Naia’s breath hitched.
Finnian grimaced at the sound. He didn’t want to see her reaction, because it would make the situation too visceral.
Father will never get to live again.
“He awaits at the gates.” Cassian turned to look at Finnian. “If you’d like, you both may join me as the Errai escort him into the Land.”
All because of you.
“Of course.” Naia’s voice wobbled. “Thank you, Lord Cassian.”
Finnian focused on the warm sensation of Naia’s hand over his; the nerves awakening in his toes after his torso had been severed into two; the imprints of Cassian’s fingertips on his shoulder; the distant fragrance of lavender infused in the light breeze. Anything but the reality of the topic they spoke of, anything but the burning itch and the haunting chorus of voices harassing his mind.
He could feel Cassian’s prismatic gaze studying the side of his face.
Finnian wanted to assure him everything was fine, but he could not lie. Not only that, but it would be useless. Cassian knew him better than that by now—with every tic and shift of expression Finnian intentionally gave, Cassian could see beneath his surface.
Finnian ground his teeth to halt the quivering of his jaw and managed a stiff nod.
Cassian moved his hand up Finnian’s nape and into his hair, cradling the back of his head.
Like second nature, Finnian eased into his palm.
Trickles of Cassian’s divine power sank through his scalp and dissolved into his bloodstream. The thrumming in his brain silenced, and his muscles relaxed in relief.
Cassian held out his other hand in the center of them and said, “Let us go see him off.”
Naia hesitated, making no move to do as he said.
The corner of Cassian’s mouth lifted as he looked at her. “I have no intention of cursing you again, Little Goddess. Two was enough.”
She blew air into her cheeks, her face scrunching.
Finnian chuckled as he guided both of their hands into Cassian’s.
Wisteria blossoms stuckin Finnian’s hair as they strolled towards the colossal iron doors at the center of the obsidian wall. In its stone held the carvings of deities Cassian had triumphed over during the Great Deity War for his title.
The first time Finnian had seen the engravings was five years ago, when he came to exchange his freedom for Naia’s. Prior, he’d only ever teleported directly into the Land. He’d stared up at them, naming them fools for their losses. Now, all he felt was a sense of pride. The Land and everything within it, they were pieces of Cassian, pieces of home.
Finnian held onto Naia’s hand as they traveled through the winding path in the enchanted wisteria. There was a wise energy among their roots. If Finnian were to siphon it, he was sure he could mold it and use it to gravely injure Marina.
The thought grew more and more enticing as they approached her.
She sat on her knees, her legs sprawled out at her sides, face buried in her hands, crying beside Father’s body. A magnolia blossom rested in her lap.
Finnian had never seen such emotion on Marina. It was odd and only hardened his animosity towards her.
A figure stood over her, tall and broad and wearing a velvet, evergreen robe. Crowning his head was a constellation of olive and orchid—soft, muted tones, just like his persona.
Ever the gentle, loving father.
An ache split down Finnian’s middle.
Naia passed him a look, squeezing his hand.
Finnian directed his attention down onto Marina—the source of his pain.
She should’ve killed me, not him.
