Page 21 of Night Marchers

CHAPTER 20 (PAIN)

  “Emma, Emma!” I’m being carried. My hurt arm is aching and stings horribly.

  “Kai?” I open my eyes. It’s not Kai... It’s Tristan! His eyes are filled with intense worry and he’s carrying me. He stops when he sees that I’m awake. My head is spinning so much I try to will it to stop so I can think.

  “Emma, oh my gosh are you okay?” He falls to his knees all the while still holding me. He settles me across his lap and uses one of his arms to push the hair from my face.

  His hand comes away and I can see blood on it. I’m pretty sure it’s my blood.

  “No.” I barely manage to say. My throat is so hoarse and cracked from screaming.

  “I’m so sorry Emma. What happened?” He looks at me and then an apologetic expression fills his face once he can see that I’m obviously having trouble talking and I’m in too much pain to be pushed for an explanation.

  “I will get you home. Emma, don’t worry, you are safe now. I’ve got you.” Tristan says determinedly. He manages to get back to his feet while still holding me in his arms. It’s been so long since I saw him that I forgot how strong he is. Looking at him I wonder why he doesn’t have a shirt on. I look down at my injured arm and see that he’s used his shirt for a makeshift sling to cradle my arm.

  My head is pounding so hard and my arm is screaming at me. I feel the blackness trying to overtake me again and the last thing I see before I pass out in Tristan’s arms is our waterfall.