Something shifted inside of him. A fracture in the rock he carried within his hollow chest, another minuscule rotten piece chipped away.
A soft current ran along his skin where they touched. He looked into her glistening eyes as the Blood Bond coiled through them, reminding him of his transgression against her. He should pull his hand away, but he couldn’t bring himself to when a part of him had been missing her touch. Letting their fingers link together, Cassiel found her hand fit perfectly in his. He drew in a breath and opened himself to her soul, sighing as the electrifying colors of green and gold filled his vision.
He needed this, a connection with another person. Not simple acknowledgment and kindness, but true friendship. Two people who could converse with one another freely. Share their burdens and laughter and warmth. The future was uncertain, life a precarious thing, but he was secure with her beside him, with her hand in his own. So, for now, at this moment, he dismissed all worries and doubts.
He allowed himself to be.
Cassiel rested his head over Dyna’s, inhaling the sweet honeysuckle scent of her silken hair. The bond flared and slowly danced between them to an unheard song that faded all manner of thought. For one night, he would think of nothing and care for nothing else but this.
Chapter 38
Dynalya
Dyna stepped out of the carriage into the bustling city center of the Port of Azure. The midday sun shone in the clear blue sky, but a chill clung to the air. She shivered and slipped on her velvet capelet, and Lucenna buttoned on her redingote. Cassiel and Zev gathered their bags as Rawn untied Fair’s reins from the carriage. Someone from the stable they had stopped in front of came out to take the leased carriage and payment from Cassiel.
Dyna bounced on her feet excitedly as she viewed their surroundings. The air carried the salt from the ocean, and seagulls cried above them as they flew through the towering stone structures. Effigies of dragons and gargoyles adorned the colossal stone buildings. A group of Azure Guards marched by, appearing regal and polished in their uniforms and swords sheathed at their hips. The busy streets bustled with people and creatures from all over Urn.
A great black Minotaur passed by, the ground trembling with its massive steps. Dyna stared at the centaurs cantering along the road, with the carriages and wagons taking goods towards the market. A nymph and a satyr passed by in a cart, laughing over some private joke. A procession of tiny pixies with glittering wings zipped overhead. They were no bigger than her forefinger, but they carried large bags of luggage with a link of rope.
“Are all fairies strong?” Dyna asked, thinking about Keena. The fairy princess must have already returned to her court.
“Not all, my lady,” Rawn said. “Those who are, have the strength that can equal about ten times the strength of humans.”
Once done speaking with Cassiel, the coachmen climbed into the driver’s box and snapped the reins. The carriage horses neighed and pulled away.
“The coachman suggested the Cobalt Tavern. It has a stable for horses, and it’s near the pier.”
“Thank you for paying for our ride,” Dyna said, her breath clouding in the air. The icy wind bit at her cheeks and nose.
“Yes, thank you,” Rawn said.
Zev and Lucenna nodded.
Cassiel slid on a pair of leather gloves. “Do not expect to continue relying on my finances. My pockets are not limitless.”
“I will pay for lodging tonight,” Rawn said. “It is fair to share the costs of our travel.”
Lucenna frowned at Cassiel’s enchanted dark grey coat. The tattered ends were seared black. “Perhaps now would be a good time to accept my offer,” she said. “You need to dispose of that.”
He glowered at her. “No.”
If his wings were exposed, Dyna imagined he would tuck protectively against his back. He wasn’t so willing to trade his feathers with the sorceress now.
Lucenna rolled her eyes. “Does your pride mean that much to you?”
“It is not a matter of pride,” Rawn said as he tied his pack onto Fair’s saddle. “Prince Cassiel cannot permit the trade.”
“It’s not allowed,” Zev added. “It’s illegal for his kind to trade or sell.”
Lucenna crossed her arms. “Then your second option is to present me with a formal apology for calling me a witch, Prince Cassiel. Then I’ll be gracious enough to give you stardust.”
Dyna bit her lip. Cassiel was a stubborn one and most likely would refuse, but for once, she hoped he wouldn’t. His safety was more important than saving face.
Cassiel’s expression dulled as he said in a deadpan tone, “I beg your pardon for calling you a witch because I witnessed you use magic, and you attempted to harm me with it. On several occasions.”
Lucenna scoffed. “Is that your manner of an apology?”
It wasn’t much of one, but Dyna could count on one hand how many times Cassiel had apologized for anything.
