Page 26 of Commanding Flame and Shield
“How?”
Aren shook his head, eyes heavy. “I mean, before, he threw sparks at you, and you sent off a shockwave like a bomb. And then you…”
I winced. “Conjured lighting.”
“Yeah. That.”
“Damn,” I said again, rubbing my aching head, and then pinching the bridge of my nose.Think, Ally, think.
“Don’t think too hard,” Alec rounded the corner into the infirmary, cocking his brow and smirking playfully. “Wouldn’t want to get yourself hurt. Well. You know,again.” He tousled his tawny hair, and grinned at me. “That was pretty badass, Ally. Guess youcanteach an old dog new tricks.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as Aren glared at him but said nothing. Alec’s clothes were virtually unscathed—a small splatter of blood at the hem of his shirt and belt, the only sign he was even in the battle. Damn shield.
“Aren, I’ve come to request the release of my charge.” He unceremoniously collapsed into the chair beside Aren, leaning back and kicking his feet up onto the bed. “August is no harm to us—he’s inmysoul group. We fought together for England.”
“Agincourt.”
“Yes. I knew him well in that incarnation. Owed him my life many times over. And he has been nothing but obedient, and vulnerable during training. He opened his mind, Aren. All of it, to me—there was no shield left. I’m not Ally, but I saw nothing there to ward against. He—” Alec eyed me quickly, amber eyes glistening like pools of whiskey. He seemed to change what he was going to say, and I didn’t have the strength to pry into his vaulted mind. “He cares for Ally. Deeply. I’d bet every dollar in my wallet that they’re soul group. It was karmic devotion toherthat charged his command.”
Aren opened his mouth to argue, “Only Commanders—”
“Can take charge of the coven. I know. He doesn’t remember his past ascensions. He might have been King once.” Aren had never been willing to claim such a title, so he infinitely stayed The Commander.
“I’ve been in this coven for nearly seventeen hundred years, Alec—you think I wouldn’t recognize a past Commander?”
“I don’t know. But he doesn’t recognizeus. Only a Commander, or Archangel blood can perform the feat he managed. Riddle me that,” Alec winked.
“AnyCommander, Alec.”
“I know.” The tension was palpable between them, leaving me wishing I had something witty to say to slice it open.
“Listen, you’re my Commander, Aren. I will obey your lead and trust your instinct. But I do want you to know. I trust him. With mysoul. I do not believe the devil has snuck a wolf within Grayshell.” Alec planted his boots on the floor, slapping a hand on Aren’s shoulder. “But if the human Carlyle could survive all he did and garner the respect and following that he acquired…an ascended one will be…astounding. I won’t argue. I’ll take my leave. Your move, Commander.” Alec rose and stepped forward, laying a hand on my chest, across throbbing collar bones. He took a breath, his hand glowed white with his unscathed life force, and I felt the pressure in my chest release, bruising easing palpably. “Rest, Ally. The world will still need saving tomorrow.”
His spiritual Novocain poured over me, and I let it pull me back under the veil.
I awoke to the aroma of olive oil, and the familiar damp trace of anointment across my forehead. Sage, and wildflowers lingered on my skin, bringing a smile to my face. They called in the best healer for this mess.
“Saraya?”
Her silky hands were instantly on my head, cool and unmistakable, washing over me like a mountain spring.
Voice like music, she hummed back, “Hello, sweet Alvara. It’s been too long.”
I opened my eyes, grateful the stinging had subsided, and soaked in her familiar face. Saraya was in a far-off coven within the hierarchy, so our paths didn’t cross often. But she was the best healer any of us had ever seen. Unnecessary. But I appreciated the gesture. Aren would, of course, pull out all the stops for me. Her hair was bright as flame, cascading red spiral curls tucked into a neat plait down her back. Saraya was nearly as old as Aren—the second longest lifeline in the hierarchy. She would be the next Commander if the succession followed tradition. A thought I couldn’t even grant energy, as the idea of living without Aren was unfathomable.
Deep brown eyes, like pools of melted chocolate, peered down at me.
“Any better, sweet girl?”
I inhaled deeply, noticing the ease in my ribs and spine, the lightness of my head. I nodded, smiling up at my old friend. “Thank you for coming down.”
“Anything for you, sweet girl. Besides, who could pass up a chance to heal the lightning bearer?”
I winced, wrinkling my nose. “Good Lord, I pray that doesn’t stick.”
She laughed, the sound light and welcome. “I’m not sure how you can get rid of that particular moniker. It sounds incredible, Ally. I’ve never heard anything like it before. And I’m no spring chicken.” She winked and took a seat on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over the other.
“I still don’t know how I did it.”
