Mat couldn't take his eyes away from the bed Spring was lying in, Eritandellion towering over her. After a while, Mat was unsure how long, Eritandellion backed away from Spring’s body, a tired look in his eyes.

  “Good thing you arrived when you did. She’ll live. Her arm will heal when she Advances next.” He said. “Now you must excuse me. I need my rest.”

  Sam stood next to Mat, for once not holding a book or pen.

  “She’ll be okay.” He said. “Eritandellion is very skilled. Spring will be right as rain in a few days.”

  Mat gave the boy a tight smile, patting him on the shoulder as he walked to the bed. They were in Eritandellion’s great tower, the room a huge, spherical flex of Eritandellion’s power.

  The walls were lined with trophies and ancient artifacts which even Mat, with his low Rank, could feel. There were letters and documents hung up like prized paintings. Toh was heavy in the room, making any who entered question just how strong Eritandellion really was. Mat paid it no mind.

  He went straight to Spring’s side, sitting on the edge of the bed, her hand clutched within his own.

  No matter what Eritandellion said, he wouldn’t feel confident until she awoke and confirmed she was okay personally. Mat was determined to Advance her as soon as possible. The thought of her being in pain with her arm, or even discomfort, hurt him deeply.

  “Please be okay.” He whispered.

  ***

  Sam watched the pair of them sadly. Spring was still unconscious hours later, and Mat had barely moved a muscle. The only times he moved was when Sam offered him food or drinks. Robotically taking them, Mat ate or drunk, put the plate down, which Sam quickly took, and then clutched her hand again. Sam wanted to do something, say something to help, but he couldn’t think of anything. He had never been good with people. Still, he wanted to comfort his friend. Talking about his Time Bloodline wouldn’t do any good; it would only anger Mat.

  In the end, he concluded with something simple.

  “I’m sorry.”

  That was all he said. Mat’s head lifted marginally, but not much. Sam did hear a distinct “thanks” though.

  A few hours later, neither of them speaking, a knock came from the door. Sam found that strange; this room was a long way up, and most people didn’t get access to this room. The only reason Sam and Mat were allowed here was due to Spring. Eritandellion wouldn’t knock on his own door though.

  Even Mat looked up, a faint frown on his face as he stared at the door. Sam stood up and made his way nervously to it. His wand was in his belt; he made sure of that. Turning back to Mat, he saw that he was clutching his dagger with one hand, Spring’s hand with the other.

  They shared a look as Sam opened the door.

  He was met by a man with broad shoulders and a dark-skinned face. It wasn’t Humphrey though. Having done his research, Sam assumed this to be Humphrey’s brother George.

  “I heard what happened earlier and just wanted to -”

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  A slap cut off his words. Mat was beside Sam now, his hand red from hitting so hard.

  “You can tell your family that they’re no longer welcome here. And you can tell Humphrey to stay away from Spring if he wants to keep his life.”

  A dangerous anger radiated from him. George didn’t strike back.

  “I’m sorry for what he did to Spring.” He said solemnly. “If it’s any consolation, Spring did a lot of damage to him. The family got him help of course. They said they were going to get Spring for what she did to him. I told them it was Humphrey’s own fault, and that they shouldn’t take their anger out on an innocent young girl, but none of them respect me. I thought you deserved the warning.” He gave them a small nod. Sam and Mat shared a glance.

  “Are you being serious?” Mat asked.

  “I am.” George said apologetically. “If I hear anything further, I’ll inform one of you.”

  “Why would you do this for us?” Sam asked.

  “My brother – and the rest of my family – are doing something bad. It wouldn’t be right to support it.”

  “You don’t have to help us to not support them.” Sam argued. “Not that we don’t appreciate it of course.” He added quickly. His curiosity had almost just argued they shouldn’t be helped.

  “Keeping quiet would be as bad as supporting them. If something is wrong and I can do something to help, then why wouldn’t I do that?” He asked, genuinely confused. “It’s the only honourable thing to do.”

  Mat's stance straightened a little, and his eyes now had respect rather than rage in them.

  “Thanks.” He said. “I’m sorry for slapping you.”

  “Don’t be.” George said. “You didn’t know. I can’t blame a man for being protective of his injured girlfriend.” He hesitated for a moment. “She’s a very lucky girl. I’m glad she chose you over my brother.”

  Mat gave him a small smile.

  “I hope she agrees.”

  “She does.” George said confidently. “Trust me.”

  There was an awkward silence between them for a moment.

  “Well, I should go.” George said.

  “Wait!” Mat called as George walked away. Confused, George turned to look at them again. “Thank you.”

  George nodded and walked out of sight.

  Sam glanced at Mat.

  “How did he get up here?” Sam asked.

  ***

  Eritandellion was glad his suspicions about George had been correct. Allowing him to get up without being stopped had paid off.

  The Clarentsi would have to be dealt with soon, but not now. Eritandellion had a feeling something big was on the horizon, and he wanted some powerful people around.

  ***

  Mat still sat, holding Spring’s hand hours later. It was getting late, Sam snoring quietly in a seat nearby. Mat was glad he hadn’t just left. He was beginning to tire, but he wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing Spring might die.

  “God Mat, you’re such an idiot.” He mumbled to himself. A squeeze of his hand hit like a rock.

  “Maybe you are.” Spring joked. “But you’re my idiot.”

  Mat’s eyes widened, and he caressed her cheek to make sure she was real.

  “You’re okay!” Mat laughed out of relief.

  “I’ve been better.” Spring said lightly. “My arm feels like it might fall off.” She said it humorously.

  Mat wondered how to tell her about her injury without worrying her, but she gave his hand a soft squeeze.

  “It’s a joke Mat. I’m fully aware of my injury.”

  “I should have been there.” Mat said. “I should have helped you.”

  “You couldn’t have made it back in time.”

  “Why did I let myself get hit by that attack? If I had dodged it, you might be okay.”

  “Or you might be dead.”

  Mat didn’t know how to respond to that.

  “Besides, I’m close to Emerald Rank anyway. Within a few days, I’ll be as good as new. Better even.”

  Mat looked down at her remorsefully.

  “It was my fault.” He said with certainty. “I won’t blame you for leaving me.” He closed his eyes, waiting for the breakup. It never came.

  “I don’t blame you. Again, I’ll be fine in a few days. You need to stop being so hard on yourself.”

  Mat didn’t say anything.

  “This bed feels very lonely.” Spring commented, startling Mat. “If only there was somebody to keep me company and warm me up.” She looked at Mat lovingly – he was sure, yet how could it be?

  “I – you – can I -”

  “Get in.” Spring said.

  Nervously, Mat slipped in next to her, gently putting his arm around her. She gave him a peck on the cheek, resting her nose on his. She closed her eyes.

  “Good night my sweet boy.” She said.

  “Good night, Spring. I – I love you.”

  Closing his eyes, he waited for the rejection that was always bound to happen. Instead, Spring wrapped her good arm around Mat, kissing his nose.

  “Not more than I love you.” She murmured, a small smile on her face.