Chapter 169 Chapter 169

Chapter 169 Chapter 169
ASHER’S POV
The walk back to the library felt like it took every scrap of strength I possessed. Aquila half-carried me, my arm slung heavy over his shoulders, while his grip held firmly beneath my weight. However, every step sent a fresh wave of ache through me. My bones still felt bruised to the marrow, muscles trembled and threatened to give out, and beneath it all, my dragon was still restless and furious, but for a much different reason.

Where was Crystal?
I felt it too, the gnawing fear that ate at my chest with every heartbeat, because she was still out there with those damn hunters. I shouldn't have run out on her like that. But I didn't have a choice.
I stumbled as we reached the library steps, and Aquila tightened his grip, steadying me without slowing. “Almost there. Hold on.”
The doors opened before we even reached them, and standing at the threshold was Nayara, a lamp held high above her head, her crimson eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of me—pale, sweating, barely able to stand. She stepped forward instantly, moving with that same effortless grace that never seemed to leave her, and helped Aquila guide me inside.
“Get him to the back room.” Her voice was sharp and urgent. “Then lay him down near the hearth.”
Between the two of them they got me there, easing me onto a narrow cot beside a low, crackling fire. The warmth seeped into my skin, but it did nothing to touch the cold that had settled deep in my bones. Nayara knelt beside me, her hands hovering over my chest, her expression grave as she felt the heat radiating from beneath my skin.
“That was a close call.” She frowned, pressing her palm flat to my sternum. Magic hummed, and she pushed it into me, steadying the fraying edges of Aquila's spell. “I'm sorry, if I knew this would happen I wouldn't have--” I placed a hand over hers, and she looked me in the eye, her gaze piercing but full of apology.

“It's not your fault. I should have had more self-control.” I said, but she shook her head.

"It's no one's fault."
“Still, I need to go back out there.” I tried to push myself up, but her hand on my chest kept me down. “Crystal is still out there.”
“And you will do her no good if you collapse halfway there.” Nayara’s tone left no room for argument. She pulled a wool blanket up over me, tucking it tight against the chill. “Stay here. I'll keep an eye on you while Aquila goes back out.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but she stood and turned away, already moving toward the door. “Aquila!”
He appeared in the doorway, breathless, cloak thrown over one arm. “I'm here.”
“Take Seth with you.” Nayara nodded toward the corridor. “He’s awake now.”
Aquila frowned. "I thought you said it would be a while before he woke up?"

"I also said he was adapting at a rapid rate." She eyed Aquila and her own frown deepened. "Besides, if there really are hunters out there, I'd feel more comfortable knowing you at least have backup." Her voice softened as she placed a gentle palm flat against his cheek.

"Aw, you look terrible."

Aquila chuckled, grabbing her wrist as he planted a kiss on the inside of her palm. "I love you too."
Aquila released her hand, and before she could speak again, he was gone.
I lay back against the thin mattress, hating how useless I was right now; every second felt like a moment wasted of me being out there.

The fire crackled softly beside me, and Nayara moved about the room. But I barely noticed her.

"I should be out there, Nayara. This isn't necessary."
“Oh? Isn't it?” Nayara’s voice cut through as she sat on the edge of the cot, watching me with eyes that seemed to see everything. “Do you remember how we met, Asher?"

I eyed her warily, wondering where she was going with this. I nodded either way.

"I remember."

A knowing smile tugged at the corner of Nayara's lips.

"You were a brat."

"I was trying to survive."

"You were trying to steal from my garden."

"Borrowing." I corrected.

She let out an amused scoff.

"You uprooted half my feverfew."

A quiet laugh escaped her before she shook her head.

The room settled into a comfortable silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire.

"Back then, you were all elbows and attitude," Nayara continued. "Scowling at the world."

Her smile faded into something quieter.

"I remember..."