Jireo returned from the hallway. “Darielle says Charles is almost prepared for you to transport him, but don’t do it yet. He’s bringing someone with him if you have the strength… a boy named Markaeus.”
“The more the merrier, as far as I’m concerned.” Alora turned a questioning eye to Raelene.
“As long as you’re careful to draw your power from the elements, the transport should have little effect on your strength. Perhaps we should let you touch something to be certain you don’t make an error.” Raelene placed a small stone and a piece of wood in Alora’s hand.
“An ice cube would be easier.”
“You can do this,” Raelene answered.
Noting the roomful of observers, Alora’s heart rate sped up, causing a shrill alarm on her heart monitor.
Dr. Sanders moved to press a button, silencing the bell. “Try to stay calm, Alora. The last thing we need is to have a nurse come running in here in time to see you transport two people into this room. She might have a stroke. In fact, I may close my eyes, so I don’t have a stroke, myself.”
Kaevin brushed the hair from Alora’s face with a gentle touch, betraying his concern.
“I’m fine, Kaevin. I’m really not in pain at all.”
“You are, but you don’t realize it. I feel it when you’re unconscious.” Kaevin lowered his face to her ear, speaking in soft, soothing tones.
She flared her remorse. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize I’m still sending my pain to you when I’m asleep.”
“No, don’t apologize; it’s way less than before. I simply can’t help worrying. I don’t know how to stop myself.” He lifted his shoulders in a sheepish shrug. “Because I love you.”
“I know you do.”
Jireo stared into space, mumbling indistinct words. He nodded his head and turned to Alora. “Darielle says the preparations are finished. Charles is ready to transport.”
“Okay.” Alora reached out for Kaevin’s hand. “I won’t draw from the soulmate bond… I promise. But I could use a little courage.”
Kaevin wrapped both hands around her fingers, lifting them to his lips to place a gentle kiss of encouragement. With calm blanketing her senses, she pictured Uncle Charles in the hospital room.
He appeared with a blond boy, maybe eight or nine years old, at his side. The boy’s mouth dropped open, his eyes wide with wonder, as he surveyed the room. So this is Markaeus. I wonder why he’s with my uncle.
Dr. Sanders shoved a wheelchair behind Charles, and he collapsed into it. Without thinking, Alora accessed his pain, and the intensity of it overwhelmed her.
“Uncle Charles!” I’ve got to get to him. She struggled to rise from the bed, but Kaevin held her down with one arm.
“Don’t move, Alora. We’ll bring him to you.”
Dr. Sanders pushed the chair as close as possible to Alora’s bed.
“I did it, Uncle Charles.” She sniffed, reaching out for his hand. “I stayed alive, just like I promised.”
“I know, sweetie. I’m so proud of you.” His voice came out gravely as he stared at her bandaged arms. “Does it hurt very much?”
“I don’t feel any pain now, Uncle Charles, but I can feel yours.”
“I’m strong as an ox; I’ll be fine. I’m just worried about you.” Charles lifted his eyes to Dr. Sanders. “How is she, Doc? I need to know.”
“Alora’s burns are quite severe, Charles,” Dr. Sanders answered, looking graver than Alora thought he should.
“I’m fine, Uncle Charles. Don’t listen to him.”
Dr. Sanders counted off on his fingers. “She’s got an infection from the burns, and her kidneys have shut down. Her white count has been sky high, although it’s finally started dropping. We still have her listed in serious condition. She’s got a long way to go, and she may need skin grafts at some point.”
“I’m so sorry, Alora.” Charles blinked rapidly, his voice choking.
“What about you, Uncle Charles? I know you got hit by an arrow, and I can feel how much it hurts. Are you…” Alora gulped. “Are you dying?”