "You did great."
Her eyes are droopy from pain meds but she smiles. "I'm all woman now," she says.
"You have always been all woman," Pete says. "But I'm so glad your body feels more of a fit for you now. I love you no matter what. You know that, right?"
A tear leaks from the corner of her eye. "Yes, I know that."
"Hey, Es," I say, walking forward. "You're looking good."
She rolls her eyes and reaches for my hand. "Darlin', how I missed you. I need some makeup, and Pete, bless his heart, knows nothing about eyeliner. Now fetch my bag over there."
I get her purse and pull out her makeup kit, and for the next twenty minutes we talk as I 'do her face.' When I'm done, she examines herself in the mirror and smiles. "That's more like it. Now tell me, is that sexy hunk of yours here with you?"
"No, Fen had some business to take care of."
Pete wrinkles his nose. "She brought the other one. Asher."
Es raises an eyebrow. "That tall sexy suit? He's not too bad either. But I've a feeling you are all about Fen these days, aren't you?"
I grin. "I do like him a lot."
Pete frowns. "I wish I could have met him. This one… I'm not so sure about. Be careful with him." He is more right than he knows.
"Asher wouldn't hurt me," I say. And I believe it.
"If Pete is worried, don't take it lightly," Es says, then yawns. "Oh lordy, my meds are kicking in, kids. I don't think I'll be able to stay awake much longer." She looks at me. "Keep Pete company a bit, will ya?"
"I will," I say.
I leave them to say their goodbyes and find Asher waiting in the lobby.
"Can we please return home now?" he begs.
"I get half a day, remember?"
Asher rolls his eyes. "Of course. Maybe my father was right about me being too much of a pushover."