Dawn of a New Age: A Sons of Satrina Novel by Kristan Belle Page B

the old academy so abruptly, but Ash could see already that it was going to be a really good thing for them all. This place had such a positive feeling to it that she couldn’t help but smile to herself.
    The warriors that had helped them to move all of the boxes and equipment from the medical suite had simply told them that Kelton would fill them in when they got settled. It was intriguing but Ash had too much to think about to ponder on it for too long. She was just happy to be standing there, breathing it all in.
    Even though the nurses had done all that they could to keep her resting, Ash had still managed to get involved in the pack up. As soon as the pain medication kicked in, the only lingering ache that caused her problems was her ribs. She didn’t think that was a good enough reason to keep her sitting and feeling idle. That was why she got stuck in, whether the nurses gave her permission or not.
    She could understand why they were all fussing around her. In the little room they’d had her sequestered in for the last twenty four hours, the adjoining bathroom had been small and there had been no mirror. When she had to leave the room so they could pack it up, Aisline had to use the bathroom in the waiting room. After looking at her reflection, she thought that maybe the no mirror thing had been no coincidence.
    The bruises were spreading across her body like wild fire, varying from blues to greens to yellows to purples. It wasn’t a pretty sight. Her face was swollen and looked like it should hurt like hell. In a way, Ash was glad that she mostly felt numb. Her arms were bandaged to cover up the horrific rope burns that she knew were underneath, a sight she wasn’t in a hurry to see again. The raw skin made her want to puke.
    Anyway, Aisline decided that she would avoid mirrors until people stopped treating her like fine china. When that time came, she knew that her bruises would have faded a little, making her look a little less fragile.
    She had to admit that after spending the day even just doing light lifting, packing and tidying she could feel the deep seated ache in her bones. However, standing outside this new home of theirs had given her a second wing and she no longer felt so tired.
    Looking up at the mansion that loomed above her, she saw that there were bright lights already blazing in some of the windows, like welcoming beacons. She smiled as she carefully made her way up the stone steps to the large mahogany front doors that opened like a smiling mouth, revealing Doctor Phillippe. She watched Ash slowly walk up the steps, mistaking the slow walk for pain as opposed to drinking in the wonder of the place, which was exactly what Ash was doing.
    “How are you feeling? Have you over-done it?  Was the drive over here okay? Not too bumpy?” Doctor Phillippe asked in immediate concern.
    Aisline rolled her eyes and smiled, “I’m fine.” She spun a slow circle, looking up at the immense space of the entryway, “This place is amazing.”
    “It is beautiful.” The doctor still sounded preoccupied, looking over Aisline with a fine eye to check for any changes or hidden pains.
    “Well, let’s get you in and get you settled.” Doctor Phillippe took her elbow and insisted on helping her inside like she was ninety years old. Sure, she’d been feeling crappier and crappier all day, but right now she was feeling fine. She didn’t need this special treatment.
    “I don’t need to get settled. I’m fine. I can help.” Aisline insisted. Her body may be battered and bruised and her mind was pretty much FUBAR, but she was up and walking and could be useful. The last thing she wanted as to be lying down and being fussed over like a patient again.
    The doctor exhaled. “It’s nearly sunrise. There isn’t much else we can do here tonight.”
    “But, there’s something we can do, right?
    “Ash,” she sighed, “Can you please do me a favour and stop being such a pain in my ass tonight? Just for tonight?