“Lucas,” Garrick said as he poured him a glass of water. “Although,youshould have told me.”
“I almost didn’t believe it,” Cord sighed as he accepted the water. “Where is he?”
“He went to collect us some food. We have been waiting for you.” Garrick sat back down again, adjusting his robes carefully.
“Waiting?” Cord asked, the glass pausing as he rose it to his lips.
“You have been unconscious for two days,” Garrick informed him. “You burned out your Flare.”
“Does Zahra live?” Cord asked quietly.
“She does. She has not spoken, but she is healing.” Garrick rubbed his hand over his face. “It seems she was with child when they took her.” He held up his hand to stop Cord’s questions. “It was a human’s at her school.”
“Sloane?” Cord took a quick drink of his water before swinging his legs over the side of the bed and reaching for a black shirt.
“He is aware, although he has not spoken of it.” Garrick watched Cord pull his shirt on, watched as he grimaced in pain.
“Why am I still sore?” Cord asked gruffly as he stood on shaky legs.
“You depleted your Flare. Although we could heal you, your own life force is required to replenish the Flare. Which is why one of your very first lessons as a child is donotdeplete your energy.”
Cord fought his eye roll. “Yes, Prime Castor Garrick,” he mocked as he drank more water.
The door to his chamber opened, and Lucas came in carrying a tray heavily weighed down with food.
“Finally, I was becoming bored,” he deadpanned as he set the tray down.
“No one asked you to wait,” Cord reminded him as he reached forward for a hot buttered roll.
“I struggle with why they chose you,” Lucas told him matter-of-factly. “Such an insolent male, always have been.”
“I do my best,” Cord told him around a mouthful of bread.
“Garrick.” Lucas looked at the Crimson Castor in resignation.
“Are you aware of what is happening on your back?” Garrick asked and was perversely delighted when Cord stopped chewing.
“I know it burned like a Drakhyn when I was fighting in the woods.” Cord took another bite of bread and looked at it in appreciation. “I am so hungry. What else have you brought me?” he asked Lucas as he leaned forward.
“Soup.”
“Soup?” Cord sat back in disappointment.
“Well, you have taken soup the previous days. I did not know you would be awake and be so...youwhen you awoke.” Lucas took the bowl of soup himself and picked up the spoon.
“Are there no questions from the others as to why I have two Prime Castors in my room?” Cord asked even as he reached for more bread.
“I will get him something more substantial,” Garrick sighed as he stood. “Don’t let me miss the good bits,” he warned Lucas as he portalled out of the room, a shimmery blue powder left in his wake.
“How envious I am that you use no powders,” Lucas told Cord as he dipped his spoon in his own soup. “I can do one, maybe two spells with no aids, but portalling, no.”
“I have never really needed them,” Cord told him quietly. “I used to use them for the benefit of others, now I...” Cord took another drink of water. “Now, so many things are happening I cannot afford to waste time on the pretence.”
“I know, but you must try, Cord.” Lucas put his soup bowl down. “Akrhyn fear what they do not know. Look at your father.” Seeing Cord’s glare, Lucas hastily corrected himself. “Cornelius fears the power that Lycans and Vampyres have, which is why he is so intent on eradicating them from Akrhyn life.”
“He says a lot,” Cord muttered, “but he knows his plan is futile.”
“Is it? He had us held in the Pure Cast’s medical wing. I am a Prime Castor, Garrick is a Prime, Salem is his Principal. He held you and your brother. Are you really so sure his efforts are unheard?”