"Reviving does not require the same output of energy."
I wasn't believing that for an instant, but I let it slide, and asked instead, "I remember Tao saying something about your inability to heal—what's gone wrong? You had no problems healing me previously."
"I know." He hesitated. "And I'm not exactly sure why this has happened."
Liar. "It hasn't got anything to do with Amaya's presence, has it?"
"No. Your sword will never harm you."
I snorted softly. "Then what do you call her attempt to gain control over my body?"
"An attempt to save your life. As she saw it, she was the stronger spirit, and therefore the logical choice to control your flesh."
And I'd agreed to that control—temporarily. I wouldn't have survived the onslaught of the Rakshasa otherwise. But once I was safe, Amaya had refused to leave my flesh, and it took every ounce of strength I'd had left to get her back into the sword. "Does that mean every time I'm feeling low she's going to make a takeover bid?"
"Only if she believes your life would be in danger if she did not. And remember, you did invite the invasion."
Something I will not be doing again. Not unless I'm at death's door.
Ten minutes later, I sensed Rhoan's approach. Azriel rose and held out a hand. I twined my fingers through the warmth of his, and he pulled me up. We ended up standing so close that my breasts touched his chest and his breath teased my mouth with possibilities. God, it would take only the slightest movement on either of our parts for our lips to meet, but as my eyes searched his, I knew he wouldn't do it. Not this time, not yet. He was still fighting to delay the inevitable.
"Nothing is inevitable." There was a huskiness in his voice that suggested his control was closer to the knife edge than I'd thought. "And you have no idea of the risk we run—"
Behind us someone cleared his throat, and I jumped as if stung. Rhoan walked toward us, amusement crinkling the corners of his gray eyes.
"Riley will be pleased," he said.
No, she won't, I thought grumpily. Not when I was having zero luck in getting Azriel back into bed—a problem she'd never had when it came to men, human or otherwise. I waved a hand at Dorothy's body. "I haven't touched her, and only went close enough to the table to check whether her blood had been collected or not."