𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄// 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐔

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟖// 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰

Perseus was the first to move, lunging forward and tearing off his cloak to cover the prince's wound. "We have to get him to Healer's Tower--"

"I'll take him." Nico scooped Will up. Solace's head pressed against his chest, blood leaking from his mouth, his breath rattling. Nico clenched his teeth at the sound. "Get the sorcerers and bring them to the Tower. We'll need them. Go!"

Perseus turned to rush away, and Nico faded into the shadows.

☀️☀️☀️

Nico had only shadow-traveled several times in his life; it was difficult and draining. But he didn't see any other way.

His feet hit solid ground, and he stumbled, nearly hitting the wall before gaining his balance. He was standing in the waiting room of Healer's Tower. He barged through the door, his boots nearly slipping on the tile, and began to run toward the emergency wing.

He stumbled into the hall, staggering under the prince's weight. Nico shouted for help, and the healers appeared, their eyes widening with horror upon taking in the bleeding prince and his bodyguard.

"Help!" he screamed, tears streaming down his face. "Help! The prince is injured!"

A young man snatched the prince from his arms and rushing him into a nearby room, shouting for assistance. Other white-clothed healers appeared, gathering around the prince as he was laid on the bed, hands hovering over him as his injuries were assessed.

Fletcher at last materialized in the hallway, shoving Nico out of the way to get in the room. He placed a hand on Will's forehead and shouted,  "There's too much damage. We'll have to join powers."

A gust of cold wind through the halls, and several people in black robes materialized from the shadows-- Blackstone and other sorcerers. All she needed to say was, "We came to help," and that was enough to get them in the room. Between four healers and five sorcerers and Nico, the room became  crowded fast. One of the healers tried to persuade Nico into leaving, but one look from him and the healer went silent.

The healers and sorcerers conversed in clipped tones. Nico could only catch phrases like "it'll be dangerous" and "we have no choice." He could barely comprehend his surroundings, anyway; he was shaking violently from adrenaline, barely able to stay on his feet.

He watched in fascination as the nine people joined hands in a circle around the prince. They began to chant and sway, light and shadow gathering around them, stronger with each verse as they invoked gods of healing and magic.

The stronger the sunlight and darkness grew, the faster the chanting and swaying, until it was nearly frenzied and the light became painfully bright. Nico resisted the urge to shield his eyes. A strong cold wind blew from the magic, tousling his hair.

He took a step forward, mouth parting upon what he saw. Will was levitating off the bed, wind dancing through his hair. His eyes were closed, his expression nearly peaceful. As Nico watched, the wound in his chest began to glow, light and shadows spinning along his frame. The chanting became faster, the nine desperately swaying, despite the fatigue that was surely starting to take hold.

At last, there was a blinding flash of light, then a bang. The nine were thrown backwards, slamming into the walls. Will fell back onto the bed with a crash. Shouts flew through the air.

Nico rushed forward and assessed Will. All that was left of the wound was a scar on his chest. He sobbed with relief, nearly falling to his knees.

Will was okay. He would be okay.

Austin stumbled to his feet, brown eyes taking the prince in. A hysterical laugh rasped out of him. "Gods above, it actually worked." He teetered on his feet, and Nico had to catch him before he hit the floor.