Page 81 of An Empress of Air & Chaos

Emara blinked as she digested Cally’s excitement mixed with her own apprehension.

“He is so gorgeous, he puts Torin to shame,” she pouted. “Well, I am going to tell myself that; I have no other choice and it’s not like he cares. Torin hasn’t so much as looked at me since we were together.” She looked down. “So, I will be there with my new date.” A light of thought went into her eyes. “Oh my gods, you should totally ask Gideon!” Her hands were on her face again, with her mouth open as before.

Emara rolled her eyes. “I will not be asking anyone.” She paused. “Besides, Gideon already asked me.” She gestured over to the singular white rose that stood in a clear vase on the windowsill. Cally’s eyes zoomed from Emara to the rose and back again.

“He gave you a rose and asked you to go to the uplift?” Cally let the excitement overwhelm her. “This is like true love.”

“Alright, calm down! He didn’t so much as ask me, but he may have insinuated that it would be more bearable if I was there.”

“This is massive, Emara!” Cally looked her best friend in the face. “You haven’t so much as gagged or made that stupid face you do when you are grossed out. And here you are staring at a rose that Gideon Blacksteel gave you. Gods, Taymir used to get you gigantic bouquets of all different kinds of flowers and you wouldn’t even look at them. You would give them to me to put in my room,” she snorted.

“Don’t mention him.” Emara’s eyes closed in disgust at his name.

Cally’s brows pulled in, and she sat back on the bed. “That’s twice you have flinched when I have said his name. What’s going on?”

And here it was. The window of opportunity to talk, but somehow her throat closed. Cally, noticing Emara’s struggle, moved closer on the bed and grabbed her hand. “You can tell me anything. I am here.”

And so, she did. She retold every word, every punch, every part of her that felt ashamed and disgusted with what Taymir had done. Every struggle and fear came flooding out. She told her everything. When she was done, they both sat in silence before Cally jumped onto her knees and threw her arms around Emara.

“If I ever see that son of a wealthy bitch again, I will stab him myself,” Cally promised.

“He’s not worth it. He won’t bother me again. Not after what Gideon threatened.”

“But still, I promise to make his life hell. Maybe one day, I will get the chance to tailor his formal wear and as I am doing it, I can stab him in the genitals with my sowing needle.”

Emara cut a small laugh from her throat and then for a few moments, only her heartbeat could be heard.

Cally, somehow understanding Emara was done with the conversation, took it in a different direction, “I am surprised Gideon didn’t end him, anyway. Speaking of the middle Blacksteel...” Cally laughed lightly. Testing the waters, she pointed at the vase. “You clearly have feelings for him, otherwise you would have chucked that rose in the garbage. It’s okay to let him in, he’s one of the good ones.”

“I know he is…”

He might be one of the good ones, but is he the right one? she asked herself. Would he set my soul on fire?

Emara continued, “I don’t think that’s what I need right now.”

“It’s exactly what you need right now. Guys come with great distractions.”

“Somehow, I don’t think that’s quite how the saying goes, Callyn.”

“Well, whatever it is...” Cally flashed a smile. “What are you waiting for? Let’s get down to the Markets and get us amazing dresses for the uplift. Treat’s on me. Picture me in this dress... white and silk, like I am a virgin, but I would totally sleep with you after a few glasses of wine kind of vibe. Do you know what I mean?” Cally traced her hands down her sides and moved her hips.

“I have absolutely no idea what you mean,” Emara laughed. “As great as that sounds, the Blood Moon reaches its full strength tonight; we shouldn’t be going anywhere,” her tone took a more serious approach.

“I can tell you one thing; no moon is coming in between me and a killer dress. Demons are not going to be invading the Markets! It’s littered with supernatural people who would kill them.” She smirked. “I will be safe. Plus, Waylen might take me before dusk.”

“Waylen? Did you actually learn La Luna guy’s real name?”

Now she was shocked.

“Yes, I did, believe it or not. I did tell you I got to know him.” She primed her face angelically. “You would be shocked with the new leaf I have turned.” Proud of herself, she flicked her hair over her shoulder.

Emara looked at her best friend as a smile formed, lighting up her face. “Who even are you?”

“Callyn fucking Greymore, that’s who. The same girl who is about to get you the most amazing dress from the markets that you have ever worn, and you can thank me later.” She bounced up from the bed. “See you when I get back.” She curtsied in jest. “Before dusk.”

Callyn was out the door in seconds.

No matter what Emara said, Callyn wouldn’t stay in tonight, but she had promised Gideon that she would. After what happened at her grandmother’s house, she wasn’t ready to see any more red eyes or blood-drinking freaks any time soon. Maybe Cally found healing in her new-found freedom.

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