Astraia swallowed hard, choking down tears. Years of regret, grief, guilt marred her soul. Thoughts of Elion burning by her hand threatened to consume her yet again. The darkness flirted with the edge of her mind, waiting to ensnare her in despair, eager to pollute her light.
Your light drowned in their blood. Darkness will always prevail,the blackness hissed.
A warm hand grasped her own, yanking her back from the edge, rescuing her yet again. She looked into Draven’s eyes, seeing more than just a bounty hunter, more than just a Starborne. She saw a reflection of herself, torn apart by the evil of the world and compelled by the Stars—pawns in the war between light and dark.
“I fear the darkness will consume me. It haunts me even now,” she whispered, unable to stop the tear that escaped and slid down her cheek.
Gently, he placed a hand on the side of her face, his fingers intertwining in her hair as he wiped the tear away with his thumb. “The grief will remain. But the darkness will only take hold if you allow it. And you are more than your grief. You are kind, strong, fierce, unashamed of fighting for good in a fallen world.” His voice was low and gentle as he lowered his hand from her face, his other hand unmoved from hers.
She slowed her breaths and closed her eyes, bracing herself for answers to the questions she was nearly too afraid to ask. Blinking, she steadied her voice. “Why are you here? Why have you not taken me to the king?”
Silence.
Seconds felt like hours as she waited with bated breath. Unable to move, to breathe, to think, she waited. Nausea rolledthrough her stomach, and a cold sweat beaded on the back of her neck. The words he spoke now would decide her fate—break her or choose her.
He breathed deeply, fixing his gaze on her. “Traia, I—”
A door creaked open from behind them, and Draven dropped her hand, unsheathing his dagger just as Astraia whipped around with her own dagger drawn.
The moonlight cast an eerie glow over the manor, illuminating a tall figure standing in the doorway. The man walked closer toward them, dark tousled hair blowing in the breeze.
“Caelan?” Astraia asked, relaxing her stance as he strode through the starblooms.
“Stars, Traia. Do you always carry that dagger?” His smile morphed into a slight frown as Draven came to stand next to her, dagger still in hand.
“That is an asinine question, as you already know the answer,” she replied, sheathing her dagger and crossing her arms. “What are you doing out of bed?”
“I could ask you the same question. I went to your suite, and can you imagine my surprise when I found you were missing?” His eyes narrowed, darting between her and Draven.
“I am not your pet, Caelan. I may come and go as I please, with whom I please, and speak with whoever I please.” She rolled her shoulders back, standing straighter. Her Power bond flared to life with her anger, rushing to the top of her skin.
“Even with him? A bounty hunter whose intentions remain questionable at best?” Caelan glowered at Draven, his eyes flashing a brilliant green as his own Desire bond surged.
Draven stepped closer to Astraia’s side, his hand just barely grazing hers, sending sparks through her arm and into her spine. Her Power bond lurched at the touch, frantic to be released. The bounty hunter cleared his throat, his arm muscles flexing subtly as he stared down Caelan.
“No one gets to decide who she speaks to.” His voice was rough, commanding, and she could have sworn flames danced behind his eyes. The heat from his body intensified, radiating from the hand that touched hers.
“Enough!” she shouted in exasperation. “Caelan, you owe him your life. As do I. If that does not grant him clemency, I do not know what does.”
“You…trust him? You know nothing of him! He may have saved our lives, but remember why he is really here.” Caelan shot Draven a look of disdain, green glowing from his fingertips as he struggled to maintain control of his bond.
“I do. And he has earned my trust. That should be enough for you.” She steadied her voice despite the fact she was fuming.
Draven tensed next to her, his heat ebbing with her proclamation. They might have begun their journey as a hunter and prey, but somewhere along the way they had transformed into something more—and she sensed he knew it too.
“Very well. I trust you. So if you say he is noble, I will honor your judgment.” Caelan crossed his arms, the green glow fading from his hands as he stood under the moonlight.
“Great. Now that you have come to your senses, I am going to bed before I kill both of you for being ridiculous,” she snapped, marching past Caelan and throwing open the door to the manor.
Without looking back, she stomped back to her room. She threw herself onto the bed, and exhaustion swept over her. She let her eyes close, imagining a set of warm tattooed hands caressing her skin beneath the sheets. She cursed as she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 31
Starbloom petals, when boiled, can be consumed as a tonic to heal most maladies. Great caution should be practiced, however, as too great a ratio of petals can cause the opposite effect, worsening the affliction or even causing asphyxiation.
Medela Head Philosopher at Virellia University of Healing
“I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE issue,” Astraia said flatly as she tore into a sweet roll, her mouth watering from hunger.
