I shove my elbow into Tiernon’s ribs. Even with the power he wields here, annoying the emperor’s son seems like a stupid idea.
“I sensed pain and blood,” Rorrik says. “And you know those are two of my favorite things,Primus.”
His gaze returns to me once more, dark consideration in his eyes.
“Fine,” Tiernon says. “Leave.”
Rorrik drags his gaze from mine and they have another of their weird silent standoffs.
Pushing Tiernon’s arm away, I sit up. He reaches for me, but I’m already rolling off the bed, stepping onto my freshly healed ankle.
For the first time since I can remember, the step I take is completely free of pain.
A stunned laugh bubbles from me. A sound filled with shocked joy. One I haven’t made for years.
Both vampires stare at me.
I can’t deny this is a gift.
“Thank you.”
Tiernon meets my eyes. “You’re welcome.”
When I turn back toward the door, the emperor’s son is gone.
IT’S LATE WHENAxia checks my other cuts and bruises, before finally allowing me to leave the healers. I now feel better than I have in years.
Physically, at least.
“Arvelle.” Tiernon’s voice is soft, almost pleading. Slowly, I turn, taking him in.
He leans against the doorway leading to the healers, his helmet nowhere to be seen.
He looks … tired. When he shoves his hand through his hair, the movement is so familiar, I have to look away.
“You’re always doing that,” he says softly. “You can’t even look at me.”
I sigh, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “Looking at you hurts.” The words are honest, blunt, and a muscle twitches in his jaw as he nods.
“Looking at you hurts me too.” He pushes himself off the doorway and steps toward me. “I thought you were going to die today.”
“I thought I was too.”
He raises one hand, cupping my cheek. “You’re so damned stubborn. You think you’re some kind of heartless monster, but the moment I knew you’d be forced to kill that griffon was the moment I thought you were going to die. But you did it. So you can stay alive for your brothers. I just wanted to let you know I know how hard it was for you.”
The backs of my eyes burn and I let the wall take my weight. Tiernon smooths his thumb over my chin, and I want to lean into his warmth and forget the rest of the world exists.
“It … it wasn’t just for my brothers,” I whisper.
Tiernon frowns at me and lifts a hand. I feel his power slide into place, ensuring no one can listen.
“Tell me.”
“The griffon … his name was Antigrus. He asked me for mercy, Ti. He didn’t want Baldric to cut him up piece by piece.”
Tiernon’s eyes darken, and I realize it’s the first time I’ve called him by his nickname.
My heart hurts, and I’m all out of fight. Which is why I let Tiernon move his hand to the back of my head, winding his fingers through my hair. It’s why I let him lower his head, slowly brushing his mouth over mine.
