Lydia nodded and rested her head on Heddy’s knee. She couldn’t hold herself upright. Clutching Jade’s heart piece close to her own, she cried her gratitude into the wisewoman’s leg.
“She gave it to me as payment,” Heddy recalled, stroking Lydia’s hair. She’d known the girl long enough to care about her as a grandchild, though that had never been the relationship either she or the previous Dragon matron had sought to foster. Still, Heddy couldn’t help her feelings for the Dragon girls, and she soothed Lydia as though the girl were one of her own.
“She told me it would heal my hurts and sickness as long as my body held out. I didn’t want to take it, but she insisted. Can’t tell you how glad I am now that she did.”
Lydia laughed, and the sound was choked by her happy tears. Concern broke through her joy, and she backed away, giving Heddy a look of concern. “But you need this, then,” she said. Her voice sounded hoarse. “You need it to stay alive, don’t you?”
Heddy smiled. “What is one old woman’s comfort compared to the life of a Dragon? I’ve lived my life, Lydia. This journey is done for me. Jade can come back now, and I can stay as long as I’m allowed, and then move on. Another three months or three years or three decades for me is not worth more than you having your sister back.”
Bringing Lydia up and closer to her, Heddy wrapped the flame-haired woman in a warm, tight hug. “Plus,” she added, “you have the perfect place to put that heart piece.” She placed a tender hand on Lydia’s flat stomach, knowing how it would grow in the months to come.
Lydia’s golden eyes widened in shock. “But,” she sputtered, “but Fallen turn their human bodies sterile! Dan couldn’t make children.”
Heddy laughed. She closed her jewelry box and set it aside before turning back to Lydia and patting her cheek. “He’s not been a Fallen for a while now, has he, love? First, he was gifted a true human life. Then, you made him a Dragon. Both are quite capable of making babies. Congratulations, dear.”
Lydia sat back on the couch, head spinning. She was going to be a mother. The thought felt foreign in her mind, but it quickly rooted itself with excitement. She was going to be a mother! And Jade, they could have her back!
Lydia smiled the first real smile she’d felt in months. She stood when Heddy did and embraced her tightly, being careful with the old woman’s frail frame.
“No one alive has more of my gratitude than you,” she whispered into Heddy’s hair. “You gave me my family back. Thank you.”
“Take care of them,” Heddy said as they parted. “And we’ll call it even.”
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Ashlei Hawley and I love everything about being a writer. I write in my sleep and chase plots through my dreams. Not a day goes by where I find myself with peace and quiet in my mind. Characters are always talking, and I wouldn't trade their voices or stories for a less stressful mental environment. I have a young son, named for my favorite character in my most cherished book series. I believe it's only right I combined the two loves of my life by choosing a name for my child from the world of writing. I love my readers like family and dearly hope I can cultivate an inspiring and lasting relationship with everyone who enjoys my work.
For all titles by Ashlei D. Hawley, please visit
www.bookstrand.com/ashlei-d-hawley
www.BookStrand.com
Scorched [Pain & Love 3] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 16
