Free Sunburst (Starbright Series) by Rachel Higginson Page B

it.
                  “Your hand is alright?” he asked carefully.
                  I wiggled around in bed and found that not just my hand, but my hips, my legs, my severed spine, my broken neck, my split-open head…. everything was fine…. everything was healed. I was still stiff and sore, but I would be fine by tomorrow.
                  “Not just my hand, most of me is alright, I think.” My voice was course sand paper; but I didn’t know if that was from the unconsciousness or because it was still healing.
                  Palpable relief washed over Seth and he dropped his head back, looking up at the ceiling. His hand squeezed mine tighter and trembled harder, as if he were having trouble composing himself.
                  “That was scary, Stella,” he finally admitted when his amber eyes met mine again.
                  “I know.”
                  “If I hadn’t gotten there when I did…”
                  “I know,” I cut him off before he could say the words that would make everything way too real. “But you did get there. You saved me.”
                  Seth leaned forward so that our foreheads just barely pressed together and closed his eyes. He inhaled through his nose and whispered something in a language I didn’t understand- in the language of Heaven. I forgot he could speak it.
                  “What was that? What did you say?”
                  Instead of answering me, he let his nose trail down my temple and then he placed a sweet kiss on my cheek, lingering as he tasted my skin and tears. My heart hammered in my beaten chest, and even though I didn’t know exactly what he said, I felt his words; I felt his secret words all the way to my soul.
                  The door opened and my parents walked in, both looking worse for wear. My dad appeared haggard and my mother looked sickly. As Seth moved out of the way, they immediately surrounded me. My mom pulled me into her arms and I felt her shake with relief as she held me tightly to her.
                  My dad enveloped us both in his massive strength.
                  My parents were capable Warriors. At one time they led legions of Angels to protect planets. They would never have allowed themselves to be caught off guard like I did; they never would have been taken by surprise.
                  I felt so inadequate, so unprepared for this task I expected to take. How could I become the Protector of Earth when I couldn’t even protect myself? It had taken nothing for Seven to confront me and even less for Saul to practically take my head. I wasn’t up for this.
                  I wanted to believe it was because I was still so young, still without most of my powers.
                  But look at Seth- he overcame Saul in three seconds flat.
                  “Tell us what happened,” my mom commanded gently. She pulled away so she could look in my eyes, but kept her hands on my shoulders. Her eyes were glossy and her face puffy from crying, I guessed.
                  Jupiter walked quietly in the door, followed by Serena and Nate, the temporary Protector and her Warrior. They all found seats on the floor or at my desk.
                  I was embarrassed to “host” this meeting in my bedroom, and sure that I looked like a monster who had been out for who knew how long.
                  That was actually my first question. I had to find out before I could relive my nightmare.
                  “How long was I unconscious?” I asked, my voice still gravelly.
                  “Three days,” my dad answered in a whisper. “You were in and out some, but mostly unconscious. It’s Sunday.”
                  “Three days,” I repeated in a stunned whisper.