Demon and the Mage (Jeongcheol)

Jeonghan

My eyelids felt like they were weighed down with lead. It took several attempts, but I finally forced them open. The white ceiling didn't give me any clues as to my location, but judging by the softness underneath me, I was lying on a bed.

What had happened? One moment I'd been running down the stairs, desperate to put as much space between me and the arsehole demon who'd rejected me...and the next, I was waking up in a bed.

I tried to move, but pain zipped up my arm, stilling me. I lifted my head to see the limb resting on several pillows. It was laying at a funny angle, making alarm bells ring. I'd broken limbs many times, but they'd always healed within seconds. I could feel my power working to knit the bones back together, but why had it taken so long? And what on earth had happened to knock me unconscious? That had literally never happened before.

"Oh good, you're awake."

The chipper voice nearly startled me out of my skin. My head swivelled around to see Joshua perched on the bed beside me. He was so short his legs didn't touch the ground. Given his compact size, some people probably thought he wasn't as dangerous as his brothers.

I wasn't that stupid.

"What happened?" I winced as I croaked the words. My throat was sore like I'd been screaming.

Joshua yawned, stretching his arms high above his head. "You took a tumble down some stairs. When we arrived, you were barely awake, and your arm was broken."

I stared at him flatly. "That's impossible. A fall down the stairs wouldn't have knocked me out. I'm just as powerful as you guys."

Joshua flashed his teeth. "Keep telling yourself that, hun. But you're right, that wouldn't do it. It's only a theory, but we think the ghasts were draining your powers along with Blaise's."

Goosebumps raised on my skin. "Is that even possible?"

Joshua's thoughtful gaze dipped to my arm, which was nearly healed. "It must be. It's the only explanation for why your powers didn't immediately kick in. If I had to guess, the bond between you flared while you were on the stairs and the pain made you fall."

I sat up, ignoring my screaming muscles. Joshua jumped to his feet, his hands held out in alarm. "What are you doing?"

I glared at him. "I'm going to Blaise. He needs me."

Joshua's lips twitched. "Oh yeah, and how exactly are you going to get across the water with no boats running?"

"I'll find a way," I vowed, stumbling to my feet. The whole room tilted as my limbs protested the movement.

"Sure you will," Joshua quipped. "It's not like you're so weak I could knock you down with one finger." He leaned up and poked my shoulder. I gritted my teeth as the small movement sent me sprawling back onto the bed. Joshua's grin was massive. "Oh, look at that, I can."

"You're an arsehole," I wheezed from between gritted teeth.

"Born and certified," he replied with another enigmatic grin. "Fortunately, my mate loves my dramatics."

Mate.

"Where's Seungcheol?"

"Where'd you think?" Joshua said, perching back on the other bed and elegantly crossing one leg over the other. "Him and the others are off saving the day."

"They're rescuing Blaise?" Fear shot through me. "But he was supposed to take me. We had a deal."

Joshua rolled his eyes. "Did you? I suggest you run over those terms once again."

I racked my brain for the exact wording before palming my face with a groan. "Fucking demons and their loopholes."

"Mmm, yes. That's generally the response." Joshua said sagely. "I wouldn't worry though. The fact you're awake and healing suggests they're already on their way back with Blaise."