Page 75 of Foundling

She’s come back.

He didn’t want to believe it, strangely. Nothing in his life had prepared him for the way his hearts ached to know it. The organs strained to burst from his chest so that they could go to her, their master. His every breath nearly hurt with the realization she must not only have come back but saved him, too.

There was no other explanation for a sleeping mate on his chest and no venom in his veins.

Although his arms shook with fatigue, Attalus hiked Leita higher onto his chest, high enough that he could tuck her precious head under his chin and nuzzle at her fragrant hair.

That’s it. Just perfect. Hers was a much better smell.

“You came back,” he whispered into her hair, still not sure if he believed it.

He still hadn’t decided as he slipped back into exhausted sleep. At least this time, he did so with Leita held in his arms.

19

The next time Attalus woke, he knew it to be for true. Bright midday sunlight streamed into the cave, a swell of summer heat gathering just outside the entrance. Under all his blankets and his sleeping mate, he was quite warm, the false chill of fever finally gone.

Turning his head to the side, he beheld Thalia standing not too far away, head lowered and one of her hooves lifted partially off the ground in that way horses slept sometimes.

But she wasn’t asleep.

You lived it seems. Congratulations.

Attalus would’ve chuckled, but he didn’t want to wake Leita. Underestimate me at your peril. Lifting a hand to run his claws through Leita’s hair, he wondered, How long have we been asleep?

I got here yesterday afternoon to find you like that. Thalia’s dark eyes opened, and after shaking out her mane, she reminded him, Hands where I can see them, lizard.

Oh, how I missed you, Moonchaser.

You’ve been missed, too, Attalus.

Have I now…He lifted his head enough to peer down at his beautiful, serene mate. Her regal features were softened in sleep, making her appear far younger.

He didn’t remember much of what she did—most of it was waves of aching pain he never wished to experience again. She’d spoken to him, and he had the sense he’d agreed to something. Whatever it was, he was alive. The terms or price hardly mattered.

Time had been a slippery thing as he lay there, but he thought almost a fortnight had passed since she left. His decline had taken a few days, but once the venom settled into his tissues, there’d been nothing to do but lie there and suffer through. He’d gone days now without proper food or washing—and it showed.

Gathering his strength, Attalus sat up as gently as he could. Jostling Leita as little as possible, he lifted her out of his soiled nest, grimacing at the smells that wafted from it. And him. The scent of sickness turned his empty stomach.

There were thankfully a few unused blankets in the corner he hadn’t been able to reach himself, as well as Leita’s own blanket she always used. With these, he fashioned her a new nest, settling her down in the center. The sight had him crooning happily, and he couldn’t resist using a claw to push a lock of hair behind her pointed ear.

Slinky rubbed against his hand, as though to assure herself that he was alive. Or perhaps because he was giving Leita too much attention. Scratching her behind her little ears, Attalus whispered, “Thank you, my friend.” The marten squeaked and curled round his arm before climbing into the nest with Leita, as though to say she’d watch over her.

Next, Attalus took all the old bedding outside. He’d need to wash and air it thoroughly, but for now, just getting it out of the cave felt right. That done, he stripped from his sweat-soaked clothes, but upon standing, his head began to spin.

He was finally healing as dragons were supposed to—quickly. But it seemed his strength had a limit so soon after his ordeal.

To his surprise, Thalia was there to steady him.

Put your arm over my back. I’ll take you down to the stream.

Very magnanimous of you.

Trust me, getting you clean is a favor to us all.

Attalus did chuckle this time, leaning on the unicorn and letting her lead the way down to the nearby stream. He shuddered in the chilly snowmelt water as it gushed around his legs. Even so, he plopped down in the middle of the flowing water, scouring himself head to toe with soap, moss, and a bit of sand. It took time and effort to scrub away all the dry scabs and crusties, and Thalia had to remind him to take breaks.

I’ll be unhappy if I have to fish you out of that—don’t you dare splash me! The mare pranced away from the shore, horn bobbing threateningly when Attalus cupped his hand around the water, ready to indeed splash her. You’re feeling better, I see, she noted, eyes narrowed.