It’s simple: just breathe through my lungs

Yori knew that he was supposed to use the full extent of his gifts only rarely and only under the direst of circumstances. Rune knew that he was well aware of that fact. However, he had to agree that their circumstances had, indeed been dire.

As soon as the wolves had been chased off, Rune whirled to face his mate. “Yori,” he said. Then, he cried out as he watched Yori crumple to the ground.

Galen beat Rune to his side, but only by seconds. They turned him over together. Yori’s face was ashen and his lips were faintly blue. “He’s not breathing,” Galen rasped.

Rune nodded and tipped Yori’s chin back. He inhaled deeply and pressed his lips to Yori’s own, then, he slowly breathed into his mate. His chest expanded nicely. That was good to see. “Come on,” Rune said, as he inhaled.

He gave Yori several more breaths of air. Then Yori’s body seemed to spasm. As Rune sat back, Yori began coughing and gasping. “That’s it,” Rune said, rubbing his back gently. “Take nice deep breaths, Bellissima. You’ll be fine now.”

Galen sighed in relief. “That was… that was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” he said. He looked up at Rune. “Have you had to do that before?”

“Just once,” Rune admitted. He sighed and shook his head. “Sometimes… Yori just needs to borrow a set of lungs that work better than his own.”

the door out of the fairy-tale stands wide open

“So,” Yori said, smiling at Galen and the other captains. “Thank you for having us and – and you are welcome to come and visit us any time.”

“Thank you,” Galen said, bowing slightly.

Rune smiled at the portal opened. “That’s our ride,” he said. He sighed softly and took Yori by the hand. “Let’s get going, before the big bad wolves come back.”

“Gladly,” Yori murmured. A moment later, they were through the portal and on their way home.

an angel in distress

After several minutes, Xander returned and bowed politely. “Please, come with me,” he said. He turned away and started down a corridor. Yori and Rune exchanged a look and then trailed along behind him.

As they entered, they saw a boy that appeared to be nearly the same age. White wings spread from the center of his back. One was flapping wildly, while he held the other at an odd angle. He was making pained noises.

A woman stood close at hand. She seemed to be trying to get closer to him, but was not able to do so. His flapping was threatening to do her an injury.

Yori frowned and stepped forward. “Wing cramp?” he said, his voice soft.

“Y-yes,” he said, squeezing his eyes closed. “It just…” he trailed off with a moan.

Nodding, Yori said, “Stop flapping and stretch them, then fold them slowly.” He watched for a moment, while the boy did as he’d said. Then, he smiled. “Is that better? Try stretching and folding it a few times – very slowly.”

After a moment, the boy sighed in relief and tucked his wings out of sight. “Thanks,” he said, smiling. “I’m Galen, Captain of the Stags.”