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The scream that ripped from Imogen before her limp body was tossed onto the broken ground drilled itself into Laudna’s head. Repeated, over and over again as her eyes fixated on her still form, blood caking the same lilac strands Laudna ran her fingers through just the night before. A cry fell from Laudna’s lips as branches tore through her and black bark enveloped her pale skin.
Instinct took over as she threw herself over Imogen’s limp form, the breaths she didn’t normally need to take coming in shallow and quick. Is this how she felt? Watching me die?
Laudna shook the thought away as her brows furrowed and her jaw set. She wouldn’t let this monster hurt the one she loved any more, not while she still breathed. Spells fell from her fingertips relentlessly, pouring everything she had into the massive winged creature.
And then, the most beautiful sound she’s ever heard.
Imogen took in a shuttered, gasping breath as her body jolted to consciousness. Relief overtook Laudna in the form of a sob, and she barely registered Imogen reaching out to cast invisibility on her. Imogen was out of sight, but she was okay, and Laudna couldn’t ask for more.
A red being talked to Fearne after they released the prisoners, but Laudna didn’t hear a word. All she could focus on was the rise and fall of Imogen’s chest, the warmth she emitted as she leaned heavily against Laudna. She breathed, deeply. Took in that familiar lavender scent, mixed with sweat and blood. Tugged Imogen even closer, the arm around her waist gripping sheer fabric so she wouldn’t slip away.
And when Imogen smiled at her, exhausted but relaxed, Laudna did too.