“Fair point.”
Ciana stared into the flames as they crackled and popped around the wood. “What do you think Idrix will be like?”
Sebastian shifted. “Well,” he said, “we don’t know much about it. Even less than we do Vatha, I think.”
Ciana nodded. This was what she remembered, too.
“I think all we have to go on are the merchants who imported goods and foods that only grow there. But you’ve met them; they’re even more tightlipped about their homeland than the Kreah traders are.” Sebastian ran a hand through his hair.
Ciana fidgeted, twisting her hands together. Sebastian caught the movement but didn’t say anything.
“Do you—” She swallowed, then tried again. “Do you think they have magic there?”
Sebastian was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know. But if you want to know more about yourself, looking to Idrix won’t be the answer.”
“I know.” And she did. Those winds danced in her veins, awake for the first time in twenty-one years. They elated her and terrified her more than anything else ever had.
Who was she to have such a gift? That wasn’t her. She wasn’t someone powerful. She was bright and fun and a light to those around her, but strength was not something she ever wanted.
She just wanted to be safe.
A warm, calloused palm rested hesitantly on her forearm. “Do you want to talk about it?”
She shook her head with a quick jerk. “No.”
Sebastian didn’t push her further. He never did.
They fell into a familiar silence, watching the fire as the sunset turned to dusk and dusk faded to night. When the stars and moons shone bright above them, Sebastian finally pushed to his feet. “You should get to bed. It’ll be another long day of travel tomorrow. I’ll take the first watch.”
“You sure, Seb? I don’t…mind.” Quentin yawned around his words, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand.
Sebastian chuckled. “Yes, you oaf. Go get some sleep.”
Quentin grumbled but pushed to his feet. His bottle-green gaze landed on Delaynie, twinkling with mischief. “Final offer, little wolf. Before you know it, it’ll be just me and you on the road. Don’t you think we should get a little cozier?”
Delaynie looked down the bridge of her nose at him. “You’re more likely to sleep in the cart than share a tent with me.”
Quentin only grinned, leaning down close to her face. To her testament, Delaynie refused to flinch, though that blush returned to her pale cheeks.
“Good thing I love a challenge, little wolf.” He retreated, sliding between the canvas flaps of the tent he shared with Sebastian. Delaynie released a shaky exhale, slumping slightly.
Ciana glanced at Sebastian; they both bit their lips to keep from laughing. She stood, brushing the lingering sands from her lightweight trousers.
“Thank you,” she said quietly to Sebastian. “For not pushing.”
He smiled warmly, taking a tentative step closer. She could smell him again—everything about him was so comfortable and familiar andsafe. The desire to lean in, to fall into all thatwarmth and never come up for air, was so overwhelming she nearly swayed on her feet.
Sebastian’s gaze searched hers, his smile dropping just a touch. Ciana’s breath caught in her chest as his fingers met her temple with a featherlight touch, brushing across her cheek and gently sweeping her mass of curls off her shoulder.
He opened his mouth, like he was about to say something, before shutting it with a snap and dropping his hand.
It was for the best. He didn’t know her true mission yet, but it was good that he was keeping her at an arm’s distance.
A king.You are traveling to court a king. Sebastian’s walls—whatever his reasons for raising them might be—were for the best.
Ciana cleared her throat. “Goodnight, Sebastian.”
He slid his hands into his pockets. “Goodnight, Ciana.”
