Phoenix Contract: Part Two (Fallen Angel Watchers) by Melissa Thomas

Chapter Five

     
    The frail figure in the hospital bed stirred and produced a raspy cough as he struggled for breath. “Magnus?” Matthew said. The priest dragged the oxygen mask from his face. “It’s nearly dawn. You should be going before the sun rises,” he whispered, struggling to lift his head.
    Magnus allowed the magic that permitted him to walk unseen among humans to dissipate. He stepped forward. “How did you know I was here?”
    Matthew mustered a faint smile. “The shadows in the room are longer when you’re present, old friend.”
    A frown furrowed Magnus’ brow as he cast a suspicious glance at the wall. The room’s blackout curtains were drawn, and only a dim nightlight lit the space. The Celt issued a soft snort. “My magic doesn’t alter the shadows,” he replied with a sour note.
    “If you say so,” Matthew agreed. “Have you been brooding in that corner all night?”
    “Yes, and I don’t brood.” Magnus did not pursue the original question further.
    Matthew had his secrets, Magnus kept his own.
    “Come over here so I don’t have to shout,” Matthew wheezed, barely audible above the whir and beep of the monitoring equipment.
    Magnus moved closer, being careful not to disturb Aiden as he passed. The girl was asleep in the room’s only chair, her legs curled beneath her and her head pillowed on her arms.
    “How is she?” Matthew asked.
    “Sleeping soundly. She’s been at your side for the last thirty-six hours.” So had he, but he left it unsaid. His old friend would know.
    “Poor child.” Matthew gazed upon his adopted daughter with teary eyes. For a long time the priest remained silent.
    Magnus respected the silence.
    The priest’s eyes were clear when he turned his head to Magnus. “How long have I been asleep?”
    “ About thirty hours. Troy and Katsue have been taking shifts during the day.” Magnus felt it important for Matthew to know how strongly his people cared for him, to know he had never been left alone. Magnus had also kept a vigil.
    The priest gave a slight inclination of his head, acknowledging the unspoken message. “How are you?”
    The question startled Magnus. “Me? I’m fine. Why would you even ask?”
    He cut his response short, realizing the stupidity of denial. Matthew knew him too well to buy such an outright lie. The Celt met his friend’s knowing gaze. Magnus’ gold eyes never blinked or wavered.
    “I died, didn’t I?” Matthew said.
    “For less than a minute,” Magnus agreed. “CPR might have brought you back.”
    “Except you didn’t use CPR, did you? I doubt you even know CPR, Magnus.”
    The Celt’s jaw adopted a stubborn set. “I’ve seen it performed. It doesn’t look that difficult.”
    “If your argument is that you applied magical CPR, I can’t say that I’m buying it.”
    Magnus regarded the priest from beneath hooded eyes. “I’m not selling anything, and you’re living on borrowed time.”
    “Even though you promised you wouldn’t do this,” Matthew said.
    “I do not break promises,” he said unequivocally. Magnus lived by his promises. His word was his bond. “I promised not to make you truly immortal, a promise which I’ve kept. What I’ve done is postpone your death, which remains inevitable.”
    Matthew closed his eyes, obviously praying for patience. Magnus had long thought to inquire whether God ever answered, but he deemed the question disrespectful and rude, so he never voiced it aloud.
    “We never said goodbye,” Magnus said. If his voice contained a note of despair, he would not have recognized the emotion to name it. He understood little of loss. He and Matthew often went months, once years, without speaking. Why did it matter so much that their conversation would finally end for good?
    Matthew sighed. “Magnus, I know this is difficult for you. I’m sorry. I came home because my heart is failing. I came home to die.”
    Magnus glanced at the sleeping girl. She looked so innocent. He wasn’t