True to his word, Sebastian shoved a plate of bread, cheese and apple at her before she’d been allowed to do anything else. He stood right next to her, arms folded, watching her like a hawk.
“Sebastian, this isn’t necessary–”
His glare made the words die in her throat. He was right. She hadn’t eaten since the battle. Ten days ago. So she ate. She could only manage half of it, but it was enough that he gave her a begrudging nod. “Fine, but you’re having a proper meal at dinner.”
She agreed without complaint, and pulled him excitedly through the corridors towards where Alys was waiting. She was here to celebrate with her despite Alaric Hale’s disapproval. Alys threw her arms around both of them the moment she saw them, happy tears spilling down her face.
“You’re gettingmarried–” Alys began as she let them go.
“I am,” Kara nodded, her head still spinning.
“You’re going to be Lady Thorne,” Alys practically squealed. “You have to show meeverything!”
So, Kara and Sebastian showed her around the Keep that afternoon, Alys’s laughter carrying down the stone halls, already making plans for flowers and feasts.
“Well,” Alys said with a mischievous grin, linking her arm through Kara’s, “In one month’s time I’ll be related to both Heroes of Vallenna.” She flicked her auburn curls back dramatically, green eyes dancing. “That makes me practically royalty.”
Sebastian pulled a face. “Gods, don’t call us that.”
Alys smirked, utterly unbothered. “Too late, cousin.”
Kara squeezed his hand. “Yep. You’re stuck with us now,my lord.”
She burst out laughing at the look on his face. And it felt so good.
I could stare at him all day.
It amazed her how beautiful Thorne appeared with Sebastian at her side. The halls seemed warmer, the world itself brighter. She glanced at him again – the third time in as many minutes – just to make sure he was still there. She hadn’t been able to let go of his hand. Not even for a moment. And she didn’t intend to. Several times she willed a private thanks to the Arcanth. Though it never answered, she hoped it heard. Hoped it knew how grateful she was, that it had her loyalty for as long as she lived. By the time Alys was settled into her chambers, Kara’s heart felt lighter.
When they were finally alone again, Kara tipped her head onto Sebastian’s shoulder. “I want to tell you something.”
He pulled her closer. “What is it?”
“Before I changed things – when you...” she forced the words out, “...when you died – Sienna and Alys were there. They came to Thorne. Stayed with me every night. Sat there until morning came, casting their magic so I could sleep. Sienna took part of my grief into herself. Carried it when I couldn’t breathe beneath it.” Kara swallowed, the memory painful. “They saved my life.”
Sebastian kissed her temple and held there. His gratitude flooded fiercely through her chest.
“I want them both beside me at the wedding,” Kara said. She looked up at him. “As family. Alys already is, of course, but Sienna... well, they both stood with me in the darkest place I’ve ever been. There’s no one else I’d want.”
Sebastian nodded solemnly. “Then they’ll stand with you.”
Kara sent the hawk immediately, inviting Sienna to Thorne to help with the wedding. She would ask her to stand as witness when she arrived. She watched the hawk fly south towards Lyra with a smile.
That night, for the first time in over a week, Kara fell asleep in Sebastian’s arms. She lay her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Her favourite sound in all of Vallenna. She’d missed it so much.
But hours later, she woke to silence.
She reached for him, but found only empty sheets.
“No–” she cried, the word strangled, panicked. “Sebastian!”
Don’t let it have been a dream.
Don’t let him be dead.
Kara threw herself off the bed and stumbled blindly through the chamber, the stone floor cold on her feet. She couldn’t think straight, just screamed his name again and again. Strong arms closed around her the moment she reached the corridor.
“Kara!” Sebastian’s voice was alarmed as he crushed her to him. The reassuring beat of his heart thumped hard against her ear. It was racing. She grabbed at him desperately, sobbing uncontrollably.
