But Viktor’s chest ached—as if he were still trapped in his dream.
The Aetherheart tree.
It called to him again. Its branches black against a sky he could not place, its roots sunk deep into soil that felt like the marrow of his bones. He had dreamed it before, but now the memory bled clearer, sharper.
No dream at all.
He was eight. Small and shivering as he watched from the threshold of their cottage. His father leaned against the door, his voice breaking as he begged.
And her—his mother. Black hair like his own, eyes a mirror of his.
Blood ran down her leg, dark as the mud pooling under her boots. She clutched the bundle to her chest—his brother, only hours old—and mounted in a rush. One goodbye, only to his father, and then the horse carried her into the dark.
She never looked back.
Viktor had spent years trying not to wonder if she had meant to.
He jerked upright, chest heaving, rain against canvas echoing like the bloodbeat in his ears. He pressed a palm over his eyes, as if he could keep it buried there.
I was never meant to remember.
And yet—the tree still waited.
The softest touch came at his arm.
He lowered his hand.
Amerei knelt beside him, hair half-braided, the rest falling loose over her satin robe. Concern shadowed her emerald eyes.
“You’re pale,” she whispered. “Too much wine?”
He found a wry smile, though his heart was still hammering.
“Call it that.”
She studied him, as if she might press, but Gabriel’s groan broke the quiet. Evander grumbled and turned on his cot, face buried in his arm. Both looked miserable, undone by the night before.
Viktor let the corner of his mouth lift.
“Stay put. I’ll be back.”
Her brow arched. “You’re coming back?”
He met her gaze, steadier now.
“If you’ll let me.”
A smile ghosted her lips, quick and daring.
“You may.”
By the time he returned, the sharp, earthy scent of emberbrew curled through the tent—smoke and spice chasing out the ghosts of his dream.
Evander groaned louder. “Make it stop.”
Amerei’s laugh—light, unexpected—broke through the haze.
Viktor set the cups down, offering one to Gabriel, who seized it like salvation.
