Page 34 of The Breaker of Stars

“Yes,” I promised. It took all my power not to nudge Erini forward to Vale’s side. “I’m your friend. My friends are your friends now, too.”

You’re not alone anymore, Stargirl. Don’t go back there.

“Thank you,” she said, chin down and eyes on her hands. No acknowledgement of that silent pleading.

Vale and I had an end, and the sooner we reached it the better. Until then, we’d be friends, and I’d set aside my other feelings.

When we stopped mid-afternoon, I took my time caring for Erini. She was a quiet horse, but a strong one, and the time spent with her was meditative.

Vale was calmly brushing Marage. She unscrewed the top of her canteen and shook it, but nothing came out.

“Here.” I offered her mine and some fruit, then stopped to unroll the map I’d been tracking our path on. We could have headed into the jungle and followed the century-worn trails. Erini would have likely found our way to the capital, but plans were important. Going without them when unnecessary was setting yourself up for foolish, avoidable danger.

“Looks like there’s a small town just over the next ridge,” I said, rolling the map back up. “We can stay there for the night and reach Valyn by sunset tomorrow. If that’s okay with you.”

“Sure.” Vale nodded, eyes and voice hollow. Spirits, I may only be able to be her friend, but I missed her smiles.

“Have you been through this area before?” I asked.

“Not since—” She snapped her mouth shut, regret darkening her cheeks.

Since…

“Vale, are we taking the same route?” Her silence was enough of an answer. “Cursed Angels.” I pinched between my brows. Be nice. Be friendly. “We could have gone the other way around the lake.”

We did not have to take the same route she’d traveled with Titus as he took her from the Lumin Temple to Valyn.

“No, we couldn’t,” she rushed out. “This is the fastest route. It’s okay.”

“Vale,” I pleaded, “don’t do this. Don’t pretend none of this is bothering you when I only know the slightest of demons you’re fighting, and they sure as Spirits are bothering me.”

She was shocked into silence for a moment, chewing her lip. “It is rather beautiful out here,” she finally said, and the serpent around my heart uncoiled a bit at the energy in her voice.

“Stunning,” I said, staring at her, begging her to continue.

“Actually,” she contemplated. Her eyes grew so wide and hopeful, but a tinge afraid, like she didn’t know what to expect. “I’d like to take you somewhere. If that’s okay with you.”

If that’s okay with you. We were being so delicate with each other, and a piece of me hated it.

“Yeah, Stargirl,” I breathed, and with it, I released another bout of the hostility I’d been clinging to. “Anywhere.”

Chapter Fourteen

Vale

As we’d crept back toward my cage over the past few days, the stars bore down on me, but I was waking up. I had one last night of freedom. One last chance to grasp the bars and throw them wide before I had to play the game in the capital.

And we’d spend it in the hot springs.

Cypherion’s eyes burned into my back as I led him through the narrow, winding jungle trail, but I relished the sting his attention left along my skin.

We’d left the horses at the inn after securing a room in the town near the springs—two beds this time. I was sure he’d be thrilled.

“Are we almost there?” he asked.

“Patience,” I answered, but the bubbling water was growing louder, my heartbeat pounding with it. Unable to help myself, I shot him a small smile over my shoulder.

“What is that?” Cypherion asked, his breath fogging in front of him.

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