Page 165 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Her voice wavered, uncertainty clouding her aura. She searched his face, bracing for regret or disapproval.

“No,” Rain said immediately. “I love it. May it serve as my reminder to heed your wisdom.”

He twisted his wrist into the light, mesmerised by the tiny frost-etched design.

“How did you do this? Did you burn me with ice? It’s so detailed—how?”

Snow giggled, delighted by his confusion.

“Yes! I guess it’s frostbite. Or like… a dry-ice burn? I don’t know.” She shrugged, grinning. “Because of my affinity for snow, my burn manifested this way. I have the same mark.”

She lifted her left wrist; an identical snowflake glimmered there.

“I meditated with the Red Aetherchrome,” she explained. “The Gods came through for me, like they did for you. They must have sensed my hesitation about having a power that seemed harmful. They showed me the beauty in it. How to wield it.”

She beamed, pride radiating from her.

“And I created this on my first attempt.”

Rain brushed his thumb over her mark, admiration warming his chest.

“Very impressive,” he said and meant it. She was remarkable.

“I had another vision on Velday,” he continued. “After you left. I led Scarlet into meditation and joined her. The Gods spoke again; told me to seek out the remaining Aetherchrome. I think each one may activate more power within us. Which is absolutely fucking crazy.”

Snow’s eyes widened, mirroring his awe.

“They said I’ve already activated Blue, Red, and White,” Rain said. “I don’t recall ever handling White Aether. Maybe Isarion was sneaky during our sessions. Did the Gods confirm anything for you?”

Snow shook her head, listening intently.

“Then we aim to possess one of each,” Rain said. “Even the ones we’ve touched before. It’ll be easier once I’m king but if any opportunity arises before then, we take it.”

Snow straightened, determination sharpening her aura.

“Actually… Mother, Navy, and I are visiting Aunt Igna on Verday. She’s hosting a ladies’ breakfast to reveal her new gardens. We’ll be travelling down the day before.”

She met Rain’s gaze, eyes bright with resolve.

“While I’m there, I’ll try to obtain some Green Aether. It can’t hurt to try.”

Rain’s expression sobered.

“Just be mindful of who you talk to. And what you say.”

Snow tutted, rolling her eyes.

“Sometimes I think you forget who you’re talking to.”

Rain lifted his hands in surrender, laughing softly.

“Okay, okay.”

He leaned back, expression shifting.

“Hey, when I was meditating, the Gods brought me into Scarlet’s mind space. They spoke to her, or rather Cyrrax spoke to her? I don’t know it was bizarre. He told her I was the Rainbow King. Helped her like the Gods had helped me. And afterward, she was renewed. Confidently prancing around.”

He smirked.