Jasper stood then, clearing his throat. “I’ll inform the council. They’ll need time to prepare invitations.”
Syrena gave a nod, regal again in an instant. “Thank you.”
Phoenix muttered something under his breath and downed the rest of his water. Slade hadn't moved, but I could feel the weight of his gaze on me—protective, unreadable.
The Queen rose and began to leave, her silks whispering over the floor like smoke.
Just before she reached the door, she paused.
“I know this isn’t what you wanted, Elira,” she said softly, not turning around. “But maybe it’s what we need.”
Then she was gone.
Chapter 3
Phoenix
After breakfast, I followed Elira outside—keeping just enough distance as she made her way to the training yard behind the castle and started to run.
I eased down onto the grass, careful not to flinch at the ache still lingering in my back. For a while, I just watched her. The sun here was brighter than anywhere I’d been—too bright, almost—but it warmed my skin, loosened the stiffness in my bones.
“You don’t have to watch me,” she said eventually, slowing to a walk. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Who says I’m watching?” I said. “Maybe I’m just here for the sun.”
She almost smiled.
Almost.
Then it slipped away, like it had never been there.
She wiped sweat from her brow with the back of her wrist and turned to run again.
“Elira,” I said, before she could.
She paused, not looking at me.
“I know you don’t need help,” I said softly. “Doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.”
Her jaw tightened as she looked up at the sky. “I’m used to being alone.”
“I know.”
She kept running—pushing herself hard, like she needed to chase something out of her body. I stayed where I was. Waiting. Watching.
Eventually, she slowed, then dropped down in the grass beside me. Arms crossed, posture stiff, like she still hadn’t decided if she was staying.
I didn’t say anything. Just kept my eyes on the sky. The silence settled—thick, familiar, not entirely comfortable.
“Good run?” I asked after a while.
She grunted. “Fine.”
“Good.”
She lay back then, staring up at the blue stretch above us. Cloudless. Endless.
“Is this the part where you try to make me talk about my feelings?” she muttered.
