Dawn Study (Soulfinders #3)(128)

“And you know I’ve been a hypocrite about it ever since I’ve learned my mother’s soul shares my body. Something that is only possible because of magic.”

Valek straightened. This was new.

“If Yelena’s powers return, and she doesn’t hate me, can you ask her to visit me? I’d like her to send my mother to the sky.”

“I’m sure Yelena would be happy to help you if she’s able.” Valek tapped a finger on his glass. “What if her powers don’t return? Would you be more accepting of magicians?”

“In that case, I will use the Harman sap on myself.”

It seemed drastic. “That might kill your mother.”

“She’s already dead.”

“No. That might destroy her soul, and she won’t find peace in the sky. She’ll cease to exist.”

“Is your soul dead because of the Harman sap?” Ambrose asked.

“I...” Valek recalled Yelena’s description of souls and how she influenced them. A body without a soul was like an empty cup—it lived, but had no awareness or emotions or personality. “No. I’m still...me.”

“Exactly. The Harman sap will remove the magic that is holding my mother here.” He tapped his chest. “That’s the theory. But I’d rather Yelena do it, so I know for sure my mother is at peace.” He smoothed a hand over his pants leg. “Speaking of peace, do you think Yelena will be willing to be the Liaison again?”

Good question. “I don’t know, but I’ll ask her. What if she says no? Who else would you accept?”

“You.”

Valek’s laugh died in his throat—it would be an interesting job. “I doubt the Sitian Council would agree.”

“I’ll also work with Ari, but if Janco is assigned the position, I’m declaring war.”

Amused, Valek imagined Janco pouting from the insult. “I’ll make sure to include that in my report.”

They talked late into the night, healing the rift that had grown between them. The Commander then insisted Valek see the medic, and even escorted him to the infirmary. On the way, they stepped over the still forms of Gerik and his partner. Valek wondered what Gerik thought, seeing the two of them together. He guessed Gerik would pretend to sleep until the other man woke.

Medic Mommy’s professional demeanor didn’t alter when the Commander roused her from sleep and explained.

“I’ll leave you in good hands. Good luck, Valek. You and your family are welcome to visit at any time.” Ambrose shook his hand and left.

As soon as the door closed, Medic Mommy grinned. “I’m glad you two are friends again.” Almost gleefully, she peeled off his shirt and cleaned and then sealed the cuts on his arms. But when she finished and Valek stood to leave, her jovial manner changed in a heartbeat.

She jabbed a finger at a bed. “Sleep.” When he hesitated, she stepped closer. “Do I need to secure you?”

An empty threat, but Valek decided right there and then that his future would not include being captured, chained, manacled, jailed, beaten, stabbed or knocked unconscious ever again. And while he was dreaming, he included a future in which he spent his days locked in a tower with Yelena and their children. “No, sir.”

“Good. Give me eight hours, and then you can leave.”

His stiff and sore muscles protested the movement, but he managed to lie down and pull the blanket up before he fell into an exhausted sleep.

*

When he woke, Sergeant Gerik stood next to his bed. Valek reached for his knives, but the big man held up his empty hands.

“I’m here to escort you to the Citadel,” Gerik said. He tried to keep a stern expression, but a glint of cheerfulness shone in his gaze. “The Commander’s orders.”

Ah. Gerik would see his sister sooner. “And escort the new Chief of Security home?”

“Yes.”

The cuts on his arms flared to painful life as Valek pushed into a sitting position. His entire body ached. “Do your orders include carrying the ex-chief to Sitia?”

“If that’s what it takes, sir.”

“Good to know.” Valek stood, although his body threatened to revolt and send him reeling back into bed. He needed at least a couple more years of sleep.

Medic Mommy hurried over to inspect Valek’s injuries before she discharged him from her care. “Send me a message with your new location. I’ll come to deliver the baby.”

He was about to remind her of Sitia’s capable healers, but remembered the baby’s magic-sucking abilities. If anything unexpected happened, they couldn’t use magic to heal Yelena or the baby. “I will. Thank you.”

They swung by Valek’s hiding spot. Valek retrieved his pack and changed into a clean shirt. Then they left the castle.

“Horses?” Gerik asked as they crossed the complex.

“Not this time. Getting into Sitia is going to be tricky, even without horses. The Sitian army is prepared for an invasion, so they will attack anyone or anything exiting the Snake Forest.”

A crowd of people waited by the southern gate. The guards on duty saluted Valek as he approached. Pasha and Adrik stood with Valek’s other agents. Smiles shone in the bright morning sunlight. It appeared the Commander had orchestrated his rescue. Figured.