The Lost Years (The Guardians Book 4) by Wendy Owens

bandages. He was a little surprised by the lack of pain. Though he knew the capabilities of the healers, it never ceased to amaze him just how skilled they were.
    “Hey, sleeping beauty,” he heard Seraphine’s voice call out just over his shoulder.
    Spinning around and sitting upright on his cot, Uri couldn’t help but smile as she approached. Her long, raven black hair was twisted and pulled over her shoulder, cascading down her chest and bring his focus to her perky bosom.
    “Ahem,” the girl cleared her throat in an effort to bring the young man’s attention back to her face. His eyes quickly shifted, focusing on her full lips. He wondered what it would be like to kiss them. He watched her lick them self-consciously; obviously she could feel his stare. Uri’s gaze trailed up to her dark and captivating eyes. She didn’t look away from him, the way he didn’t hide what he was thinking thrilled her in a way.
    “I’m so glad you’re still here, Seraphine,” Uri said. The intense feelings he was having towards her were unlike anything he had ever experienced.
    “I told you, call me Sera.”
    “Right, Sera. What are you still doing here, Sera? I mean, I know I have a very charming personality and we’ve spent some time together recently, but to see you’re still here, I must admit, I’m a little surprised,” Uri didn’t hide his flirtation.
    “You wish. I’m still here for Raimie.”
    Her answer surprised him, “What? You don’t know him, do you? Why on earth would you still be here because of him?”
    “I don’t know,” she hesitated for a moment. “Maybe I’m the type of girl that when I rescue someone, I want to make sure they’re all right.”
    “Oh yeah?” Uri pushed. “So, Raimie’s the only reason you’re still here then?”
    “Well, I guess not the only reason,” she smiled coyly.
    At the mention of his name, Uri couldn’t stop his thoughts from shifting back to his friend that was lying motionless in the nearby room. “He’s going to be fine, you know.” His words were said more to convince himself than anyone else.
    “I hope so.”
    “He will be. He’s been through worse than this.”
    “Well, it does appear that he’s being well taken care of,” Sera looked at Uri, his concern weighing on his face. His small stubble had grown into a full but short beard during his recovery. Though he looked a bit disheveled, he was undeniably handsome. “Do you want to get out of here?”
    “Yes, please,” Uri hopped to his feet without hesitation.
    “I mean— are you feeling up to it?”
    “Are you kidding me? I just want to be any place but here,” Uri confirmed.
    “Great, then follow me,” Sera said, reaching out a hand. Uri was surprised at first, but then happy to grab hold, comforted by the warmth and tenderness of her touch. She led him out of the congested room, weaving around the endless rows of cots. They didn’t speak while passing hundreds of people milling about, consumed by the importance of their own immediate surroundings.
    The world was a different place now. Before, Uri had been someone people stood and took notice of. He was the commanding hand of Michael, the one trusted to carry out the important missions that needed doing. None of it seemed to matter now. All that mattered was tending to the injured and the hundreds of refugees, there were no heroes in times this full of desperation. He didn’t mind though, as his friend was dying nearby, the last thing he felt like was a hero.
    Sera continued walking outside. Uri never let go of her, feeling the softness of her palm with his fingertips. They walked until they reached the woods at the edge of the grounds; the memory of the oracle and the hunt for a cure to Sophie’s curse came back to him. He stopped, finding it quite unsettling. His tight grip pulled Sera backwards as he halted, causing her to stumble.
    “Is something wrong?” she asked, regaining her footing and pulling her hand free.
    “Let’s