“I know. But…are you sure—”
“Absolutely,” I whispered. “Draven, tell me if you want this. If you want me.”
“I do,” he said, “You have no idea what I’d do for you, Princess. You have my heart.”
“And you have mine. Always.”
—
The mirror tree shimmered aboveme. It was exactly what I’d pictured, how I’d seen it in my head, perfectly carved as I’d asked for. My eyes took it all in slowly—since I wouldn’t be allowed to the next day, during our Wedding of Flame and Sky.
I tapped my foot. Though it was light outside, the curtains were kept closed so no one could see the mirror tree before the ceremony. My hand flared out to light the lanterns around the room. He was late.
Finally, the doors opened, and a large puma slipped through, stealthily.
I laughed and shook my head at his dramatics, waiting as he rubbed up and around my legs, purring softly at me.
“Feeling untamed?” I asked, teasingly.
Draven turned then, shifting into the handsome prince I loved.
“One night without me in your bed and you’re singing messages to find me?” he said, laughing as he looped his arms around my waist. “So needy, my princess.”
I flushed at the double meaning but didn’t deny him. Love glowed between us, our Pair bond strong.
“Tonight, Draven,” I whispered, terrified someone would discover us. “I want to marry you tonight. I can’t wait.”
His brow furrowed. “But tomorrow—”
“Tomorrow is for them. For our kingdoms and dominions. For our parents.” I pressed a kiss to the center of his chest. “Tonight let it be for justus.”
56
Consciousness pulled me back, slow and heavy. My body was aching and overly warm. My dreams had been so vivid.
The air was cool, touched with something sweet. A soft breeze stirred around me as I opened my eyes.
Above me, the mirror tree was back. Its branches curved like flowing silver, arching high overhead, the delicate leaves shimmering with a light that wasn’t quite from this world. The leaves swayed gently, their mirrored surfaces catching and scattering the glow, turning the ceiling into a kaleidoscope of shifting brilliance. It was like lying beneath a sky filled with stars.
A quiet rustle drew my attention. The world swam around me. Edith’s face wavered in and out of focus.
“Edith—”
She was alive.Alive.But something about her was…different.
“Edith?” My voice came out thin, uncertain. I reached out to touch her, fingers extending toward her sleek dark red hair.
Red.
“Oh, thank Kuan Yin—you’re awake.” Relief cracked through her weary expression as she grasped my hand.
Flame? Are you okay?My panic rushed forward.
Rubi!Flame’s voice burst into my mind.We’re all fine. We thought we’d lost you.
I’m all right. I’ll come to you soon.
“Quinn,” I whimpered, my lips cracked. Edith handed me a flask of water, her eyes tragic as she shook her head.
