Warmth, that's what surrounded me. The feel of a solid body against mine as I lay on a comfortable surface that smells like sunlight on a summer day. I smile, snuggling closer to the warm body, happy to not feel any pain or exhaustion.
"Is she up yet?” Some one whispers, their lyrical voice reaching my ears.
“Not yet. But I think she will be soon.” Caden’s voice answers, fingers lighting running down my back. His scent wraps around me, relaxing my mind and body and making me feel safer then I have in days. With a sigh, I decide to see exactly where we are and slowly open my eyes to see a well defined collar bone, one I want to sink my teeth into and claim as mine.
“Good morning Lady Silver.” Caden chuckles out, his fingers grazing my cheek softly.
“G…good morning.” I mumble back sheepishly, looking up to see Caden gazing at me, a soft and gentle smile on his lips.
“Good morning Silver Fur. Glad to see you awake.” The lyrical voice from before chimes in from the corner, piquing my curiosity on who it could be. Only the Fae call me Silver Fur, a nick name they have given me since my first shift. Which means it is someone I know. Frowning, I try my best to sit up, only to feel Caden move away for a moment to assist me until I am comfortably leaning against the head board of the bed.
“Oh, Airia its you!” Shocked by the presence of the Faerie Princess, I smile at my old friend as she sips on what ever is in her tea cup.
“Yes, it’s me. And it seems you still refuse to use formalities.” Airia chuckles out, placing her cup on the side table before standing and making her way to my side of the bed. With a smile, she sits beside me, her slim hand taking my left one before closing her eyes.
“You were severely injured on your back as well as on the brink of death through exhaustion. Luckily for you it was Sunny your friends came by or you would have died.” The Faerie states, patting the top of my hand as she stares at me with a sad smile.
“Why is it I always find you injured?” She chuckles out, making me look down in guilt.
“Because no one looks out for me most days.” I sigh out, thinking back to the many times Airia and I have come into contact since our first introduction ten years ago.
“Well that seems to not be the case anymore with Caden here. Keep my Silver Fur safe or else Golden Wolf.” Airia sighs out, directing her threat to the man holding onto me.
“I will try my best.” Caden states solemnly, placing a kiss on my forehead. I feel my cheeks growing warm and duck my head so that the others don’t see the raging blush on my cheeks.
“Grace! You’re awake!” Amelia’s voice sounds from the door way, her excitement and relief hitting me like waves as my friend rushes to the bed and joins the three of us already on there. She takes my free hand and holds it close to her, her blue eyes looking into mine as she searches my face.
“How do you feel?” She asks, taking a deep breath and breathing in my sent.
“Better, but still sore.” I answer honestly, giving Amelia a reassuring smile.
“Good. You have been out of it all night. Today is the fifth day!” She sighs out, her lips forming a tight grim smile as she looks down at our hands.
“What?!” In disbelief, I look up to see Caden and Amelia looking away guiltily as if this information wasn’t supposed to be told to me.
“Melia and Caden brought you here last night. You currently have two more nights to reach the lodge.” Airia sighs out, pulling my attention to her.
“Then we need to leave and make a break for it!” I practically yell, taking my hands from Amelia and Airia and trying to wiggle free from the bed. Strong arms pull me close and I find myself nestled once more in Caden’s embrace.
“Grace, we know winning the bet means a lot to you, but you were seriously injured. You could have died!” His voice is low and soothing, pausing any movement I may have had as he keeps me still. I can feel my sore body agreeing to his words, knowing full well that I did in fact nearly drown. But at the same time, I have a bet to win. One that will bring about a better future for Silver Birch.
“I know that Caden. But I can’t just sit here and hide away.” I growl in frustration. He sighs, the tips of his fingers coming to lift my chin so that our eyes meet.
“Fine. We will continue the run on one condition.” He states, his emerald eyes telling me that either I agree to this condition or we are stuck with the Fae for the remainder of the Run.
“And what condition is that?” I ask, afraid to know the answer.
“You ride on my back until you are healed.”