Four Elements Book 3 - Sacrifice

Part 52

In retrospect, Andie wasn't sure how she and the others got through the portal or how they avoided being swarmed over by Umbras, but she was glad they had. Adena had suggested it was because there were no more Umbras. Zorak created them. With him now gone, they vanished too. As for whether it was permanent, they couldn't be certain, but hopefully, as Jessica said, if he did return, it wouldn't be "for centuries after we're gray and lost our teeth".

In any event, Andie told herself as she watched over a resting Isabelle in Bane's living room, they were free for now. Andie wrapped the blanket Robert had given her more tightly around her, suppressing a shudder. She was oddly cold, despite the fire crackling peacefully in the chimney. She looked up as Bane came towards her, two steaming cups of cocoa in hand.

"Here, thought you could use a pick me up," he said, handing it to her.

Andie smiled and took it. And almost burned her hands. She hurriedly set the mug down and blew on her fingers.

"What's wrong?" Bane asked anxiously.

Andie stared in confusion at her cup, then up at him.

"It's hot... like... too hot for me."

Bane's eyes widened.

"You never feel heat!"

"I know... I guess after using all that power, we need a little time to recover."

"Yeah... now that I think about it, I have been more sensitive to bright lights..." Bane mused. "You don't think our powers are gone for good, do you?"

"No, I don't think so. It would have really burned me if mine had, but it was just a lot hotter than normal. I'm pretty sure things will be back to normal soon."

Bane sighed with relief as he slid in the space beside her on the couch.

"How you feeling?" he asked.

"... A little strange..." Andie admitted slowly. "I mean, what we did back there was... nothing like I was expecting..."

"I know, I didn't see it coming either, but it was like I just...knew."

"Just knew," Andie completed with him. "Yeah."

Isabelle stirred, making Andie and Bane look at her anxiously. But she was only turning slightly in her sleep.

"How's she doing?" Bane asked Andie.

"... Her breathing's steady... she should be all right," Andie said. "How about Zarias?"

"He's sleeping in his room, or should I say snoring."

Andie pressed her hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter. Bane smiled at her.

"In fact," he added, getting up, "I think I'll go to bed too. I'm exhausted. You coming?"

"I couldn't sleep without being sure she's okay. I think I'll stay here until she wakes up."

A knowing smile tugged at Bane's lips.

"All right, then."

He reached down and kissed her softly, then moved towards the hall leading to his room. As he did, however, Andie called him again:

"Bane?"

He paused and turned around. "Yes?"

Andie hesitated, her throat tightening slightly.

"I love you, but... don't ever do that again."

He didn't need long to know what she was talking about. He scratched the back of his neck.