Page 81 of His Darkest Desire
“No.” Vex staggered back a step. “I missed one. There may yet be more of the beasts out here. I cannot rest until we know.”
Frowning, Kinsley closed the small distance he’d opened between them. “You’re in no state to take on another of those things.”
His features darkened, brows angling down sharply.
“You would be naught but food for another barghest,” Flare said, pointing forcefully at Vex.
Before the growl building in Vex’s chest could fully emerge, Kinsley silenced it by placing her hand over his heart, calling his attention to her.
“Please, Vex,” Kinsley begged.
“The cottage is warded,” Shade said. “All will be safe until you have healed.”
Vex released a heavy exhalation. “If there is another barghest, it will wreak havoc on these woods. Destroy what little remains to us.”
Flare bowed their head. “These three will scout while you recover, magus.”
“These ones will keep vigil that you might rest,” added Echo with a bow of their own.
Vex’s gaze shifted between the wisps as his jaw muscles ticked. “Take great care, my friends. At the slightest sign of trouble, return to me. Do not risk yourselves. And Shade… I ask that you remain with us for the time being.”
Shade nodded, lingering close to Kinsley and Vex as the other wisps sped away, moving in opposite directions.
Seeing the beads of sweat on Vex’s skin, which was noticeably pale where it hadn’t been burned by the sun, deepened Kinsley’s worry. Though he was hiding it well, she knew he was in a great deal of pain.
She reached out and wrapped her fingers around his. “Let’s go.”
Despite Vex’s longer stride, it was Kinsley who had to slow down to keep pace with him. His limp became more pronounced as they continued onward, and his breathing grew only more ragged. Seeing this man—who’d been so strong, confident, and seemingly invincible—weak and suffering like this was heart wrenching.
When he stumbled, she moved against him and slipped an arm around his waist for support.
“You need not treat me like a weakling,” Vex grumbled as he glowered at her.
“I’m not,” Kinsley replied, glancing up at him, “but if you fall and can’t get up, don’t expect me to carry you.”
“So you’d abandon me after I saved you?”
Kinsley rolled her eyes. “Of course not. You may not be a weakling, but I am. I literally would not be able to carry you. You’re heavier than you look.”
Vex snickered, settling his arm around her shoulders and leaning against her lightly. “And you are stronger than you look, Kinsley. Never forget that.”
By the time they reached the cottage, Vex’s pallor had worsened, and he was leaning upon her much more heavily than he likely realized. She knew he was trying to keep as much weight off her as he could, but he was flagging. His feet dragged with every step.
“Take me to the laboratory,” Vex rasped as they climbed the stone stairs out of the foyer.
Kinsley frowned. Sweat trickled between her breasts and down her back, which ached only more fiercely after this trek. “I thought I wasn’t supposed to go in there?”
“Gloat, human. I’ve not the energy to argue.”
But Kinsley couldn’t summon any excitement at the prospect of seeing the room he’d forbidden her from entering. Her only concern was for Vex. Tightening her hold on him, she braced a hand on the cold stone wall and helped him up the last step.
The central room with its rune-inscribed tree and glowing crystals didn’t seem nearly as magical as Kinsley and Vex staggered to the laboratory door. They paused in the alcove, where Vex rested his shoulder against the wall and flicked his wrist. The door swung open silently.
Shade flitted past them, lighting the way.
If Kinsley had expected it to be easier going downstairs, she’d been wrong. Though it was only a short flight of stairs, she found herself supporting Vex more and more despite his efforts to use the wall for additional support during their descent.
Her relief upon reaching the bottom was short-lived. Vex’s legs buckled, and he began to fall. Kinsley shifted, straining to keep him upright, but managed only to drag him in the direction she’d moved.