I had to trust that River could fend for himself, and deep down, I believed he could withstand my mother, given the inferno he wielded. But that confidence faltered if the Elderschose to intervene. A coalition of formidable figures from every court, each with distinct and dangerous gifts, was a threat no one could face alone.
‘Stop stressing,’ Emily pleaded, handing me a cup of hot chocolate. I hadn’t felt this drained in a long time. The uneasiness crawled beneath my skin like a parasite, waiting to eat me alive.
‘Thank you,’ I murmured, tightening my grip on the warm mug that briefly sheltered my chilled fingers. The comforting heat faded too quickly, leaving me exposed again, open for the chill to reclaim its hold.
After what felt like an endless wait, I retreated to my room. Pacing aimlessly, I eventually sat by the balcony door overlooking the mountains. Just as I reached for my dragon bond to speak to Anya, a quiet knock startled me.
Even before I opened the door, I knew who it was. His warmth radiated from a distance, pulling me closer like a siren’s call.
When I yanked it open, I gasped. River’s pale skin was bruised and blistering along his jawline. I recognised it instantly: ice burns.
Reaching towards the injury, I let my witchcraft flow, mending it as best I could. He leaned into my touch, eyes closing briefly. The hollowness beneath them told me he needed rest.
‘Did she do this?’ I tried to sound composed, but my voice came out little more than a whisper.
Leaning down, his eyes softened. ‘No. She’s not stupid enough to attack during the Committee. I was called into battle after. That’s why I took so long.’
‘How are you feeling?’ My gaze traced the singed stubble and painful marks.
‘Relax, Ava. I’ll be back to my handsome self in no time,’ he teased, smiling faintly. ‘You should see the other guy.’
His eyes darkened as his gaze lingered on my hand against his jaw. Then he caught my cold fingers, letting our essences intertwine.
The connection calmed me instantly, as warmth chased away the chills.
‘Besides, it’s my fault anyway,’ he said. ‘Shouldn’t have joined the battle when I was distracted. See what you do to me, little witch?’
Hurt sliced through my chest at the implication. Was I responsible?
As if he realised my concerns, he backtracked sharply. ‘No! That’s not what I meant. For fuck’s sake, I keep messing up today.’
I swallowed the lump in my throat. ‘No, I understand. She’s my mother.’
‘No. It was a joke, a stupid one. I didn’t mean anything by it. Just forget it,’ he said quickly, eyes still flaring like he expected punishment. ‘I only meant that you preoccupy my mind too much. Nothing else.’
I wasn’t sure whether to believe him. ‘Did you really?’
His chest expanded in a deep sigh as he met my gaze. ‘Take up any more space in there and I might just lose my mind.’
Flustered, I tried to steer us back to safer ground. ‘How did the meeting go?’
‘She reported the kidnapping. That was obvious and expected. In fact, I thought she would have done it long ago,’ he said, his thumb tracing heat across my fingers.
It seemed awfully anticlimactic for my mother. ‘Was that it?’
‘Not exactly. She claimed she worries you’re unsafe, if not already dead, at my brute hands,’ River snorted, though without humour. ‘Half the meeting was her babbling about how much I hate Ortensians.’
That sounded like her. She never truly cared. The meeting was just to confirm whether I was stillalive. Now she would start scheming to get me back into her gilded cage. ‘Did the Elders give any orders?’
‘They suggested I allow you to meet her, to prove you’re being taken care of.’ His sneer carried no amusement. ‘Quite the act she put on. Mother of the year material.’
All of this complicated things.
‘What does that mean for me?’ I asked, unsure whether to stay or start planning another escape.
The way he recoiled broke our connection. ‘My claim on you is legitimate, and they know it. We’re not doing anything, and you’re not meeting her. Not a chance.’
Though I appreciated his protectiveness, my mind turned to the Fogoyans. The man I had seen yesterday, and his injuries, were nothing compared to what she could do if she retaliated. ‘What if she breaches your border?’
