Nyx and I also spare no detail in how Bastian saved us from Malvolio and how Hagar and Helios Naziri found us.
No one says a word. Anger and sorrow fill the room until I feel stifled and take up residence by the window for some fresh air.
Nyx graciously changes the subject and asks about everyone back in Tronovia. When we hear of Finn's life-threatening injuries, Eris' capture, and Queen Esme's death, it's as if tears won't stop flowing. So much sorrow. So much pain. But it's then I remember we forgot an important part of the story.
"Vesper's dead," I chime in when everyone is quiet. Atlas' eyes flick up, a mix of emotions clouding his vision.
"W-what?" he stammers. "How is that possible?"
"Drogon consumed her," I say, her charred neck and bugged eyes flashing in my mind. "She's gone."
Atlas is processing everything and I can tell he's one piece of information away from completely snapping.
My mother is the first to move. She embraces me and holds me tightly. There are no words spoken but I feel everything. Her brokenness, her relief, her fuel for revenge. She pulls back and smiles, wiping strands of my hair behind my ear. "You are strong and courageous. A true warrior." She kisses both of my cheeks and whispers, "Give him time to process. I will see you at dinner."
As my mother makes her way to the door, Nyx takes that as his cue to leave and promptly hops up, tapping his brother on the back before slipping out.
The door closes and Atlas and I stare at one another in complete silence. My mind is whirling. What's going through his head? He's barely spoken and he's only looked at me a handful of times since I told him what Drogon did to me.
My skin prickles as my conversation with Hani replays in my head. What if he doesn't want me anymore? What if this is too much for him to handle?
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you." His gravelly voice breaks through my spiraling. His elbows are rooted to his knees, and his face is buried in his hands.
"It's not your fault," I say softly. Atlas flicks his eyes up to meet mine. I lean against the wall, the distance between us feeling cavernous.
"If this is too much to ask, please feel free to say no." His jaw ticks. "Can I see?"
"The burns?"
The ones on my neck, arms, and stomach are visible through pockets of my clothing. But he's asking to see the hidden parts. The intimate places only he sees.
"I understand if you don't want me to see you naked," he adds. "I will never pressure or force your hand. I just…" he exhales, his lips twisting to stifle the emotions threatening to burst through. "I just wanted to see for myself what you endured."
Atlas' scars on his chest immediately flash in my head. He'd been so cautious when we first met about them. Now I know there are thirty-two of them. Even without physically running the pads of my fingers over them, I know what they feel like. The bumps and ridges forever imprinted on him. He opened himself up to me. Allowed me to touch him. To see him. He's safe with me. And I know I'm safe with him.
I push up from the wall and let my overlay fall to the floor. I wince when I lift my top over my head, careful not to rub against the worst burns. His keen eyes don't leave mine until my pants drop to the floor and I'm standing before him completely bare. At first, I thought I would feel uncomfortable with him seeing me like this – vulnerable, marred. But I feel safer now than I ever did before.
Atlas rises and approaches me slowly. His eyes examine my burnt skin and tears well in his eyes. As quickly as the sorrow hits him, inexplicable rage forces its way to the forefront.
"Atlas," I whisper, garnering his violet eyes. Shadowy tendrils fill the room. I press my hands to his cheeks. "If you see me differently. If you no longer wish to marry – "
"Don't finish that sentence," he says, pain contorting his face. "You are mine. Forever." More shadows billow through the room, more than I've ever seen him produce at one time. "He touched you. Hurt you. He will pay."
He kisses me and I melt into his power and passion. Before I want him to, he pulls back and marches for the door.
"Where are you going?" I call after him.
He tosses me a look over his shoulder. "You are mine. No one touches what's mine."
Before I can protest, he slips out the door and vanishes.
Fifty
Nyx
I'm not in the mood for a stuffy dinner tonight. After spending hours recounting the torture Shaye and I endured, I need some space and fresh air. Plus, I've missed the hell out of Drexel and want to give him the attention he deserves. So I make my way to Marshu and find a stool to sit and talk to my dragon. I give him a few treats and run my hand down his snout.
I can't deny how peaceful it is out here at night. Most of the dragons, including the hatchlings, are asleep. I walked by ZuZu's pen and found her curled with her brothers in a pile of scales and tails fast asleep. I don't disturb her, but plan to visit her tomorrow if I can. My motives may be skewed. Of course, the hatchling tugs at my heartstrings, but it's her caretaker who I desperately want more time with.
