Chapter Seventeen

Amatis first sat by her brother's bedside, but when that gave her little comfort, she laid down next to him. She'd been profoundly relieved, to see her brother return to his human body; to see his wound healed, that he was intact, but her hope was fading, after seeing him inert for so many hours. There wasn't anything obviously wrong with him, besides the fact that he was not regaining consciousness. Mangus tried reviving tonics and healing spells, but they hadn't done anything obvious. She struggled against the idea that they could possibly fail here, that Lucian would not wake.

Magnus had left her alone to her vigil, but he walked in now to check on them.

'He doesn't look well, Magnus. His breathing is shallow. He's gray and cold to the touch." said Amatis softly.

"We've done all we can. We'll keep him comfortable and see what happens. Is there anything I can get you, Amatis? Some food, a cup of tea?"

"Just some water. I can't eat now."

"Very well." said Magnus soothingly, going to fetch the water. When he returned, he said he would check in again soon, then left the area.

Amatis sat up in the bed and took a sip of water. She put the glass down, propped a pillow against the head of the bed, leaned back, and pulled Lucian over so that his head and shoulders were on her lap. She wanted to feel when he was taking breaths, to feel he wasn't totally cold.

She sat like that for a long time, sometimes singing, sometimes speaking. She sat until her legs went numb. She'd been putting off saying this next piece, but she decided to say it now.

"I won't let you go, darling. Forgive me if I am blinded, but I don't think it's your time. Though if it is, I held you when you were born, and I'll hold you now."

She went still after that, letting the silence fill the air, only to be rocked out of her reverie by a tired voice.

"It's good to hear you call me 'darling,' Ama." She jumped, but Lucian weighed her down. She quickly got with the program.

"'Ama?' You haven't called me that since you were little."

"This reminds me of when we were little." replied Lucian, still sounding drowsy.

"Welcome back, darling."

"Thanks."

"How do you feel?"

"Exhausted. I don't think I can stand"

"You don't have to."

Lucian went quiet. Amatis started running her fingers through his hair.

"Ama?" He sounded a bit more alert.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry about Stephen. I know how much you loved him."

"You know what? Screw Stephen Herondale. Who does that?" said Amatis passionately.

"Preach, sister." said Magnus heartily, walking into view. "I was coming in to check on you Amatis, but what a welcome surprise. How do you feel, Luke?"

"Pretty well, all things considered."

Magnus went to get him some water and food. Lucian drank some, but said he did not want to attempt to eat just yet. Amatis did not push him, she could feel what a struggle it was for him just to sit up. They were lightly conversing when Magnus spoke. "This may be premature, but it's been weighing on me, and I didn't have the nerve to ask you as a wolf. Are you angry I stopped you?"

Amatis tightened her hold around Lucian's shoulders, and she felt him sigh.

"At the time, I didn't want you to save me, but being here with my sister after all these years – this is a miracle. Thank you, Magnus. You've done so much for us."

"I am glad, but I am also returning the favor, for I too have had someone pull me from the edge."

"You're a kind soul, Magnus Bane." said Amatis sweetly.

"Stop, you're making me blush. Besides, now I can add 'bringing families together' to my long resume. But, all kidding aside, is there anything else I can get you?" asked Magnus.

"Another pillow. Ama's lap is kind of bony." said Luke, sounding drowsy again.

"Oh? I'm sorry these accommodations aren't up to your standards, you little brat." Amatis said mockingly, before messing up her little brother's hair.

"I'm trying to sleep here." he responded, before chuckling.