“Yes, Serene?” he teases.
“Is this some sort of game to you?” I hiss, my fingers digging into his arm without even realizing. “Because it isn’t for me. I have been searching for someone, and you are the reason I am further away from finding her!”
His eyes glance down to the tight grip I hold before removing it with his other hand. “You are in my mother’s suit. She would wear this when she would ride.” He clears his throat before looking away. “I thought you would need something to help your skin against the cold out there and I knew this protected her, so I figured it would protect you.”
My heart stops.My jaw clenches as I glance down to the onyx suit. This whole time, I had thought this was just a piece of clothing, thrown together for a prisoner to wear. Tossed in the room with no thought behind it. My anger towards him has blinded me from everything else in this Realm. It's not just any piece of clothing I wear. It's a part ofhis mother, something that holds memories and emotions far beyond my understanding. I never knew my mother. I’ve never had a mother.But if I had something from my father or my sister, right now at this moment, I would clench it as tight as I could and never let go. But why would he let me wear this?
As he stands there, looking away with a hint of sadness in his eyes, I feel like such an asshole.
Guilt washes over me like a tidal wave. But still, my veins burn with a fiery rage every time I look at him. He is a constant reminder of how far away I am from ever returning to my family.
“I had no idea, Koen.” My body shifts uncomfortably as I tuck the loose strands of hair behind my ear. “I'm sorry. I'm surprised you let me wear it.”
His eyes darken like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. “Don't think too much of it. It was the only thing that would fit you.”
My lips press together tightly, my eyes widening in response. I shouldn't be surprised by his blunt reaction. But honestly, I deserve it.
“Trust me, I wasn't thinking anything more of it.”
I move past him, my shoulder brushing against his solid form, before I leave the tense atmosphere of his presence.
In the distance, Florian begins to whistle, pressing his lips firmly against his fingers. A soft glow radiates from the arched doorway on the ice wall. My arms cross again, feeling a slight, chilly breeze drift from the open doorway. I tiptoe up to Florian slowly as my eyes are glued to the open path. His broad shoulders are arched back, his chin raised high as he waits for his horse to come through.
“Skie?” I tease him.
A soft, deep, chuckle escapes his lips before he side-eyes me. “Don’t even start.”
I throw my hands up, a small smirk tugging on the corners of my mouth. “I am not! You had never mentioned aSkiebefore.”
His ashy brow lifts. “You mean, I should have talked about someone from the palace while we were surrounded by shapeshifters? Or, the time we visited the elder when she is forbidden to be around…”
My lips part to speak but he interrupts me from saying a word. “Or, I should have told you while we were being chased by the sand dragons.”
I roll my eyes dramatically, trying to ignore the amused smirk spreading across his face. His lips are curved into a teasing grin.
“I was so wrong.” I shake my head, glaring into his eyes that sparkle with a mischievous glint.
His body shifts, turning directly in front of me, cocking his head to the side before his eyes widen in curiosity. “Wrong aboutwhat?”
I take a step forward, raising my chin high. “You are far worse than your brother.”
He scuffs, beaming with a smile before biting his bottom lip. “You are far wrong about that, Serene.”
We both shift our bodies, gazing at the doorway. “He isn’t so bad. I promise. He’s just been through a lot.” Florian looks over his shoulder, down to meet my eyes. “He’s a good guy. He just doesn’t allow people to see that side of him.”
A grunt startles me, and Koen appears at my side. His eyes steadily focus on the wall before us. I know he feels my eyes lingering on him.
But he doesn’t meet my gaze.
“They haven’t come?” Koen speaks.
“Not yet.” Florian crosses his arms, revealing more dragon scales along the ribside of his suit.
Koen raises his strong, muscular arm, positioning his fingers perfectly between his lips. He takes a deep breath and blows forcefully, producing a sharp, piercing whistle that cuts through the air.
The thuds on the ground begin to resonate like distant thunder on a stormy evening, causing a tremor that shakes the ground beneath our feet. The rhythmic gallops of horses' hooves striking the snow and ice echo through the crisp, biting windthat blows through the doorway. A relentless rumble that grows louder and more intense by the second. Suddenly, one breaks through the glistening doorway of frost and shimmering light.
My bottom lip drops as I take a step back. My heart pounds against my chest. “What the hell is that—”
