The words hit harder than I expected.
“I’m fine,” I said automatically.
You are not, Kaelith replied bluntly.But I am here. And if Zander breaks your heart, I will roast him until he resembles overcooked venison.
I laughed once, short and broken, and turned my face into her neck, just for a second. “Thank you.”
She rumbled softly, then stepped back. With one great beat of her wings, she was airborne, streaking toward the open sky like a shadow cleaving light.
I stood there a moment longer, brushing my hands off on my thighs, and then headed toward the dining hall.
It was nearly empty. Late enough that the usual bustle of squads had long cleared.
I slid into a bench at the far side of the room and grabbed a half-loaf of bread and some dried fruit. Nothing heavy. I wasn’t sure I could keep much down, anyway.
My squad wasn’t there.
Maybe they were out in the training fields or walking off the tension. I didn’t blame them.
I sat in silence, chewing slowly, trying not to feel the burn behind my eyes.
Trying not to feel like I was shattering into pieces no one could see.
“Thought I’d find you here.”
I looked up to see Remy. He held two tin cups and raised one in a silent offer.
I hesitated, then took it.
He sat across from me without asking. “You looked like you needed a drink more than a sparring session.”
I offered a weak smile, blinking fast. “You’re not wrong.”
He didn’t press. Just took a sip and let the quiet stretch between us.
“I tried to stay angry,” I said eventually, my voice hoarse. “But all I feel is tired.”
Remy nodded, his expression soft. “That’s because anger burns out. Heartache just… stays.”
I looked down at the cup in my hand.
“I don’t know what I’m doing anymore,” I whispered. “With Zander. With all of this.”
“You don’t have to know,” he said. “You just have to keep showing up. And if it helps…”
He leaned forward, eyes meeting mine.
“You’re not alone in this. Not even close.”
And for a moment, just a moment, I let myself believe him.
The warmth from the drink hadn’t reached my bones, but the silence between us was… easier now. Not soft, but no longer brittle.
I stared into the tin cup for a long moment before asking, “Did you know?”
Remy looked up from where he was flicking crumbs off the table. “Know what?”
“About Zander’s bride.”
