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"'E's lost a fair amount of blood," Barnes had consoled Aurora as she'd bathed the wound, held clean cloths against it to absorb the still-trickling blood "That sword I saw them men carry in 'ere looked real fierce It musta cut yer 'usband pretty deep But the bleedin' seems to be slowin' do Don't worry 'E'll mend"

Aurora was thankful that Barnes appeared to be right

"Noat Aurora's hands "I'll wash later—after you've heated the water"

"I' over Julian and s his hair off his forehead "Unfortunately, your wound requires cold compresses, not hot So you'll have to endure the chill"

Julian cracked open one eye, then the other "Aurora?" He turned his head a bit, frowning as he focused on his surroundings, the wooden table he was beside, the two chairs that held hilasses and chortling men

"In the Cove Tending

to your wound"

Recollection surged forth like the tide "Macall…" he bit out, jerking to a half-sitting position

"It's over," Aurora said softly, easing her husband back down "Macall is no longer a threat He's dead I believe his body's been disposed of" A shudder "In truth, I didn't ask nor do I care All that matters is you"

"So it really did happen," Julianup at her, his expression intense as he assessed her state of mind

"Yes, it happened" Aurora rinsed out the cloth, returned it to Julian's throat with shaking hands "Mr Barnes was kind enough to ask two of his friends to assist me They carried you in, placed you in the quietest corner we could find, then left me to tend to you" A worried frown "Your wound hasn't stopped bleeding yet It's slowed considerably, but it hasn't stopped"

"Don't be upset by that" Julian reached up, his knuckles tenderly caressing her cheek "The blade on Macall's sas broad and thin…" He paused, drew a breath that was still slightly unsteady "It was able to slash a fairly deep cut with very little effort But he hadn't gotten down to the serious business of killing ently, Julian's thu so worried I'll be fine" Heback into the chair

"Stay still," Aurora instructed

He flashed her a weak smile "I don't dare disobey Not when you're so adept with your brother's pistol" His sether as he felt her hands treainst his throat "Soleil, you're very pale Are you all right?"

She nodded "He didn't harm me Other than a stiff forearm, I'm fine"