Page 18

Win trailed after. “Hey, Wren. I can hardly wait until you can remember me, or I can remember you, or I can remember being here.”

Wren chuckled. “The rush when we speak is always disconcerting, like I am getting a download. Right, Ela, let’s take a walk.”

Ela murmured to Ira, “Always focus on the end action and work backward.”

Ira beamed and kept drawing what she wanted to achieve, making notes and giggling.

Ela walked out with Wren, and they moved across the green and toward the trees.

“Win says you are bleeding power.”

“I am bleeding life force, but I didn’t want to argue.”

Wren chuckled and then sobered. “May I see the marks?”

Ela shrugged. “It’s your nickel.” She kicked off her footwear, dropped her pants, and pulled her shirt off over her head.

Wren hissed, and her hands began to glow. “Scream if you need to. I have put a barrier up.”

“I am fine. I didn’t scream then, and I won’t scream now.”

The magic user began to mumble and cast spells, and Ela felt the surface of her skin catch fire. She remained still while the pain rippled over her for an hour until Wren was finished.

With shaking hands, Ela got dressed again.

Wren murmured, “I can’t believe you just stood there.”

Ela pulled her shirt on. “I didn’t scream for them then; I wasn’t going to do it now. Is the drain gone?”

“Yes. You can begin to rebuild now.”

“Thank you. I am grateful for your efforts.”

“It’s no problem. Regis pays me in cupcakes.”

Ela smiled. “It seems they have what they need.”

“You are part of it. Don’t think you aren’t.”

“I know I am. It just feels strange to have survived it. I should rest again.”

“You should. I will talk to Regis. You just need a few days to settle and then eat like a horse.”

“That sounds really good.” Ela was exhausted.

“Come on. You need rest.”

They walked back to the house, where Regis was with two women who were standing there with calm expressions on their faces.

Wren smiled, “Regis, Elaheh needs a place to rest. Can you provide it?”

Regis looked at Ela and nodded. “Yes. We have a guesthouse. It will be quiet for her, and we will leave food for her to help her recover.”

Ela smiled and swayed. “Deal.”

Regis paused, and then Rex stepped out of the house. Rex looked at Ela. “Come with me. If you need, you can lean on me.”

“Thank you. I am very sorry for all the fuss.”