He knew she’d never hurt Serill. After all of this, somehow that was the only thing he knew for certain.
Cason swallowed and willed his voice not to break. “I never want to see you again.”
The silence fell heavy. He didn’t need to look at her to know she wasn’t moving.
Finally, she whispered, “You won’t.” An audible swallow. “Stay here as long as you need. There’s a bed in the loft if you want, and plenty of food. I’ll find another place to stay.“
There was no need. Cason didn’t have to say what they both knew. He’d be gone by the time she was done with her meeting.
Brela didn’t say another word as she left, her steps silent and presence invisible to his senses as he continued to stare at the floor. He only knew she’d gone when the door clicked closed.
That was it. The last he’d see of her.
He pressed a burning hand to his chest. Gods, ithurt. More painful than his fight with Era. He’d tried so hard to shut himself off from emotions for this reason, and now he wanted to forget them again. To burn and burn and not stop.
Cason wouldn’t stay here any longer. Not when he was surrounded byher.
There was one place in Rooke he knew Brela would never go. Cason threw on a shirt, slung his bag over his shoulder, and left the cottage.
* * *
Brela leanedagainst the door out back, finding herself in an empty garden. Farrah and Elias must have known to take Serill somewhere else.
It didn’t take long for the fire wielder to gather his things inside. She kept herself rigid, barely breathing until the front door opened and closed.
One breath. Two.
She crumbled. Emotions, fortress, and shadow broke as she slid down the wood and sobbed.
She’d done this to him and to herself. She knew it would end in fire and darkness, but that gods-damned tug had ruined her better judgement. Those moments with him had been some of the best in her miserable life, despite what was going on around them. It had reminded her of the love she’d felt when she first met Farrah and Elias.
She’d destroyed all of it.
Dark power wrapped around her shaking body, curling over her skin in cool comfort. She wanted to appreciate the beauty and kindness of her shadows, but they only reminded her of his face. Thatdisgustandfearin his eyes when she’d revealed her power.
He’d reacted to her magic. She wondered if he even noticed that she’d only flinched at the man shouting at her, not the uncontrollable fire. She wondered if he felt that small tug when their magic had met in the room.
Even though she knew this was how he’d react, it still hurt. After all of this time, after seeing what was happening to her people, she had clung to that small sliver of hope that he’d change. She’d still offered him her hand.
She was the fool.
Brela wiped at her eyes and calmed her breathing. Then, piece by piece, she coaxed those shadows back inside as she rebuilt her fortress. It was stronger than before, holding not only a large amount of magic but a mess of emotions.
All of them.
Every last bit of feeling drained from her, and when there was nothing left, she shoved her bleeding heart inside, too.
When she opened her eyes again, she knew they were back to a pale color. There was no more time to feel. She had answers to find, a broken kingdom to protect, and a celvusa to use.
Her hand curled around the invisible leash in her palm, and she knew her grin was feral.
There was a chance, now. She wasn’t alone.
But first, she needed to convince the King of Severina to free her. Brela stood, dusted herself off, and went to find the prince.
50
Credit Due
