Chapter 12: The Mark of the Protector

Consciousness returned to Kael in a slow, painful tide. The first sensation was a deep, throbbing ache in his shoulder and a fiery, residual sting in his side. The second sensation was the soft, steady rhythm of an engine and the cool leather of car seats against his skin. The third, and most profound, was a presence. A warm, silver thread of energy, humming softly in his chest, where before there had only been the cold, painful pull of the bond. He opened his eyes. He was lying across the backseat...