Treasured

15)

June's P. O. V.

I heard a strange noise from the library, where Fletcher and I had been stealing some kisses. Fletcher was firm and gentle beneath me, offering his pale pink mouth with abandon. I stilled as a repeated thunk! thunk! thunk! came from the direction of the staircase.

Fletch gave me a startled look, and then we were both racing toward the stairs. I quickly went over a mental check list. Sal was in the kitchen, whipping up some hot chocolate for Eddie. Orion was out on a nature walk, Robin was working on a German translation, and Branson was busy with some chores upstairs. That left Cedar and Wren.

My blood ran cold at the thought. I didn't want to imagine anyone falling down the massive stairs, but the idea of frail, little Wren tumbling down was enough to make my face drain of color.

Fletcher was right behind me, so when I stopped in my tracks without warning, he ran straight into my back. My mouth ran dry, even as my brain spun into action.

Wren was sobbing, holding his jacket to the back of Cedar's head. Something had been wrapped around his arm as well, but it was already soaked through with blood. I stepped forward, vaguely documenting Fletcher's gasp from somewhere behind.

Sal stepped through the dining room doorway, horror reflecting in his docile blue eyes. I was already kneeling beside the boys, noticing for the first time how Wren was shaking and hurt as well. A deep cut in his scalp was staining his hair, and something was definitely wrong with his wrist.

"Fletch, the doctor!" I quickly ordered. "Sal, go get Eddie."

The boys ran to do my bidding without further thought, leaving me alone with the two wounded lads.

"Wren, Wren, let me help," I gently pried his shaking hands from Cedar's head.

Wide violet eyes turned to me, revealing terror and panic. His mouth moved silently, and I realized he was trying to talk. A sharp pang shot through my chest as I watched the poor boy try to voice his thoughts.

Cedar was pale, and I knew he was more seriously injured, but I couldn't in good conscience leave Wren alone.

A light rustling on the stairs distracted me for a brief moment, and I instantly narrowed my eyes as Trix calmly flounced down the stairs. A mocking smile graced her lips, making me want to skin her alive. The things she had said to Wren were despicable, and the way she ignored her own brother's pain was sickening.

"I knew my brother was lacking in some areas, but I never thought he would be so simple as to fail at something as easy as climbing the stairs!" Trix giggled.

I fixed her with my hardest expression, trying to seem serious and unperturbed at her manner. She liked getting reactions, so I was going to take that from her.

"I believe you were on your way out?" I replied calmly. "The door is that way."

Her smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Yes, I see it," Trix grinned. "Unlike you, I can think for myself."

She swept by, and rather than defend myself, I simply let her go. I would rather have her leave, than to bandy about in useless chatter when her brother was bleeding out in my arms.

"What happened?" Eddie demanded, eyes flashing at the sight before him.

"I'm not sure, but I'd bet my life Trix had something to do with it," I sighed. "Fletch has gone for the doctor."

"Sal told me. Let's make them more comfortable upstairs," Eddie answered. "Sal, can you get us some linens to use for bandages?"

Eddie scooped Cedar up into his arms, easily taking his weight and carefully carrying him to the second floor. Cedar's arm dangled limply, and a strange lump began to form in my throat.