“Do you mind?”
I shook my head and moved out of Roman’s way so he could take the lower bunk. He flashed me a smile, and I was so baffled by it that I simply stared at him.
Thankfully, he didn’t take my rudeness personally. He offered me his hand. “Roman Barthol.”
I shook it. “Phoenix Wildarrow.”
I can’t believe Roman’s not here anymore.
It’s not fair. He was so brilliant. So quick. Never wanted to spill blood if it wasn’t necessary.
The backs of my eyes burn.
I’m only in my early twenties. Yet, I’ve lost all the important people in my life. And I may be about to lose another one.
I bite the inside of my cheek and head towards the physical training hall where Daegel’s supposed to be training the new group of cadets.
Overwhelming nostalgia tugs at the corners of my heart as I push the heavy door open and Daegel’s naked back emerges in front of me. His shredded muscles ripple under his tattooed skin.
A shiver runs down my back at the sight.
He’s walking the new cadets through the series of exercises. His posture is controlled, voice rough as he barks orders.
Someone in the second line faints. Daegel snaps his fingers and two fae from the third row rush to help their friend and carry the redhead fae out of the training hall.
Oh, I remember the first time Daegel walked our squad through these drills. I thought I was going to throw up the whole time.
Chuckling, I sit on one of the benches and cross one ankle over my knee.
My body awakens further the more I watch Daegel go through a series of training poses. He’s an excellent soldier. Damn hot. I cannot help but want that strong body on top of me, to feel his weight as he sinks his hips between my thighs.
Oh boy…
I don’t want to lose him. I hate that I have to choose.
Last night, after the conversation with Vera, I could barely sleep. Her proposition is so tempting, I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m not sure I can say no.
But if I don’t say no, I’ll be saying no to the fae who has my heart.
My heart flutters when Daegel turns around and spots me. It’s about to fly out of my chest when his sensuous lips curl into a smile, eyes full of adoration.
I’d been wandering through life, without a place to call home, until I found him. I’ve already had home ripped away from me. Am I ready to let go of it again?
You didn’t come to Ekios to fall in love, a dark voice echoes somewhere at the back of my head.
It’s true. I came here for a reason. With a goal. A goal that feels more achievable than ever right now.
Only if I can let the man I love go.
But maybe…maybe I don’t have to. A greedy part of me doesn’t want to believe I can’t have both. Vera doesn’t have to know we’re together. Until I’m the Ezkai General. If I win the trials, she can’t say shit.
Yeah. We hid our relationship while I was at the academy, and we survived. I’m sure we can handle the trials, too. If Daegel agrees to play along.
That’s a bigif.
“What a pleasant surprise, princess,” he purrs.
I stand up as he approaches. Before I can answer, his hands are on my hips and he’s pulling me in for a kiss. When our lips meet, I melt in his arms.
