Page 108 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“And trying is the path to success,” Rose added, a spark returning to her eyes.

Rain stepped aside, giving her space to exit.

She hesitated, inhaled deeply, then dipped her toe onto the dirt.

Her power washed over the squad and Scarlet, like a warm breeze. Wrapping them in contentment and gentle affection.

Scarlet dropped her bread and scrambled to her feet, forgetting herself entirely. Rain watched her closely, ready to intervene but Rose’s power seemed to stabilise Scarlet, keeping her emotions soft and controlled.

Interesting.

Perhaps Rose could be to Scarlet what Snow was to him.

Rose ran into Scarlet’s arms. The sisters clung to each other, sobbing with relief. Rain hovered close by, worried Scarlet might flare but Rose didn’t seem afraid.

He turned to the soldiers.

They were staring at the sisters with adoring, dreamy expressions; Rose’s influence settling over them like a warm blanket.

This was going to be a problem.

“Fall in,” Rain called.

The soldiers tore their gazes away from the sisters with visible reluctance, their expressions soft and dazed under Rose’s influence. But training won out; they snapped into formation, though their eyes kept drifting back toward her.

“Captain,” Rain said, turning to Short, “stay here and watch over the princesses while I retrieve the other two.”

Short nodded, already positioning herself protectively between Rose and the men.

“You three,” Rain continued, shifting his attention to the soldiers, “head back to Glass. Tell her to keep her eyes on us while you figure out how to get us home. We have vulnerable Aetherials who haven’t left their rooms in at least a decade.”

He lowered his voice.

“Rose has been cared for; well fed, comfortable. Scarlet, on the other hand, is severely neglected. I doubt she can walk far without assistance. The other two are children. I hope they were as fortunate as Rose… but based on Briar’s fire signature, I have my doubts.”

He exhaled, the weight of responsibility settling across his shoulders.

“They’re young. Low muscle tone. We need to accommodate for that. Come up with a plan. We’ll join you shortly.”

“Hopefully before nightfall,” Short added, pointing toward the sinking sun.

Rain grimaced.

They were in for a long night.

“Agreed. Go now; I need you out of Rose’s range before I can leave.”

The men glanced toward Rose again, longing softening their features. Renn and Hamish muttered their confirmation and began to move.

Vass didn’t.

He stood rooted to the spot, his energy radiating a powerful, unfiltered attraction toward the princess.

“Vass,” Rain snapped, “move your feet, soldier!”

Short immediately stepped into Vass’s line of sight, blocking Rose from view. A protective maternal instinct surged through her; fierce and unyielding. Rain had chosen correctly. Rose’s influence activated a guardian response in Short, not desire.

He watched the men retreat, monitoring their energy signatures until they crossed the twenty-foot threshold. Rose’s influence faded from them like a fog lifting.