Page 207 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Too rehearsed.

Rain smiled warmly; a perfect, practiced smile, ensuring she didn’t realise he was dissecting every word.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s safe for the girls to be around mortals yet,” he said gently. “They’ve been through a lifetime of seclusion and neglect. It’ll take time for them to adjust. I’d never put you in harm’s way; just as I wouldn’t put them in danger.”

Wren bit her lip—hard—and her energy spiked with panic she could no longer hide.

Rain tilted his head, voice softening.

“Is everything alright, Wren?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she snapped, the words sharp and brittle. She shot to her feet; fists planted on her hips. “Jay, we need to go home. Remember we have that thing later.”

Jay blinked, startled. He shot Rain an apologetic look as he stood, confusion swirling around him like fog. Whatever was happening with Wren; he clearly had no idea.

Rain’s heart eased a fraction.

Jay wasn’t involved.

Thank the Gods.

“Wren,” Rain called, reaching out and catching her hand.

She froze.

The moment their skin touched, Rain focused his power; pushing past her surface emotions, searching for the truth beneath.

Wren doubled down instantly.

Her thoughts slammed into a single repeated phrase, over and over like a shield:

I need to go home. I need to go home. I need to go home.

But her pulse betrayed her; hammering against his fingers, frantic and uneven. Her anxiety gnawed at her like acid, eating away at her composure.

Rain softened his voice, letting sincerity seep into every word.

“I believe I owe you an apology.”

Her brow creased; confusion cracking her mask.

Her guard slipped; just a fraction.

And in that tiny opening, Rain heard it.

Does he know I’m talking?

Then the phrase returned, rigid and forced.

I need to go home. I need to go home.

Rain’s stomach twisted.

“For how things went between me and Jay,” he continued gently. “I know you’ve done your best to look out for him. And I know there are things I should have done differently. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.”

He paused; letting the silence stretch, letting her feel the weight of his sincerity.

“I’m thankful he had you by his side while I failed to be there. I’m sorry for putting you both through that. I value your friendship—both of you. And I know that by associating with me, you sacrifice a lot.”