Book 4: Eye of the Storm

Finn

Xandra looks like she’s been mauled, but then, that might be because she has been. I’m glad when her eyes flutter shut again because it means she can’t see the gory wreck of her abdomen and thighs. Blood coats the table, the floor, so much of it I can’t believe she’s still with us. But her face isn’t bunched in pain anymore, and though Hana hasn’t said anything yet, I recognize it when she staggers back from Xandra.

It’s a soldier’s stumble away from battle. Blank disbelief that you get to live another day. Celebration comes later.

I push streaky, auburn hair off Xandra’s forehead and kiss her again, thanking the Goddess and every single star that she listened to me. That she trusted me. Hana wouldn’t look like that if all three of them weren’t going to make it through this.

A high howl pierces the abrupt quiet of the healer’s cabin and the quiet of the world outside the cabin. I pry open the door and peek outside without releasing Xandr