"Atlas." I inhale deeply, unsure of what to say other than, "That's… sad."
His eyes are fixed on me and a tremor of intimidation spider-walks down my spine. I haven't felt that way since we were kids. I used to call that particular look the Atlas-stare. But unlike when we were children, he isn't ready to throw punches. He's here to be honest. "I'd rather live my entire lifetime with her, than pretend it'd be easier to keep her at arm's length."
Shit. I grit my teeth, shooing the unexpected emotions. "Damn whiskey." I flick a tear away.
"Don't be afraid to love, Nyx. It makes you a better person." Atlas stands. "Speaking of love, I'll be heading back upstairs before that woman wakes up and realizes I'm not there."
"Have you talked to Shaye about all this?"
"About her lifespan?"
When I nod, he shakes his head. "Haven't found the right moment."
My brows furrow. "Well, you should."
He laughs. "I will." Atlas points at me. "I don't say this nearly enough – "
"Don't do it," I beg.
"I love you."
I crinkle my nose. "Why'd you have to make things weird?"
Atlas shrugs, a bright grin stretching across his face. Not sure if it's because he's made my skin crawl or because he means what he just said. "It's what older brothers do."
I groan, rubbing my forehead. "Having girls in the house has made us all soft."
Atlas barks out a deep laugh. "They certainly have. And I'm ok with that."
"Yeah, yeah." I smile. "Without making this night weirder – I love you, too."
My brother nods and backpedals to the staircase. "Goodnight, Nyx."
"Goodnight."
Well, that's settled. I'm never drinking whiskey again.
Twenty - Three
Atlas
Sleep eluded me and it wasn't for lack of trying. I tossed and turned, nearly taking up residence on the couch on the second floor to avoid disturbing Shaye, but the moment I attempted to leave our room, she insisted I remain beside her. Nightmares plagued me. Every time I closed my eyes, Naya's face would haunt me.
Since childhood, I've known Naya Valanor's story. Her triumph in victory, her loss of Oryn, and her ultimate demise from heartache. I never once considered we'd have so much in common and I'm terrified there's some cruel foreshadowing of what's to come with Vidarr being back. Despite the honor and excitement of an ancient dragon choosing me as his rider, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hesitant to ride him. Maybe Nyx is right. Maybe Vidarr wants a chance to redeem himself for losing Naya. But what if there is no saving someone with shadow magic? What if we are all doomed to suffer the same, cruel fate in the end. An endless cycle of pain and loss.
Thrane snaps his fingers in my face. "Are you paying attention? Or am I wasting my breath?"
I swallow hard, blinking away my thoughts. The Frost Elf stares at me in great irritation.
How long has he been talking and I've been zoned out? I dart a quick glance up to the stands and see Shaye, Nyx, and Ronan watching intently. There's concern in Shaye's face. This morning she asked me to share my nightmare, but there wasn't much to tell. It was the same vision on repeat, except the last time I saw it, I saw me in Naya's place. It's highly possible my mind is playing tricks on me, or it could be a warning. Further deep dives into it will have to wait. If I don't respond, Thrane might quit on me and then I'll have no one to instruct me.
Well, that's not entirely true. I could ask Shaye or even Sylvane to help me. But Thrane went to battle for me against my uncle's small council. His reputation is on the line. I owe him.
I clear my throat. "Sorry, I had a rough night."
Thrane's lips twist in disgust. "What transpires between you and my cousin is none of my business."
Realization strikes. "Oh, no, I didn't mean we were – I mean we did, but that's not – "
