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Chapter 53
Cradled in Rave's arms, Leesa kept her cheek pressed against his warm chest as he whisked her along the roadway, deeper into the volkaane settlement. The orchard she had seen her first day here flew by in a blur, as did a few cabins and several small houses more visible from the road now that the trees had discarded their leaves. After a few minutes, Rave turned off into the woods, following an almost invisible trail up a sloping hillside and down the other side. He carried her along the bottom of a small ravine, then back up another ridge, steeper than the first. No matter what the terrain, his footing was sure, his gait effortless. Even with her in his arms, he made no sound. She felt almost as if she were floating.
She wished she could remain like this forever, her body held tight against his, speeding through the countryside, across the state, across the country, around the world, even. She was certain Rave could do it. She sighed. If only.
If only it wasn't for he
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This was not the Bradley she had been expecting, not the Bradley she could return to their mom's joyous embrace. This was a zombie straight from some horror movie. She should have rushed forward to hug him, but was unable to move. Her vocal cords seemed frozen as well.“He'll recover,” Stefan said, reading the distress on Leesa's face as he brought Bradley forward the last few steps. “His blood level is very low. He'll need rest, and lots to eat and drink.” He looked at Professor Clerval. “And keep him warm. Very warm.”Leesa stepped forward and placed her hand lightly against Bradley's cheek. His skin felt like rubber and was icy cold. “Bradley?”Bradley lifted his head. His eyes seemed to find some focus as he looked at her. “Pumpkin?” Tears streamed down Leesa's cheeks at the sound of that single word. She dropped the umbrella and threw her arms around her brother, holding him close and trying to wil
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