Page 125 of Guiding Desire

Orrey watched, but his focus was elsewhere. Where Senlas held his hand, it was as if their powers connected, echoing from one to the other. It wasn’t channeling exactly, but it was something.

“I was so worried,” Orrey said, feeling the tears coming.

“Kitten, I—I’m sorry. Come here.”

This time, the hug was what Orrey wanted, though he flinched back, looked at Senlas’s wounds.

“Sen—”

“They’re not bad. I need to hold you right now.”

Orrey nodded, let him.

The Guardian’s arms came around him, anchor and shield. After a long time, they pulled apart although Senlas took Orrey’s hand, held it as tightly as he had that day not too long ago at the parade.

Back then, it had been strange, unfamiliar. Not so now.

“I’m sorry,” Orrey said. “I…am a Conduit. I couldn’t leave Loquin there and…”

Senlas put a hand on Orrey’s cheek, tilted up his head. “I know. I saw. It wasn’t your fault. And when you left I—just don’t do that again, Orrey, please.”

Orrey bit his lip. “I wish I could make a promise, but I can’t.”

Senlas sighed. “Then hear mine. I’ll come for you, always.”

“Good.”

The horn cat chose that moment to jump out from the vegetable garden, hissing, its fur standing up, tufted horns shaking and teeth bared.

Senlas huffed. “Always teeth when purring would do.”

“You lifting those rocks scared it,” Orrey said, bent down, and scratched the small beast behind its tufts. The horn cat purred but kept eyeing Senlas suspiciously. “Let’s go inside. You’re bleeding.”

“No. I’m whole now, kitten.” Orrey looked up at Senlas, a vulnerable expression on the Guardian’s face. “Orrey, I…”

“You’re bleeding,” Orrey said and tugged on Senlas’s hand. “And I’m your Conduit, so trust me: we need to do something about it.”

Senlas followed, and where their palms touched, Orrey felt him, felt his power, strong and bright and warm.

This is my purpose,Orrey thought, and prepared himself to ask a Hound to heal his Guardian. It was stranger than even the strangest drama, but in his bones, Orrey knew it was the right thing to do.

Orrey and Senlas will return.