Page 16 of Her Ivory Flame

He did as he promised and turned his head, eyes closed while holding the towel up to her. She stepped out, and his arms moved around her helping wrap the towel over her wet skin. Turning, she looked up at him, his eyes still closed making her heart beat a little faster.

“Thank you.”

He opened his eyes, smiling down at her before stepping back and pulling his shirt over his head. Her eyes again fell on his well-built body before grabbing the clothing from his outstretched hand.

“No, you can’t keep it.” He smirked before turning to let her dress.

She watched the door shut, her heart starting to race even faster in anticipation. This was going to be the hardest part of the day, facing the biggest part of her past that was now haunting her present.

Adjusting Silas’s shirt on her body so that it fell just above her knees, she took a deep breath before placing her hand on the doorknob. She closed her eyes and let out a breath before opening the door to the main room.

Declan was leaning against the back of the couch with his arms crossed staring at Silas, who to his credit had put on another shirt and was eating silently at the table facing them. More food was placed next to him, she assumed for her but she was not ready to eat just yet.

At the sound of the door creaking the rest of the way open, Declan’s eyes shot to her, irritation crossing his face at the sight of Silas’s shirt on her.

“Hey,” she said hesitantly, her hair falling over the front of her shoulder.

“Are you two together?” Declan’s voice sharp, his eyes going between her and Silas.

“After 100 years, that’s the first thing you ask?” her eyebrow lifting at him but he kept his stare fixed on her. “No,” she answered, Silas not reacting to the conversation. “We are justfriends, you heard what he told the king earlier in the throne room. He’s been taking care of me all these years and we became close.”

Declan’s nostrils flared, the realization and betrayal showing. He shifted so he was off the couch and facing her, arms still crossed. “All these years, and you couldn’t figure out a way to tell me?”

“I know you are hurt-.”

“I’m devastated!” he yelled, his emerald eyes darkening towards her.

She could see Silas tense at the table, but kept himself seated.

“I thought you were dead! Mourned you for a century only to find out you've been alive and playing house with one of my foot soldiers!”

“Do not yell at me.” she warned, her anxiety turning to anger. “I did what I thought was best for myself. I know I hurt you, but after what I went through I did not want to return to this life.” She shifted on her feet, her hands formed into fists. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” His tone was quieter but still irritated. “Did you not trust me to keep your secret?”

She averted her eyes before taking a long breath. “I didn’t leave Mavros’s dungeon the same person and it would not have been fair to you. I don’t want this life anymore, dealing with court politics and high society gatherings. That is your world, a world you love and I know you would never want to leave. I’m only here because of him.” Her hand gestured to Silas, who had finished his food andwas just sitting staring out the dark window the other direction but still listening for any sign of danger.

“You were my fiancée.” Declan’s voice got calmer. “Even if that was true I would have helped you and I could have taken care of you.” His eyes glancing back at Silas then returned to her. “I still love you Alrya, I never stopped. When you walked into that room today, I could sense you but I didn’t believe it until you pulled your hood back and I stopped breathing.”

He moved towards her, his arms relaxing beside him and stopped inches in front of her. He lifted his hands and tried to reach up to cup her face, her body jerking away a step.

“Please don’t touch me.” she breathed, bile instantly rising in her throat at the thought.

She could see his eyes darken some but he didn’t advance towards her and saw the green in them reflecting the small amount of light surrounding them. “Don’t push me away now that I got you back after all these years.”

A tear leaked from the corner of her eye down the side of her face and her heart started racing.

There was a part of her that wanted to go back to him, being in love with him was a happy time in her life for the most part. That life was gone though, and she had lost that love the day she lost her power.

“It can’t be the same as it was, Declan.” her voice was shaky. “My heart no longer wants the same things it used to and it’s nothingyou did. I’m sorry but the best I can give you is to just be my friend.”

“I see.” He cleared his throat looking away for a moment to gather himself. She could see his throat bob to contain his composure and his jaw clenching with that familiar pained look in his eyes when he looked back at her. “I’m not going anywhere Alyra, I’ll be here if you need anything.” He nodded goodbye and walked towards the entry, glancing at Silas before disappearing out the door.

Silas was instantly moving to her before she could pull herself together. She moved her hands up to her chest, the ache making it almost impossible to keep her breathing even. As soon as she felt Silas’s arms around her, she started sobbing into his chest.

“You did nothing wrong,” he whispered, resting his head on hers.

“Then why do I feel horrible?” her voice barely audible between sobs.