I glanced up at the sound of Tennessee’s voice. “Yes, Emperor?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Are you all right?”
His question took me by surprise. It wasn’t but an hour ago they were questioning my allegiance. I smiled and nodded. “I will be fine.”
“Good. Good.” He nodded and tapped the gold bands on his arms. Michael’s sword vanished. “Mind explaining to us what the hell you just did and how?”
Everyone turned to me.
I cleared my throat. “The how I am honestly not sure.”
Jackson’s eyes dropped to my chin, then he nodded. “And the what?”
“I hold the gift of a healing touch.” I looked down at my hands. “I am able to bring souls back to life but only until it gets to a certain point. Only while life is still viable in the body. Once the soul has lifted it is beyond me.”
“Excuse me?”
“Say what now?”
“Did he just say…?”
“Bloody hell.”
Tegan frowned. “This is not a typical fae gift, is it?”
“I am the only one with this gift…though I am unsure as to why I have this ability.” I shrugged. “I try not to use it unless fully necessary.”
“Yep, that’s gonna be my new motto,” Savannah grumbled. “Fully necessary.”
“Savannah,” Cooper whispered and shook his head.
She smiled up at him and her cheeks flushed.
Myrtle stood and turned to me. “Riah, that was remarkable.”
“It was nothing.”
“It was everything,” Saraphina whisper-shouted.
“But before anything else is said, we need to do a ritual on Savannah to ensure her safety.” Myrtle rubbed her hands together. “Kessler, would you be a dear and carry her for me? I don’t want her exerting any energy until we do the ritual.”
Kessler nodded and stepped up beside Savannah, then paused. “May I?”
“Such a southern gentlemen.” Savannah grinned. “Yes, you may, sir.”
Kessler chuckled as he reached down and lifted her into the cradle of his arms like she weighed no more than a feather. “All right, Myrtle. We’re following you.”
Myrtle waved for them and hurried off the sand and toward the stone building close by.
“Umm…” Willow said in a small voice once they were gone. “Are we safe here?”
“You’re safe,” Keltie answered firmly.
We all turned toward her voice.
She stood at the water’s edge with her arms crossed over her chest. “It should not have been triggered to come here.”
Leyka had his arm wrapped around her shoulders. “Can’t be a good sign.”
“Riah?”
I blinked down at Saraphina. “Yes?”
“Are you okay?”
“He’s tapped.” Tegan got to her feet. “That was…something.”
Leyka was suddenly crouched in front of me. He put his hand on my shoulder and nodded. Don’t worry about the why and how just yet. It’ll make sense soon, I promise, He said into my head using telepathy. Then he grinned. “Is it weird that you’re older than an angel, old man?”
I snorted and rolled my neck. “Is it weird I know vampires older than you, young man?”
“Does that make Keltie the biggest cougar ever or….”
“Easton,” Lily hissed and shook her head.
“He’s not wrong.” Keltie winked. “Leyka, come, let us go check on the reborn.”
Leyka took her outstretched hand and then they vanished.
Warner whistled under his breath. “Whole lotta creepy happening here.”
“I’m here for it.” Henley grinned.
“Aight, y’all, let’s give Riah here some air.” Tegan flicked her hands. “Errrybody shoo. Let’s go be there for Savannah.”
I started to get up when a heavy hand landed on my shoulder.
Tennessee shook his head. “I may not be your Coven Leader, but I’d like for you to just lay here and rest. Regain your strength.”
“I am fine—”
“And I am stubborn.” Tennessee arched one eyebrow. “Please? I prefer my people rested.”
“Am I your people?” I asked and hated the question in my own voice. I did not care for the tension in my stomach as I waited for his answer, or for how much his answer mattered.
But he smiled without hesitation. “I do believe we’re family now. Shall I call you Uncle?”
I nodded and gently laid back in the sand. “Definitely.”
Olli howled from out of nowhere and then leapt onto my chest.
Saraphina curled her legs under her and sat beside me with her hands resting on my chest. “I’ll be here, please rest.”
Deacon nodded over her shoulder and red smoke drifted through the air. “Yes, rest.”
I wanted to fight it, to stay awake, but my eyes closed instantly. This wasn’t the first time I’d used my gift, but I’d never had to use quite so much of it at once either. Healing Savannah had taken a lot. Her wound was barely able to be reversed even by me.