I thought of my soreness. I looked down at my body, seeing the fading handprints. The disappearing bruises. No burning way?—
“He didn’t, Madame.”
Saundeiah interrupted my thoughts before they spiraled all the way to the Hèls.
“Raephim Khaziah has been working on you this last week. These unfortunate bruises happened right after your bond to our Roi Tassarion sealed. We can’t explain what happened. Khaziah has cured many rare cases that befall angels, but she’s seen nothing like this before. You were badly wounded, but it wasn’t the king. Roi Tassarion would never... violate you.”
The anxiety swelling in my chest deflated like a balloon. Tassarion, though beastly and bullish, didn’t seem like the type. But I would never be dumb enough to assume he wouldn’t. By Saundeiah’s tone, and the frantic expression on her face, I knewshe wasn’t lying. Thank the stars. A part of my brain, my soul, would have broken if I’d learned otherwise.
You wouldn’t have been so lucky if you were in the hands of the Farasees.
I swallowed through a thick knot in my throat. The truth in that thought clanged around in my hearts and ears, ringing like bells.
Air.
I needed air.
That would help me process all of this.
I looked at Saundeiah, who had a youngling Nanmiess with her. Both souls looked stressed. As if I were a peculiar creature and they had no clue what to do with me. A penetrating longing unraveled in my chest. I missed Manmi and Papi. I missed my home.
Bones nuzzled my side.
“It’s okay, Emie.” He pressed his head into my chest, cuddling into my arms. I bowed my head low, fighting the tears burning my eyes. “You’re safe,” the cinderwolf whispered, his melodious voice wrapping a warm embrace around my defeated shoulders. Holding onto Bones, I rubbed his fur as my tears fell. I was a target marked for capture, for death, by the Empyrean. I was a long way from home and probably could never return.
I was also now awife.
I felt so alone. So confused.
“I miss Manmi, Bones. She would know what to do.”
The cinderwolf looked up at me, grief darkening his eyes. He tilted his head, looking at me for a long time before nuzzling me with his nose again, trying to make me feel better.
“My Emie,” he rumbled. Saundeiah watched us go back and forth without interrupting, keeping quiet. “The Order cannot find you. That matters most right now.”
“Roièssa...”
The small voice from earlier spoke again. I dabbed my eyes with the back of my hand, drying my tears, pushing the thoughts of my family, of Edenael, to the back of my mind. It was time to show some gratitude. I was a stranger here. And thus far, while I was met with peculiarities and strangeness, I’d also been dealt a great measure of favor, reverence, and gentleness.
I turned my head, catching my reflection in the mirror. The most beautiful silk bonnet had been placed on my head while I’d been recovering. The gesture was so pure that it moved me.
“Who...?”
“Roi Tassarion. He wanted to make sure you were deeply and intentionally cared for. His Manmi always wore one before bed each twinight, so we’ve done the same for you.”
Roi Tassarion.
My hearts burned with an emotion I refused to put words to.
“Thank you.” I gnawed on my lower lip. “I’d like a proper tour of the manor... if allowed.”
Saundeiah and the youngling beamed.
“Of course. We’ll get you ready and Gargorètti Obsidian will guide you.”
At the thought of Obsidian, I smiled. I hadn’t had the chance to talk with him since he brought me to this peculiar manor. I’d only known him since our imprisonment, but I felt a kindred spirit with the gargoyle. My hope was high that the Gargorètti would accept to be my friend.
“Come, Madame,” Saundeiah said, curling her fingers at me. “Let’s get you ready for the dawn.”
