Page 174 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

He turned to Snow, who was soothing Ember in her arms.

“Are you okay to watch over them while I speak with the Order?”

Snow nodded, her gaze sharp; a silent demand that he make the right choices for the girls. Rain gave a subtle nod in return.

He faced Isarion again.

“Right. Follow me into the garden. I’ll have Rosenberry prepare tea. Scarlet feels calm but allow me to exit first so she doesn’t accidentally scorch one of you into an early grave.”

A small squeak sounded behind him.

Rose.

She leapt from her rocking chair and grabbed Rain’s hand, her delicate fingers trembling. Her energy was scattered; a tangled knot of fear, dread and confusion threatened to drag her behind the mental walls she used to escape trauma.

Rain shifted, pulling her into his arms. He wrapped her tightly, sending calming energy into her until her trembling eased and the walls receded.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “You’re safe. Just as I promised. These are our friends. Remember I told you about Elder Isarion? They’re here to help teach you, just like he taught me.”

She squeezed him as tightly as her frail arms allowed, her voice muffled against his shirt.

“I am sorry I wasn’t here.”

He held her a moment longer before she pulled away, her energy brightening, her warm smile returning as she glanced at the visitors.

Once he was certain the girls were settled, Rain guided the Order toward the gardens.

As he stepped through the French doors onto the patio, Scarlet bounded up to him, her flame-bright aura buzzing with excitement.

“Rainbow King!”

Scarlet’s voice rang out like a burst of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. She beamed up at him, amber eyes warm and bright, her smile stretching gloriously wide as she threw her arms around him in a quick, exuberant hug.

Rain’s chest loosened at the sight of her, she was alive, unharmed and glowing with confidence instead of fear.

“I’m glad to see you’re doing okay. No fire?” he asked, scanning her quickly for scorch marks or signs of a flare. “I’m sorry our guests arrived without warning. I’ll make sure that never happens again.”

Behind her, Duke Henry stiffened, guilt flickering across his features. He had been given a direct order to protect the princesses from anyone who approached, and he had let the Order inside without hesitation. The realisation hit him belatedly, his posture tightening with apprehension.

Scarlet, oblivious to his discomfort, spoke animatedly.

“I was just shocked to see them in hoods. It made me feel scared. I didn’t want to be taken away again, and my heart was beating fast, andI thought it would light my fire.” She tapped her chest where her flames usually appeared. “But I controlled it! Henry helped keep me calm.”

Rain flicked a side glance at the Duke; a silent acknowledgement of gratitude, before returning his full attention to Scarlet. He squeezed her hands gently, pride warming his voice.

“That’s amazing. You’re doing great. I’m proud of how far you’ve come.”

He nodded toward the house. “Your sisters are with Snow in the living room. Would you like to join them while I speak with our guests?”

Scarlet nodded eagerly.

Rain looked around at the gathered Order members, all watching the interaction with varying degrees of curiosity and caution. He sighed.

“Please, take a seat. Henry, would you bring out refreshments? We’ll discuss what happened later.”

Henry bowed and guided Scarlet inside. The Order settled into the garden chairs, though their postures remained stiff, uncertain.

Isarion rubbed at his arm again, the pain still lingering deep in the tendons. Rain reached forward and placed a hand on the Elder’s forearm.