Lunaria (A Soulmark Series Finale), page 26
"Breathe, ov thera. Deval fought bravely, and for a noble cause," Adrian says in my ear. "Should they be unable to help him and he passes on, we will honor him as one would any fallen warrior."
"I don't want him to die," I whisper. Adrian's hand moves to rub small circles in my lower back. His persistent fingers relieve the stress held there by knotted muscles.
"Would you prefer he continue to suffer?"
I balk. "No," I say, "of course not. But... but what if they can save him?" Adrian steps in front of me, blocking the others from my view as he peers down at me solemnly.
"The witch said she doesn't know the spell to revive him," he says. "The sorcerer is broken and should this half-baked solution work, success is not guaranteed. They'll only weaken themselves by making such an attempt."
"You don't know that."
My lame defense is met with a pleading frown.
“They clearly wish to transform the wolf into something he is not meant to be. Magic that powerful always comes with a heavy price on those who perform it."
I duck my head, jaw clenched tight. The reality of the situation is weighing down on me. Deval will die, and he will have given his life to protect mere strangers in the hopes of a better life. Calloused palms tilt my face upward.
"Luna—"
An exaggerated groan sounds from behind Adrian. We both look to see Jax scowling at us.
"I'm not broken," he bites out and then looks back to Nova. "And yes, technically, if I was to consume blood from a witch, I may be able to temporarily revive my powers to some higher degree. What your book failed to mention is to do so is to spit in the face of the Gods. I'll be hard-pressed to earn back any favor of those I once worshiped. Not to mention that the Celestial Court will take my head if they find out about my involvement.”
“Or the revolution and change you’re dying to see will finally begin,” Nova argues.
Jax stiffens, his sight drawn away into one of deep contemplation.
“We’ll make Irina deal with the court. She always manages to get her way, why not with this?” Nova continues. Jax snorts.
“And what’s your solution to my patron dilemma? I meant what I said before, to choose an earthly source of magic above what they give is a grave offense. None will want my devotion if they think of me as some kind of turncoat,” Jax says.
Ruby places a hand on Jax’s leg. “I’ll find a new God for you myself if I have to. You won’t have to live a life without magic, Jax. I know how much it means to you.”
The two share a tender look, one that speaks volumes of their deep relationship. Jax’s shoulders soften, the fight drawing out of his eyes.
“Promise?”
Ruby rolls her eyes and scoffs as she stands. “When have I ever broken a promise to you, Jax?”
Jax rubs his good eye and heaves a sigh. "I can’t believe I’m going to do this."
Hope ignites in my veins as I listen in on the trio's conversation. I glance at Zoelle whose face is carefully kept blank. In time, the room looks in her direction. After a pregnant pause, she slants her gaze to me, the flicker of a frown wrinkling her brow.
"I’m sorry, Luna, but blood magic isn’t something I’m willing to trifle with," she replies and places a hand on her stomach. Of course, she’s pregnant.
“Oh.” My heart drops and my eyes shutter closed. “So that’s it, isn’t it?” I ask the room quietly. “The coven doesn’t even like Jax.”—I cast him a pitying glance— “Sorry, Jax”
“No offense taken, gorgeous.”
My eyes flutter open, and my sights immediately set upon the shallow rise and fall of Deval’s chest. Then, out of nowhere, an idea scratches to the surface of my mind.
“What about my blood?” I ask, ignoring the immediate reprimands of Adrian and Zoelle as I stare at Jax. “Would my blood work? I’m not a witch, but I do have earthly magic—magic that is all my own.”
Jax hesitates with a cringe. "You’re hurt, gorgeous."
I offer a small smile. "It's only a scratch,” I argue softly.
Jax bows his head, a rush of air billowing past his lips as he bobs his head. "Only a scratch, eh?" He pauses, throat bobbing before he straightens. "I'll need at least a cup," he says.
A hand clamps on my shoulder as I open my mouth to reply and gaze up at Adrian. His face belays his worry.
"Luna… are you sure you want to do this?" he asks. His concern weighs heavily through our bond.
"I'm sure."
Zoelle scowls, looking wholly disappointed by my decision.
“We’ll need a cup or bowl, something to catch the blood.,” Jax says, and again the room looks to Zoelle.
For a moment, I don't know if she will comply. But then she jerks her thumb over her shoulder. "Go through the door and down the hallway. You'll run into the kitchen. Cups are above the sink."
Ruby zips away faster than my eyes can track. I gasp as the door swings open and seconds before it latches shut, crashes open again. Ruby is a blur, and when she comes to a stop, it is in front of me.
I shrink away at the sight of the knife and cup in her hand. She waggles the former in the air, between thumb and forefinger, a pleasant smile on her face. Her short bob slows to stop from its wild swaying as she remains in one place.
"Arm, please," she requests and passes the cup to Adrian as he steps to my side. The blood drains from my face as I hold out my arm.
Chapter 14
I wait in unnerving silence as Ruby looks over her shoulder at Jax and Nova. He watches us, a frown pulling down his features, then his eyes flick to Nova.
"I swiped a wand earlier this evening. It’s still in the truck bed, grab it, will you?"
Nova dashes from the room at the same speed as Ruby. Her brisk departure leaves me distracted, but Ruby's ice-cold touch brings me back to reality. Her hand makes a vice on my wrist.
"What are you going to do exactly?" I ask as her grip tightens further. A growl simmers in Adrian's chest as he winds an arm around my waist. Ruby scoffs.
"I’m building up some pressure in your veins before I cut." She explains, lowering her lashes half-mast as she drags her gaze up and down my body. "You don't heal like the rest of us, do you? Most of your wounds are still pretty awful, though your eye isn't nearly as bad as it was a few hours ago."
"I heal faster than the average human, but not to the degree which a lycan or rokama can." Ruby's brown eyes flit to Adrian at the word 'rokama.'
The front door closes with a sharp clap that makes me cringe. Nova reenters the room in a blur.
Ruby uses my distraction and slices my skin without warning. A feral hiss squeezes past my lips and Adrian growls loudly. My knee-jerk reaction is to tug my hand away, but there is no escaping Ruby's ironclad hold. Blood blossoms from the incision and collects at the side of my wrist, trickling off it. Ruby liberates my wrist after Adrian thrusts the cup under the trickle.
"Are you all right?" His warm breath rustles the hair framing my face. I lean into his side in answer, relishing in its heat.
"Yes," I say, voice tight.
Ruby takes a step back. Her brown eyes conceding to pools of crimson at the sight of my blood.
"What next?" Ruby asks Jax. He appears to be brooding as he glares at the wand in his hand, but her question rouses him. Jax settles his gaze on Deval. "Right," Ruby mutters and walks over to Deval.
Zoelle stands awkwardly beside the end of the couch Deval is on. She still sports a look of disapproval with a severe downward slant of her lips, but there's no denying the hint of curiosity teeming in her eyes. Ruby positions herself near Deval's head and takes the blade to her wrist. I gasp at the act of self-harm, yet I’m too transfixed to look away. Ruby presses the wound to Deval's slightly parted mouth. Ruby tosses the knife aside to support his head and angle it back.
He groans, lashes opening with a feeble flutter. At his first swallow, he gags and coughs, but Ruby shushes him. She dips her head and whispers in his ears. I'm spellbound by their exchange.
His next swallow is coupled with a cringe, but he makes no move to fight her off.
"Why does he need Ruby's blood?" I ask.
No one answers my question immediately. I cast my regard about the room, from person to person, avoiding the empty spaces that crowd us on either end of the room. I shiver, eyes growing heavy. Nova answers at last, huffing and folding her arms over her chest.
"To become a vampyré, you need to die with vampyré blood in your system."
My eyes widen even though it feels as if my lids will hardly be able to hold their own weight much longer. "I imagined it with more teeth. "
Nova snorts. "That’s typically the norm. As it is, you can’t be turned with just a drop of blood.”
“I see,” I manage to mumble, not understanding really at all. “Do you measure it out then? A cup of blood to turn someone into one of you?”
I watch curiously as Nova fights off a smile. “Nah, it’s not that exact. The more a human intakes, the better their chances, but it doesn’t guarantee surviving the transition.” Nova offers a shrug at my confused stare. “Some human bodies are weaker than others. They can't handle the transition from living to living dead. Turning a supernatural isn't nearly as straightforward. There’s a lot more blood and magic involved.”
“How… strange,” I offer with a crooked smile. Nova’s fangs peek back at me as she offers me one in return. "What happens next?" I ask, leaning further into Adrian’s side.
"I'll need the witch’s assistance if she's willing."
Zoelle scowls at Jax's blasé attitude. "I told you, I'm not partaking in the blood magic."
"Relax, sweetheart, you needn't perform any such thing, but some magical and medical assistance would be appreciated. First and foremost, Luna will need some tending to. She doesn't need to lose more blood than necessary and has been quite neglected since arriving." Zoelle flushes, her eyes darting to me, then back to Jax before she agrees.
"And...?" She prompts him, as she gathers the medical basket and makes her way over.
Jax's eye hardens as he stands. "Though there's no guarantee this will work, we do know it will be especially painful for him as the transition takes several days."
"How many days?"
"Three."
Zoelle stops, and her pupils dilate. "Three?"
"Yes, three," Jax repeats, "and over those three days, both Ruby and Nova will need to supply him with their blood roughly every three hours. It will be hard on them as well."
Zoelle chews on her bottom lip. “I’m sure we can arrange something to serve everyone's needs and comfort,” Zoelle says at last and pulls her focus back to me. She doesn't say a word as she rummages in the basket and pulls out what she needs. "Adrian, right?" she asks, her brown eyes flicking to him. He grunts in answer "You can give the cup to Jax."
He hesitates, but does as requested, squeezing my hip before carrying out the task. Zoelle is ready with a gauze pad when he slinks away. I hiss at the pressure she applies, but otherwise, maintain my composure. She works on my back next, a whimper of sympathy passing her lips as she treats me delicately. Adrian is back at my side quick as can be and reaches for my hand. We eye each other tiredly.
"Not to ruin the moment, but your friend has passed on." Despite Nova’s previous explanation, and knowing Deval must die in order to live again, it pangs me to know he’s gone. Nova glances briefly at Jax as she points to her ear. "There's one less heartbeat in the room."
A tingle of anticipation rides up my spine as Jax stiffens and rolls his shoulders back.
“Right then,” Jax announces and holds up the glass of my blood in salute. "Bottom's up."
I turn my face into Adrian's chest as Jax knocks back the viscous liquid. I clench my eyes shut as he gags and noisily sputters. Even hearing the act makes me cringe. Several seconds tick by before I summon the courage to peek at his progress.
Jax is bent at the waist. The back of one hand presses against his mouth.
Ruby and Nova edge toward him, but he halts their approach with a shake of his head. From my vantage, I see his lips moving. Whatever words he speaks evoke a current of energy through the air and a shocking cold to accompany it. I shiver and inch closer to Adrian. Even Zoelle gives pause to the change in atmosphere.
The vampyrés share a long look when Jax's shuddering stops, until Nova finally breaks the tense air.
"You would make a shit vampyré."
Jax's head snaps up, a ferocious glint to his hazel eye before it melts away in a blink. "I agree," he responds, voice clotted and thick.
"Is it working?" Ruby asks head cocking to the side.
He nods, although the motion is jerky at best. "Yes, and apparently, there is a God who seeks to favor me.” A crazed sort of laugh erupts from him, short and breathless. It brings the hair on my arms to attention. “They find Luna's blood sacrifice quite… winsome." I swallow thickly but say nothing given Jax's grave appearance. Ruby narrows her sights upon her friend.
After a few deep breaths, he seems to relax, and the chilled air dissipates.
"We need real medical supplies to continue—just as with Irina—to assist the transition. We need needles, tubing, and everything else necessary for a blood transfusion." Jax narrows his sights on Zoelle. "I don't suppose anyone in your coven has that kind of equipment on hand?"
Zoelle frowns. "The pack might. There are a few men and women who are nurses, and one is an EMT. They may be able to get some from the hospital if they don't have it on hand."
"Make the call." Jax orders. The corner of his lips twitching upward into an easy grin. "Please."
Zoelle rolls her eyes but leaves the room to make the necessary call.
"We need to rest now,” Adrian says, already guiding me out of the room. My eyes stay stubbornly fixed on Deval. If Jax’s magic is working, why isn’t Deval moving? "There isn't anything we can do," he continues in a low voice. We slip away and up the stairs. I’m too tired to protest.
Quinn intercepts us in the hall, peeking her head out a door as the floorboards creak with our arrival.
"Come on, I'll show you to your room," Quinn offers with surprising warmth. “You can shower and sleep in here.” Quinn shows us the way, going so far as to open the door for us. I go to thank her but end up offering her a large yawn instead. Quinn chuckles and rests a hand on my shoulder. “I’m happy you're home, Luna. Now rest. You’ve earned it.”
++
I recoil in my dining room chair with a wince as another gut-wrenching cry thunders through the halls of the house. I look toward the dining room door where out beyond in some room Deval suffers through his transformation. I wince again as my back twinges in discomfort. Though my back is treated and bandaged, a dull but persistent pain lingers as I heal. I spare Adrian a small frown.
He devours the crumbling remains of his fourth stack of waffles with vigor. Much like the lycans of this realm, his supernatural healing is accompanied by an ambitious appetite. I can't say the same. Lethargy permeates my bones and my appetite is weak. I blame the medicine. Although my injuries are well on their way to vanishing, the potency of my medication is partially mind-numbing.
I yawn. We’d slept more than a day and this was our first meal, I should be hungry, but my food only manages to get pushed around my plate.
Across the table is Ruby. She is rosy-cheeked and wide awake. Her cropped hair curls inward and under at the ends in perfect symmetry around her head. Paired with a long-sleeve black dress adorned with a white collar and matching cuffs, she seems far too polished to have caused such mayhem at the Wselfwulf's property. My sight strays to her lips. They are coated in red lacquer, still damp from her most recent donor's generosity, who still sits beside her.
He is one of the raven shifters and his name is Ronan. His steel-gray eyes are alight with amusement as he catches me staring at him. I flush and direct my gaze elsewhere.
"I don't see why Zoelle's troop of nurses couldn't bring over blood bags along with the transfusion equipment." Ruby dabs at her lips delicately, staining the cloth napkin red.
Ronan rolls his eyes and sips his coffee. His right wrist is bandaged with a thick layer of gauze. "Does it matter? Blood is blood."
She scoffs. "Of course, it matters. The blood they got from the butcher tastes appalling. Honestly, Ronan." She eyes his wrist with a twinkle in her eye, changing her mood in an instant. "Blood straight from the source is always preferable, and I must say, you taste fantastic."
Ronan glares across the top of his coffee cup, but it lacks heart.
"No surprise there," he responds flatly. His humor, as far as I can tell, is what Aunt Lydia would call "on the dry side." Ruby takes his stoicism as a challenge and for the next few minutes, boasts several other descriptions that make even Ryatt sputter and flush.
Ronan must be used to her mischievous ways, for he holds out far better than the rest of us. Satisfied only when Ronan cracks a smile and deep laugh, Ruby turns her bloodshot eyes my way, then at my food.
"You really need to eat," Ruby suggests. "Especially if you plan on donating blood. It's not in good taste to take from those who are too weak."
Vibrant red petals of the calceolas flower span my cheekbones to display my embarrassment.
"It's… too rich," I explain. Ruby hums and pushes back from the table, a smile on her face.
"I'm sure it is," she asserts, "which is all the more reason for you to eat up! I better go check on the others. Please, excuse me."
Ronan stands as well, adjusts his clothes, and pushes in his chair. He inclines his head toward us and snags his coffee.
"Nice meeting you," he says and follows Ruby out.
A touch of wonder strikes me as I watch them move with lithe grace. Ruby walks with a swagger and purpose to her gait, while Ronan is a dark shadow behind her. Adrian's hand falls to my thigh.
"She's right," Adrian says, his words gentle, yet firm. "You need to eat more if you want to give blood or help the coven. You won't have the stamina to do it all without it."
