Page 378 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Well, that’s not something you see every day,” Attes drawled under his breath.

“I don’t think you’ve ever greeted me in such a manner,”Holland said, his voice low and rougher than normal. “Not since you were achild. I wasn’t expecting that after…”

I inhaled deeply, soaking in the familiar scent of iron andearth. My thoughts felt a little bit messy. Even though I understood why, I wasstill angry with him for knowing that what happened in Lasaniacould’ve been possible and doing nothing, but I needed this hug from the manwho was the closest thing to a father to me. I loved him, and gods, I wasrelieved to know that I still felt that way.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered hoarsely. “I’m sorry for what I’vedone.”

“I know, Sera.” His embrace tightened, and I knew that herecognized what I was apologizing for. “I know.”

Tears pricked my eyes as my fingers balled into the back ofhis tunic. “Do you…do you forgive me?” I asked, even though I knew I didn’tdeserve it.

“Oh, Sera.” His chin lowered, and he spoke softly, “It isnot my forgiveness you need, but you have it.”

The breath I exhaled was ragged as I held on to him tightly.Slowly, I remembered that we weren’t alone. Cheeks burning, I lifted my head.

Holland smiled and slid his hands to mine. He gentlysqueezed my fingers, and his stare lifted to where Ash stood, now only a footbehind me. “It is good to see you, too.”

“Same,” Ash replied with the level of enthusiasm Reaver hadshown when speaking of practicing his letters.

“Ash,” I hissed.

Holland chuckled, unbothered. “It’s okay.” With one lastsqueeze, he released my hands. “He has a right to be wary of my presence.”Holland’s swirling, odd but beautiful gaze moved over the others, who allremained transfixed where they stood. “Hello.”

“Hi.” Saion drew out the word while a pale-faced Rhainraised a hand in acknowledgment.

Attes lifted his glass ingreeting. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“We have not,” Holland replied. “But that is a good thing,is it not?”

My brows snapped together as Attessnorted.

Ash snaked an arm around my waist, guiding me back so hestood a hairsbreadth behind me once more.

I rolled my eyes, caught between being charmed and annoyedby him clearly stepping into his fierce protective mode.

Holland turned his attention back to me, his gaze brieflydropping to Ash’s arm. The smile widened again as he refocused on me. “How areyou feeling?”

“Good. I mean, I feel stronger than I ever have.” I staredup at him, still somewhat shocked to see him and unsure how to answer. The lasttime we’d seen each other, well, it hadn’t been the time to exchangepleasantries. “I’m still getting used to the whole foresight thing.”

“It takes a while to grow accustomed to it, but you willsoon truly be a know-it-all.”

My laugh was shaky. “And here I thought I already was.”

“So, I’m going to hazard a guess here and say you two knoweach other?” Attes stated.

I started to respond but stopped myself, unsure how much Icould share.

“I’ve known Seraphena since shewas a child.” Holland clasped his hands behind his back. “I trained her.”

“You…acted as her viktor,then.” Attes studied Holland from over the rim of hisglass. “Didn’t know the Arae were allowed to get so hands-on.”

“There is much we’re able to do,” Holland replied. “As youare well aware.”

My gaze shot to Attes. The Primalhad lowered his glass. Did he know what Holland truly was? Nektashadn’t said none of the other Primals knew, only thathe remembered the Ancients more clearly than some of the oldest Primals.

“I wish I could linger, but doing so would likely draw theire of the others.” Holland cleared his throat, angling his body toward Ash andme. “You summoned a Fate?”

“That would be correct,” Ash replied.

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