Shadow Wings (The Darkest Drae Book 2)(31)

Kamoi frowned and walked to the pointed rock tip with the Drae’s black blood still staining the rocks around us. “He landed on this?”

Mistress Moons. That rock tip was ghastly. The last several hours flashed through my mind, and my stomach turned. I rested my hand on Tyrrik’s chest, assuring myself he was alive. “Yes. It took everything I had to heal him.”

Kamoi froze, and the other Phaetyn turned toward me with their mouths agape. After a beat of silence, Kamoi asked, “You healed the Drae of a Phaetyn wound?” When I nodded, he asked, “How?”

I cleared my throat, tucking my silver hair behind my ear. I wasn’t admitting I’d kiss the Drae. “Oh, bit of this, bit of that.”

Dyter quirked his brow, and I knew he’d try to pry the information from me later. Too bad, old man. I took one of Tyrrik’s arms and bent my knees before pulling him up so he was draped over my shoulders. I grinned at the look on my old mentor’s face. “I’m stronger now.”

“Clearly,” he said after a pause. “I can’t wait until we can catch up.”

I wasn’t sure if he was saying he had something to tell me or he just wanted me to tell him, so I shrugged, adjusting Tyrrik’s weight.

Kamoi neared, his handsome face marred by an apologetic frown. “I’m afraid the Drae will not be able to enter the forest. Zivost is protected against our natural enemy.”

Dyter’s face turned stony, and he said, “You never made mention of that before.”

“The Drae knew it,” the prince replied with a shrug. “There is nothing of light within him, so he’ll not be able to pass through the barrier. You and Ryn will only be able to cross because you possess something of life within you. Though I’d still like to test Ryn before she enters the forest. I don’t know what problems her Drae nature may create.”

Tyrrik groaned again, his head dangling over my left shoulder, and I just stood dumbstruck. He’d known Drae couldn’t enter the forest? That he’d have to stay outside when we got here? Why did he bring me?

“We can’t leave him while he’s injured,” Dyter said, interrupting my thoughts. “We’ll have to stay out here until he’s able to protect himself.”

“I won’t leave him out here,” I said. “The emperor has been patrolling the skies.”

Kamoi’s brow wrinkled. “I see. Then I propose this. Dyter, if you and two of my guards wish to remain here with Tyrrik, Akani and I can escort Ryn into the heart of Zivost. Your party can join us in a few days.”

Dyter began to nod, but I interrupted. “Nope. I’ll be staying with Tyrrik until he’s healed. He needs another Drae here to help make this nectar stuff.” I shook my head at their inquiring glances. “I can’t leave him. Either Dyter, Tyrrik, and I all come in, or we all stay out.”

There was no way I’d enter that forest without Dyter and Tyrrik around. As much as Kamoi was hotness incarnate, Mum would’ve skinned me alive to hear I’d gone off with some boy alone.

After a few more attempts to convince me, the prince sighed. “I’m warning you, an attempt to take him in will likely hurt him further, but if you insist.”

We crossed through the thick rocky barrier that had nearly killed Tyrrik, and I wondered how easily the rock pikes could slide back up through the soil to impale us. I was fairly certain I wouldn’t be hurt, but I’d already witnessed the damage the pikes could do to Tyrrik. I never wanted to see anything like that ever again.

Once we crossed the barrier and neared the forest, Dyter helped me lower Tyrrik to the ground.

Kamoi pointed to the closest tree. “Rest your hand here.”

“Will it hurt?” I asked. I’d become well enough acquainted with pain to want to know if more was coming.

He deliberated. “You’ll know as soon as you touch it.”

Awesome. I edged to the tree and steadied myself. I could do this. If it hurt, I’d just break contact. I was in control. I’d be fine-a-roo. Swallowing my fear, I slapped a hand on the tree.

Nothing happened to begin with, but after a moment, a delicious cooling sensation swept up my arm to the crown of my head and down to where my booted feet were planted on the ground. I shivered, eyeing the Phaetyn’s bare feet. No wonder they didn’t wear shoes when the forest felt like this, like the trees were alive. A welcoming joy radiated through me, and I grinned at Dyter as I dropped my hand to my side.

Dyter gave me a one-sided grimace, the odd look that meant someone was short a few acorns.

I wrinkled my nose in response and tipped my head toward the tree. Obviously, he didn’t feel the emotion. The happiness of the forest tickled my skin, whispering secrets into my ear. Just from one touch. I wanted to sit down and hug the tree and let it share its wisdom with me.

Dyter cleared his throat, tilting his head at Tyrrik.

“Al’right, now for Tyrrik,” I said, still in a bit of a daze.

Dyter helped me maneuver the Drae, not that I wasn’t strong enough, but bodies were awkward to carry. Even with his missing arm, Dyter helped pull Tyrrik so his body was flopped over my shoulder.

Kamoi gestured to the tree in invitation, teeth gleaming in a smile that reminded me the Phaetyn and Drae were not friends.

Dyter followed as I lugged the Drae to the edge of the forest. With a deep breath but no other ceremony, I took him inside the tree line.