Autumn Moon by Jan DeLima

week, if not longer. It was his energy that summoned Elen’s spirit, and he will suffer three times more for its use.” More than one satisfied smirk followed that comment. “I believe there’s some apple crisp left. Sophie can make us tea”—she paused to hover in front of Dylan’s face—“while you listen to my rules, even though I suspect your mate already broke them, and you knew about me before today.”
    â€œIf I’m not mistaken,” Dylan countered with respectful authority, “as the protector of this land, you should have introduced yourself once stone was cast for a permanent dwelling. I’ve seen the miniature castle in my sister’s garden. If it has a name, you are required to tell me. Does it have a name?”
    A scattering of tweets followed, and they sounded suspiciously like a laugh. “Well, I will admit that you are the first to trump me with my own customs. But it is refreshing to know that at least one of you remembers the old ways. My dwelling is a cottage, not a castle, and it is named Brynmor.”
    â€œIf I forgive your infraction,” Dylan offered, “can you forgive my mate’s? Sophie is new to our ways and only told me out of concern. We will protect your existence from all.”
    â€œIt is a fair resolution,” Ms. Hafwen said with an airborne sway that mimicked a gesture of harmony. “And I accept.”
    Too exhausted to argue on Sophie’s behalf, Elen could only watch the scene unfold. But she made a mental note to speak to her brother about some of those customs, because she suspected Ms. Hafwen may have taken advantage of her lack of knowledge of the old ways.
    When Cormack began to lay her back against the pillows, Elen stilled him by tightening her hold, not caring if he thought her too clingy. She needed him. “I would like you to stay.”
    â€œAre you sure?” But he was already positioning himself to sit next to her.
    She managed a weak smile. “I’m sure.”
    â€œI’ll feel better if one of us stays in the room to watch over her.” Sophie leaned over and gently squeezed Elen’s hand. “We’ll be downstairs if you need us.”
    Not even the pixie argued.
    Snuggling into Cormack’s warmth, Elen’s eyes closed oftheir own volition, too heavy to keep open now that she felt safe. She’d rest while the room cleared, but only for a moment. Once they were alone, she had some things she wanted to ask him about those few minutes before Pendaran’s arrival.
    *   *   *
    He must have pissed off the Gods somehow, Cormack decided, to be cursed for centuries, and now that he was free to pursue his love, evil wanted her too. Holding a glass of water to Elen’s mouth, he managed to coax a few swallows before she drifted off to sleep once again.
    Sophie observed them from a winged-back chair that he’d brought in from the guest room and placed at the foot of the bed. “Ms. Hafwen says this is normal.” Her tone was hushed and heavy with concern. “But she’s been like this for almost two days.”
    â€œShould we wake her again?” To ease his own anxiety, he watched Elen’s chest rise and fall with even breaths. Holding her lifeless body in his arms was a horror he would never forget.
    â€œIf she needs to rest, then we should let her rest. But she should also eat.” Sophie stood as if wanting to leave but hesitant with indecision. “I called Rhuddin Hall earlier and had our cook prepare some meals. My son has pretty much cleaned out Elen’s fridge. Will you be okay watching her alone for a while? We could use showers and a change of clothes. I want to check in with Dylan and hear the reports from the guards. If you’re not up for it, I can send Joshua—”
    â€œGo be with your mate,” Cormack said before she finished. Sarah had stopped by to give them updates. So far, their