Page 104 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Ava,” Casimir pleaded, dizziness overwhelming him as he swayed on his feet, poison coursing through his shoulder and spreading.
The insect dove but she didn’t move. Didn’t even try to dodge its attack.
“No!” he yelled as he stumbled toward her.
It was almost upon her, but Aro jumped and took the creature in his mouth, a crunch sounding as he bit it in two.
“There,” she said. “All dead.”
Don’t pass out, Aro urged.
“Don’t ever do that to me again,” Casimir said as his vision went dark and the world slipped away.
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Aro lumbered through the woods, Ava riding on his back as she held Casimir in front of her. It took every ounce of strength to keep him upright as his head lolled back onto her shoulder while he drifted in and out of consciousness.
“We’re almost there,” she assured him as they emerged from the forest and entered the training fields. He groaned in response, his eyes still closed.
Luna appeared, keeping pace next to Aro.
Is he okay?she asked.
“I think so,”Ava replied.“I need to get him to Kai.”
You’re fae now. I knew you would do it. We all did.
“Thank you, Luna. Now let’s get Cas some help.”
I already told Ivy to tell Kai you’re on your way.
“Thank you.”
Ava tried to ignore her worry at Casimir’s injury. She’d panicked when he was injured on the ship, but now it had increased tenfold. Was this the soulbond? Her heart physically hurt seeing him in pain and she was so on edge she felt as though she might attack anyone who came even remotely close.
She spotted Raine talking to some guards and yelled, “Help!”
He rushed over, guards in tow. “What the fuck happened?” he exclaimed, as the guards grabbed Casimir and put his arms around their shoulders, carrying him off.
“Be careful!” she barked at them as she slid off Aro and turned to Raine. “He was bitten. I think there was poison in its bite. I’ll explain the rest later,” she said, following the guards.
Raine grabbed her arm and stopped her. “Tell me now.”
“No. I’m not leaving him.”
He stopped, eyes wide and looked at her a moment before grinning. “You did it.”
“Of course I did,” she said as she hurried to catch up to Casimir. “I’m a big bad fae now, whatever.”
He laughed. “Wow. And you callmeinsufferable.”
She whirled on him. “Don’t joke with me right now. Cas is hurt. We need to get him to Kai.”
He held up his hands. “Okay, okay. Let’s go.”
She could barely control her rage and fear as she marched through the castle, Raine staying close. They made it to the medical wing, and she threw the double doors open and strode into the sunlit room, windows lining the far wall.
“Kai! Where are you?” she shouted.
