Chapter 90: Connection

The command had failed to work. Perhaps it was the result of his blood loss, Zendaderi thought as he gazed down at the petite redhead resting beside him. He decided to close his eyes, humming a slow, soothing melody, hoping it would ease her into sleep and alleviate the pain that seemed to be fading from her body. The cabin was silent except for the gentle serenade of the evening creatures. The sun was setting, reclaiming the land. How long had he maintained this vigil? He could not tell. He lay still, his chest rising and falling with each breath, his heart slowly resuming its steady rhythm. Agony surged through him, an overwhelming force that stole his breath and clouded his mind. He waited for his thoughts to process the violence inflicted upon him. Hunger gnawed at him, an insatiable void that no amount of sustenance could fill. Rage simmered within him, a burning need to destroy, to quench the emptiness. Amidst the maelstrom of intense and violent emotions, something soft and gen