Page 200 of Ashborne: Defiance

I watched her carefully, measuring her for returning shock. But she focused on Bren, and though I could sense her fragility, she kept herself composed.

I was breathless with admiration. She’d been through hell, but she’d walked through this day bold, and beautiful. She carried herself like a noble and a Furyknight—chin high, shoulders back, striding into whatever would come.

Fragile? Yes. Fearless, also.

She was incredible.

My breath came too fast and shallow, and my heart pumped like I’d been running. But that wasn’t what made me feel breathless.

“I hope someone’s making sure Donavyn has a nice dress for the occasion,” Jhoare interjected, with a grin. It took a moment to remember he spoke of the wedding.

Gil snorted, and Bren cackled. Grace smiled, and looked at me over her shoulder again. And, holy fuck. I wanted to make her do that again.

Smile. Smile for me. Let your eyes sparkle again. The world is dark, but there’s light here, too. And beauty. And—

I stumbled again.

Dear God. I was losing my mind.

“You sick, bro?” Gil asked, surprised, staring at me like he was truly concerned.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine. Just tired. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

It was the wrong thing to say. Every person in that conversation had a different theory on why I hadn’t slept well.

Jhoare smiled knowingly.

Bren shot me a look.

Gil smirked and looked at Grace, whose smile fell to earth and shattered.

I stared at her, silently pleading for forgiveness. It had been a thoughtless comment, but my wits had abandoned me. I didn’t have a pithy answer to brush them all off.

“I’m sure we can all use a better rest tonight,” Bren said breezily. “Grace wasn’t the only one who drank too much last night.” She sent pointed looks at both of my brothers, and as they leaped to their own defense, I could have kissed her for the distraction.

Conversation turned to the coming days, and patrols, and Grace’s training.

“I’ll take the slot to help tomorrow,” I hurriedly offered. “I’m not on patrol until evening.”

Gil nodded. “Good man.”

It turned out they’d all been to check on their dragons and were now headed to the barracks. Bren wanted to show Grace the lounge, while Gil and Jhoare planned to start a card game.

I thought of staring at Grace over cards for the next three hours, watching the others make her laugh and touching her and fell over myself, making excuses. It would be a good distraction for her. But, she wouldn’t be alone. I couldn’t talk to her. And what would I have said if I could?

Why was I so flustered? I prayed it didn’t show on my face.

“Well, I had a meeting. I haven’t seen Kham yet. And I have to mend his harness. You guys go. Maybe I’ll find you later if I get done in time.”

“You sleeping out tonight?” Gil asked casually. Did he want the solitude, or was it just a question?

“I planned to,” I said, because I had.

An ache rolled through my chest. I felt Grace’s eyes on the side of my face as I clasped hands with Gil, then Jhoare. She was still staring when I turned back.

“Are you—”

“She’ll be fine,” Bren cut in, an edge in her voice I didn’t like. I had to fight not to glare when I forced myself to turn to her. “I’ll get her back to her loft. Safe and sound.”