what I had done to her, it was a price I’d pay without a second thought to make sure I could protect her if need be, thus keeping my brothers safe.
“Fine. You can have whatever truths I can provide—after you’ve healed my injuries.”
I slid my hand up her wrist, twining my fingers with hers. My magic came willingly, almost eagerly, wrapping around our combined hands, tugging at me to drape my very essence around her—that same nauseating urge I’d felt since she was nothing but a newborn spawnling.
I gritted my teeth, pushing down instincts I wanted no part of, and focused on the spell. “Three truths I shall give you. Three answers you may request. Set my bones and strengthen my body, and your questions shall be answered.”
My power sparked in my blood, flaring between us before snuffing into nothing but a leftover hum in my hand.
Annabel glanced to Mimir, who nodded—always an interesting movement for a bodiless man.
“Yes. That should do it, my pretty plum,” he said. “But please do keep in mind that your magic resources are somewhat low after that nasty troll encounter.”
A look passed between them, and I narrowed my eyes at the confirmation that they definitely had some sort of plans which required Annabel’s magic to function. Bjarni and Modi had told us what it took to refuel her powers. No doubt she still had plenty of strength left to heal my injuries after that depraved reunion she and her mates had indulged in the night before I lured her away.
But if healing me would drain her just enough to weaken any attempts at escape? Well, that was just a bonus.
I released my grip on her hand and straightened up. “Well? Do you want your truths, omega?”
“Of course.” She let her gaze slide over my shoulder and down to my ribs, attempting to evaluate the injuries. “I need to be able to touch your skin.”
I reached for the hem of my tunic, but the movement sent jolts of anguish through both my shoulder and ribs. Grunting, I clutched my hands around the fabric, trying to anchor my swimming vision. Odin’s beard, that hurt.
“Let me,” Annabel said. She got to her feet and grabbed for my tunic, carefully edging it up my torso and over first my good arm, then head before she eased it down my injured left side. I was somewhat surprised by her care—she could easily have made it hurt, but chose not to.
One glance at her face now focused on my damaged body, and it was clear she’d let those soft omega feelings sweep away some of her anger, at least for now. She worried her lip as she narrowed her eyes at my shoulder, her slim fingers dancing across my skin with featherlight touches.
I hated it. Hated every gentle brush of her palms and her small hum of concern when I hissed from pain. I’d killed her. I was going to break her matebonds and leave her in Hel for eternity—and still she was so achingly gentle as she handled my broken body. It was… irritating.
“Get on with it,” I growled, shifting away from her careful exploration. The movement made my shoulder pang, but it was better than Annabel’s touch.
She pinched her lips and sent me an admonishing glare. Again she grabbed for my shoulder, firmer this time, and then her magic welled up and into me.
I wasn’t prepared for the sensation of it, of her, rushing through me like a wave. Before my mind’s eye, I saw the golden shine of her power, even if it was colorless in Hel, and I shuddered at its touch. It was balmy and pleasant, and it pulled a groan from my throat that nearly turned into something akin to a purr before I managed to stop it.
My own magic rose to meet her, more eager to wrap around her light than when I’d sworn my oath of truth. She allowed it to, prodding at it and sending shivers through my entire being.
No, no, no. With a force of will, I clamped my shields down, leaving her with nothing but an impenetrable ice barrier. I kept it in place as her magic slid across it, testing once before she returned her focus to my broken body. Her amusement echoed in my mind before her magic dove into my flesh and through my bones.
I kept my teeth gritted through the arduous healing process, my sole focus on my inner barriers. Just that briefest of touches