He tried to get out, but I pulled them tighter, managing with my stance to drag him closer to me. On his knees, awash in the moonlight.
Lips parting, he heaved out a breath and looked up at me, something like relief and liberation bursting out of him. His head was tilted back, a bright grin on his face, dimple appearing—all the darkness that had been in his eyes, now gone.
What took its place made my belly tighten and warm.
“A true Tyger Warrior,” he whispered, and my heart gave an extra squeeze. “I shouldn’t have said what I did yesterday. I was frustrated, and you— Anyway, it was cruel and unhelpful.”
I nodded. “Very cruel and unhelpful. As bad as killing my chicken.”
His full lips quirked as he shook his head. “Flame should be proud to have you as her rider.”
I am, dear one. Males are always so slow to catch up.
The warmth of her rumbling voice in my head mixed with the heat of his body so close to mine made my entire body unfurl, muscles relaxing after weeks’ worth of tension. I unwrapped the ribbons from his wrists, our breath mingling as I bent close to him.
Hands freed, he made as if to reach for me, then caught himself. “Get some rest, Rubi. There is much more to learn and so little time.”
—
A few days later, heavytrunks arrived at the door. There was a note, written in a bold hand.
I understand this cannot compensate for the chicken.
For a long moment, none of us moved. Then Nelly let out a small squeak of excitement and darted forward, tugging at one of the latches. “Oh, lady, it’s almost as if you might have an admirer, despite both your unladylike tendencies and failure as a warrior.”
When I opened the first one, I just stood there, frozen. Thyme leaned in over my shoulder and let out a low whistle. Inside were layers of fine clothing, far beyond anything I had ever owned. The fabrics gleamed under the faint light: deep velvets, supple leathers, thick woven wools, all stitched beautifully. They came in the colors of every jewel: rich red, deep green, midnight blue, black trimmed with gold thread. The scent of cedar and clean linen rose up as I sifted through them.
When our hut was destroyed, Edith and I had each received a trunk with some sturdy serviceable garments as replacements. This was something else.
There was a modest, floor-length shapeless nightgown made of thick cotton. I picked it up, snorted, and immediately gave it to Nelly, who clutched it to her chest like it was the greatest treasure in the world.
As I lifted out a thick, fur-lined cloak, Edith ran her hands over the wool. She gave me a sharp glance. “Rubi, what have you gotten yourself into?”
I shook my head.
This meant nothing. To Blake Axefire, the cost was negligible. I swallowed hard and closed the trunk.
If only I could close the door to my heart the same way.
24
“Another!”
Quinn’s loud rumble was followed by a bout of cheers. I shook my head and blushed, hunching down.
“Don’t you dare—”
“For our tygress rider! To Rubi!”
Calla and Edith both answered brightly, voices cheering loudly from our high table inside the tavern. The drunken crew surrounding us responded to Quinn’s call as well, making the blush on my cheeks grow darker.
“And a happy second Zodiac!” Jace echoed, sidling up next to me at the crowded top. I was now twenty-four years old. This was the birthday when any hidden power was supposed to manifest. To my disappointment, there was no change. No sudden flare, no hidden magic unlocking with the return of my birth sign, the Year of the Dragon. But a part of me had expected this, and I was ready to drown my sorrows.
Jace’s hand pressed against the back of mine, my jade braceletclinking against his silver cuff again. My magic thrummed enough that I dropped my mug back to the wooden bar top, sloshing the golden liquid over the rim.
“Sorry,” I said. “You startled me.”
“By accident, I assure you,” Jace said, beckoning a cloth from a barback.
