“And the book. I need that damn book.” My eyes close for a split moment before opening them to see soft autumn flecks dance in his eyes. “Are you sure you are okay?”
“I’m good now. The pain of broken bones and torn skin from blades is nothing compared to shifting.” His lips pull into a smirk. “I’d take this over turning into a dragon anyday.”
“The Queen is allowing you two to ride back to the frozen archives.” The words fumble out of my mouth.
His thick brows pull together. “How did you manage that?”
My lips slowly pull into a gentle smile. “I have my ways.”
He exhales a laugh. “I suppose we shall talk about this after Koen heals. I am curious to hear how you got the Queen to allow this.” He glances over his shoulder. “Koen still needs more time in there. The wounds are healing slower than normal for him.”
I breathe out my nose, steadying the storm that is raging inside me. “Will he be okay?”
His head shakes. “Don’t worry…” He lifts his hand to grip my shoulder, but pauses midway and clears his throat before rubbing it behind his neck. “Don’t worry, he will be fine.”
He grabs his suit top, throwing it over his shoulder as the lights of the crystal beam turquoise hues against his marking and healed scars along his back. “I’ll see you two at the Pyre.”
My heart sinks, eyes widening as I steadily watch him go to leave. “Wait!” I hiss, my voice dropping so low I doubt anyone can even hear me. “Where the hell do you think you are going?”
He throws his head back. “You and Koen need to talk. I can’t train you while your eyes are locked on him each passing second. You are distracted, which will be the death of you. Most of the men won’t care if you have a curse that’ll haunt them if they kill you, they will do it anyway.” His shoulders rise as he deeply exhales. “Whatever is happening, move past it. I need him as much as you need him. I need you to bring the Koen I once sawcome alive the second he met you. Trust me, he knows the trick on how to survive against the Fireninze.”
My brows pull together. “I don’t understand. He wanted me dead and now you want me to stay in here… alone with him?”
His lips pull into a satisfied grin. “Just burn him if he dares try.”
My lips part to speak, knowing damn well he knows I wouldn’t dare burn him. I watch him leave as I am stuck on the words that want to pour out of my mouth. With a loud grunt, I turn on my heels as Koen still steadily rests there. His chin points upward, the muscles in his arms flexing as he lets out soft painful groans. As if the water healing him pains him with each mend.
But being alone with him hurts me more than anything.
Damn it, I had one rule. Never to fall in love. I willnotfall in love. But who am I kidding? I already fell, just not sure if it was in this lifetime or another. Or, damn it,both.
I need the truth. I need the stones.
I let out a shaky breath, nodding my head swiftly as I place one foot in front of the other and head his way.
My feet slip out of my boots and I unbutton the top of my suit, sliding it off and letting the dragon scales beat against the rocks below. A loud thud crashes, echoing in the silence, but it doesn’t phase Koen. My fingers glide over the stones, as well as my bare arm, brushing up and down to warm my body by the breeze of the storm rolling in.
However, the water rushes heat throughout me as my toes touch first, letting my suit pants weigh me down as my body emerges into it. My black bandeau absorbs the water once my chest hits, and I let my palms and fingers glide along the surface. I don’t fear the water anymore, and I push through, letting the glowing lights—like thousands of stars—dance around me.
Maybe that’s why I never burned. Not from the waters of Vitaei, not from the bridge scorched by fire… but because I havebeen cursed all along. Not because I am a damn Royal. I wonder if I am the first non-Royal to be cursed by the Gods.
Koen’s eyes remain closed as I shift my body in front of him, holding in the deep breath I need to exhale.
I have so many questions. So many things I need to say. Yet, here I stand in front of him, alive, and all I want to do is run. I want to hide.
I fear as soon as his eyes meet mine, nothing else will matter. He consumes me. His eyes control me. And now, even if I wanted to cave and let my heart take control, I’ll never be allowed to.
But he never glances my way.
My stomach tightens. My heart stops.
This is far worse than death.
Look at me.My heart flutters, begging him to just meet my eyes.I miss his eyes.
Living a life where he won’t even glance my way. A life where my fingers burn just with the urge to touch him and knowing I can’t.
Pure torture.
