Jaina-Elessar: Thanks! Jaina is out of the woods; she's just exhausted because of the trip out :P And cliffhangers are one of the big perks of being an author. –g–
Epilogue:
Things were blurry in Jaina-world—foggy and painful—but she forced her eyes open anyway. She had to see—had to make sure.
Her eyes skittered for a moment before her conscious mind realized what her unconscious needed. For a moment, she didn't see him.
For a moment, she panicked. Was it a dream? Oh, please, don't let it be a dream—it couldn't be a dream…
And then he was there, walking slowly back into the room with a mug of caf. His black hair was loose and messy; she revelled in the change from its former, tightly precise style. His face was haggard, but it wasn't flinty or impassive, so she felt her heart rise. She hadn't failed—her mother had been wrong.
Zekk…her Zekk…was right before her, alive and in control.
She tried to whisper his name, but her throat was arid, and only a dry cough came out.
His head snapped up at the sound, and she had the feeling that he had done so many times—hoping he had heard proof of her life, but crashing down into reality when he didn't. When he saw her watching him, his eyes widened and ten years dropped off of his face. "You're awake," he whispered, as if expected her to cringe from the sound.
She rubbed her throat as her eyes watered. The thirst was getting worse. He picked it up. But, she thought, of course he did. Their bond was wide open, and even as weak as she was, she knew she would feel his every thought if she just reached out.
"Water—of course—sorry," he apologized. "Of course you'd be thirsty. Just a minute." He disappeared into what she assumed was a kitchenette, then came back with a large glass of water. She sat up (had it always taken so much energy to do that?) and accepted the glass with a "thanks", before downing the whole thing in a few, big gulps.
He took the glass back. "You're still tired, I suppose."
She couldn't deny it—someone could have been buried in the bags under her eyes. "Maybe a little."
He nodded and she wiggled down the bed, until she was once again on her back. Immediately, her eyes started to droop. He hesitated a moment, then kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning," he said—whispering again.
She smiled as the darkness overwhelmed her.
In the morning…
Checkmate, Onyx.
The next book, "Caught in the Rain," will be put up soon :) Until then, please R&R! Even you lurkers? Please…feedback makes my day. Thanks to everyone who's been reading/replying to this story!
-Tjz