“Even after nearly burning himself out to keep you alive?” Dimitri’s voice is quiet. “Yes. He stayed. He had no choice.”
I turn away, guilt sitting heavy in my chest. “I didn’t mean for him to…I didn’t ask…”
“You didn’t have to. He did it anyway.”
Dimitri studies me for a moment, then says quietly, “He looked at you like he would lose his soul if you died. Made me promise to protect you before I left.”
An ache blooms behind my ribs. “Why?”
“Maybe you should ask him.”
“What if he doesn’t make it out?” I whisper.
“He will,” he says, without hesitation.
Just then, Ravelle strides in, carrying a tray stacked with pastries and tea. She sits on the bed beside me, setting the tray down between us. Her eyes flick between Dimitri and me, unreadable.
“Dima, my dear,” Ravelle says sweetly. “You may leave now.” She waves him off like he’s a servant.
“What?” he asks flatly.
“I finally have Ren back, and you are intruding on my time with her. We are going to have a girls’ night, and she is going to tell meallabout this Koen I heard about when I was eavesdropping.” No shame at all. Then she turns to me, eyes sparkling. “Is he hot?”
Heat creeps into my cheeks before I can stop it. Just his name is enough to make my heart feel like it’s doing backflips. His face flashes in my mind—gold eyes, steady, full of fire—and the memory feels like both a wound and a lifeline.
Dimitri clears his throat. “Our little princess here isquitefond of the human.”
My eyes fly wide. “Wha—”
Ravelle’s gasp cuts me off. “Human?Oh, this is good.”
Dimitri smirks. “He was just as taken with her. Infatuated, actually.”
“He’s not—”
Ravelle squeals and claps her hands, cutting me off again. “Oh,stars above! I want to see him. Vaelshad me there! Just for a peek. I promise I won’t touch his blood. Well…I mostly won’t.”
“Gods, can you both stop?” I snap, exasperated, though my cheeks are burning hot. My shadows twitch restlessly under my skin, betraying the storm his namestirs in me.
They share a look, twin smirks stretching across their faces, and I groan.
“You are too much alike. It’s unbearable,” I mutter,crossing my arms. But the motion sends a stab of pain across my chest, and I wince.
Dimitri’s teasing fades in an instant. His voice softens. “Fine. I’ll go. Make sure she takes it easy, Ravelle. She still needs rest.” His gaze lingers on me, unreadable, before he slips from the room and closes the door softly behind him.
Ravelle turns back, all playfulness gone. “How are you, Serenya? Truly.”
“I’m okay.” It’s a lie.
She studies me in silence, her features filled with concern. “You’ve been through so much. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I thought you wouldn’t want to see me.”
“You’re right. I didn’t.” The answer comes out sharper than I meant. But she’s right, I wouldn’t have wanted to be around her. Even if she never did anything to deserve my anger, she still reminded me of the life I lost.
She doesn’t flinch. “Listen, there’s something you should know. Dimitri—”
“I don’t want to know.” The words rush out, cutting her off before she can drag me into another web of betrayals. “Not right now.” I force a weak smile. “Can we talk about something else? Anythingelse. Well, except for men.” I give her a pointed look.
She fake-pouts, tossing her pink hair back. “Fine. No men.”
