Page 58 of When Eden Falls

“Rooke.”A sharp pain nipped at my dry lips as I attempted a smile. Trying to focus on his handsome face, I reached for him, laboured by the effort. He took my hand between his and caressed the tender skin.

“Is this a dream?” I croaked.

“No. I’m definitely real. As are you.”

I blinked several times, clearing the haze from my vision. I could make out Rooke smiling down at me, an array of emotions dancing in his eyes. It felt as though I hadn’t seen him for years. A sight for sore eyes, to be sure. His golden skin shone in the soft sunlight. Eyebrows, the darkest shade of brown, framed those beautiful green eyes. His dark hair looked a little unruly, and a new growth of stubble was covering his jawline.

“You’re real,” I said, hoping this wasn’t another dream, that he really was here with me.

“Yes. But now I’m interested to know how often you dream about me,” he japed.

Too often.“Wouldn’t you like to know.” My throat felt so raw. “Can I…water?”

He was there in an instant, supporting the back of my neck asI took a long sip from the glass he held to my lips. The water tasted like a tiny piece of heaven.

I coughed as he gently laid me back into the pillows. Nux, I felt like crap. I squeezed my eyes together, still trying to shake the fogginess. Opening them again, I recognised the high marble ceilings peering down on me. I was in my Akquarian bedroom.

“How…” I looked at Rooke. “How did you get permission to be here?”

“I practically begged. Then didn’t take no for an answer.” He glanced over his shoulder. “I had to bring Golden Boy along for the duration.”

I peeped around his body and saw Dybgo pacing up and down on the far side of the room. Pacing, not standing solidly on one spot assessing like he usually did, but pacing. One of his hands sat on the hilt of his sword, the other opened and closed constantly making a fist. He looked drained, uncomfortable.

“He doesn’t look happy,” I said.

“I don’t give a damn about him. He’s not my responsibility.”

“How are the others?”

“Cora and Zam are resting, but they’re both pretty much back on their feet. Oz and Kobe are recovering.” He gave me a gentle look. “It was you who caused us great concern. Your fever seemed to persist. We couldn’t pull you out of it quite so easily.”

I stared at him, bathing in the warmth of his compassionate gaze. “How long was I out?”

“Five days. I told Havav I had to be here with you.”

My heart began to ache at his words. Why couldn’t he be this attentive all the time? I squeezed his hand tenderly. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

“Ah…” He shrugged the comment off. “You’d do the same.”

“Probably.” Smiling, I ran my eyes over his perfect skin. There were no signs of bluepox whatsoever. “How are you? Did you…”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I caught it. I had extremely mild symptoms.” He showed me his arms where a small scattering of crusty purple spots sat around the insides of his elbow. “Yuskamentioned I had it milder than most children. Zamya pointed out it’s probably because I am an immature bastard.”

I laughed, which sent me into a coughing frenzy. Rooke offered me some more water, halting the hysteria for a moment. Licking my lips, I laid back in the bed again. He grinned. “I think it’s more the case I’m just awesome.”

“I prefer Zamya’s diagnosis.”

“That’s what everyone else said.”

“Mmm.”

“Anyway, are you hungry?”

The thought of food made my stomach roil. “No. Just really thirsty.”

“Okay. Give me a sec. I’ll go and get you some more water.” Unexpectedly, he leant forward and kissed my forehead. I sighed contentedly as I felt him stand and walk away.

Opening my eyes again, I spotted Zamya fast asleep in her bed. Her brown skin appeared sore where purple scabs covered her forehead and cheeks. I touched my face and grimaced at the roughness of the skin. Pulling my hands away, I noticed the swelling and spots on the backs of them too. How bad did I look? The itchy soreness encased my whole body. I could barely move.