Page 145 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Rain leaned against the door frame, observing quietly.

He monitored their powers instinctively.

Rose’s influence drifted like soft perfume; subtle, sweet, but potent if left unchecked. Aetherials resisted it better than mortals, but Rain still felt the tug when he wasn’t actively channelling. Teaching her discipline would be… a challenge. She lived half in her own head, half in the clouds.

Scarlet, though; Scarlet he could help.

She wanted control.

Needed it.

And she listened well.

“Scarlet,” Rain said gently when Snow finished her story, “would you like to sit with me outside under the stars?”

Her flame centre flickered in excitement, darkening a small circle on her dress — she didn’t notice.

“Yes!” she chirped, scrambling to her feet.

“Do you have a jumper? It’s colder here than Burgundy.”

“Yes, you do,” Snow said. “We hung them in your closet.”

Scarlet nodded and ran upstairs, Rose floating after her like a curious shadow.

Snow stood and stretched.

“I should head back to the palace. It’s late, and Father will be growing suspicious.”

Rain placed his hands on her shoulders.

“If he questions you, we were celebrating at a club with my friends. I acted like nothing happened. My attendance at the games will be all over the broadcasts. Then I went home with a lover; he’ll believe that. Act shocked when you hear about the princesses. I didn’t confide in you. You’re hurt.”

“I know the drill,” she said, rolling her eyes affectionately before pulling him into a hug. “Are you sure you’ll be okay without me? You’re hurting. I know you are. Maybe you should come home with me? Father will certainly give you an outlet for your frustration.”

They both laughed; a soft, tired sound.

Their father had always been a distraction from emotional pain.

But Rain knew this time was different.

This pain was too deep, too raw.

“I’ll be fine,” he said. “I have plenty to occupy my mind.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the pouch of red aetherchrome, placing it firmly in her hand.

“Don’t open it near the girls. It’s Red Aether. When I held it, I felt… renewed. Like something inside me activated. It wasn’t until Scarlet engulfed me in flames that I realised it must have awakened another power. I want to see if it affects you too.”

Snow’s eyes widened.

“That’s what you meant by being fireproof. Wait—did Scarlet almost roast you alive?!”

Rain winced.

“Hey, I’m fireproof. She barely caused a sweat.”

He paused.