Something shifts in my mother’s expression, a subtle narrowing of her eyes that makes my heart stutter.
“Something happened out there.” It’s not a question. “Something you’re not telling me.”
My heart kicks against my ribs. “We were just trying to stay alive, Mom. That’s all.”
She steps closer. The air between us shimmers with conflicting temperatures; her cold, my heat.
“With Kenan. Alone. For three days.”
There’s a heaviness to the words that tells me exactly what she’s thinking, and heat crawls up my neck. A wave of inappropriate memories floods back with vivid clarity. My dragonfire responds, coursing through me in a wave that makes my fingertips glow faintly with suppressed flame.
“Did he behave appropriately?” My mother’s question interrupts my thoughts, her voice sharp as ice.
I bristle at the implication. “He saved my life. Multiple times.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“Vanya,” my father intervenes, his tone diplomatic. I notice a faint amber light in his eyes, his own power rising in response to the tension. “She’s been through enough. Perhaps we should—”
“I need to know if he took advantage—” My mother’s voice turns sharp.
“He didn’t take anything!” I snap, standing abruptly. The accusation ignites something fierce in my chest. The potted plant beside my chair withers as I inadvertently draw energy from it, my witch abilities pulling from the nearest living source. “I’m not some helpless girl. I’m a woman and I wanted—”
I stop myself, breathing hard. The words that nearly tumbled out—that I wanted him, that I was the one who kissed him first, that when his hands explored my body, it felt like coming home to a place I’d never been, that his pulling away hurt more than anything the Syndicate did to me—would only make things worse.
Mom and Hargen exchange a look that speaks volumes. They’ve confirmed something without my saying a word.
“Regardless,” my mother’s voice firms, “you’re taking leave. That’s not negotiable.”
“I’m an adult.” I hear the desperate edge in my voice. “You can’t just—”
“I can. And I will.” Her eyes flash, pupils narrowing to dragon-like slits for a fraction of a second. “Until I’m satisfied you’ve recovered.”
Hargen shifts, clearly trying to ease the tension. “It’s just precautionary, Ember. Give yourself time to process everything.”
I stare at them both, the realization settling cold and heavy in my stomach. They’ve already decided. The discussion isn’t a discussion at all. It’s a notification. I’m not being consulted. I’m being managed.
My frustration peaks, hot and bitter in my throat. “I infiltrated a Syndicate facility. Got intelligence that’s going to save lives. Proved I can handle myself in the field.” My voice rises despite my efforts to control it. “And you’re still treating me like I need to be protected from the world!”
“Because you’re my daughter.” My mother’s voice remains calm but absolute. “And I will always protect you. Whether you think you need it or not.”
Godammit, Mom!
I see it in her eyes—I won’t win this argument. Not now. Not while emotions are running this high, and certainly not when they’re both convinced I’m too traumatized to know what’s best for myself.
I exhale a deep breath, resignation making my limbs feel heavy. “Fine.” There’s no point in arguing anymore about this right now.
“Hargen will help coordinate and pack—” my mother begins.
“I can pack my own bag, Mom.” I cut her off, unable to bear another moment of their protective concern. I have no intention of packing anything, but she doesn’t need to know that.
I leave before she can respond, striding through Aurora’s corridors, blinking back furious tears. The magic inside me churns, dragon and witch power intertwining in chaotic response to my emotional state. Small objects tremble on shelves as I pass, the lights dim, and the air pressure changes subtly in my wake.
Every step forward I take gets yanked two steps back. Every time I prove myself, they find a new reason to shelter me. To hide me away from the dangers that I’ve already shown I can face.
I’m almost to my temporary quarters when a familiar presence brushes against my magical senses. My heartbeat accelerates instantly, my body recognizing him before my mind does. Footsteps approach from behind.
“Ember.”
