Chapter 34: Loss
Author Notes: Can I just say that I hate myself for this chapter? Seriously, it sucks. And I wanted to kill off Zera instead of Kida, but my sister wouldn't let me. Bah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inheritance series. Just the charries that come from my mind.
It was late in the afternoon when her change in breathing woke him from the trance of sleep. Her breathe came in short, harsh gasps and she was clutching her chest. Kedrey was screaming his indignance over being awakened from his sleep. Eldrey gathered his son in his arms and dashed out, looking for a healer. The first he found was startled when the commander of the rebels rushed up to her, looking decidedly frazzled, shoved his newborn son in her arms and dragged her companion back to the room when Kida struggled to breathe. The healer took one look at the gasping woman and sprang into action, calling for help as she rushed to Kida's side.
When a group of healers hurried in, Eldrey was pushed out. He waited in a state of high agitation as the healers worked to save his lover. Before long, however, the first woman appeared at the door and beckoned to him.
"Commander, there is nothing we can do. She is fading fast. There is nothing we can do."
Eldrey felt a bitter chill creeping around his heart. He had hoped and prayed that Kida had been wrong, that her pregnancy had confused her visions, but he was wrong, she was dying. Hurrying past the healer, he dropped to his knees next to the bed. He grasped her hand, unable to speak because his throat was so tight. She smiled at him, her brilliant silver-blue eyes dull.
"Eldrey," she whispered, her breathe harsh and shallow. "Don't blame our son," she implored. "I saw this future long before he was born. Promise me you won't."
He struggled to speak, her words tugging at his heart.
"I…I swear it."
"Say it in the Ancient Language."
He grit his teeth and did as she asked.
"Thank you," she whispered. "I love you, Eldrey Mor'anr Calebsson."
"I love you too, Kida," he said softly. "Please, don't leave me!" She smiled sadly and closed her eyes. He watched, helpless, as she struggled to take a few more breathes before her hand went limp and her head lolled to one side.
Trembling uncontrollably, Eldrey reached out with his mind and reached for the space her mind had once occupied. There was nothing there. She was gone. Rearing back, he threw his head back and let out a long, heartbroken keen.
The healers rushed in, flocking around the bed, trying to block his view of Kida's lifeless body. With an inhumane snarl, he threw himself forward, landing on the bed. After a few minutes of fruitless coaxing, the head healer herded the others out of the room, leaving him to grieve. He closed his eyes and pictured Kida as he had first seen her, outspoken, spunky and beautiful, prophesying the path his life would take. What had she done to deserve this death? He lowered his head and wept.