Page 77 of The Reign of Blood

“There’s no letting go,” I finish, shaking my head in disbelief at my sister.

“Never mind giving me one of those pointed looks you’re so familiar with. Get back over here. I miss you so much,” she orders, waving her hand for me to take. My fingers lace with hers effortlessly, as they always do.

“I miss you too,” I breathe, crouching beside her.

“So, did you pick a dress?” she asks, eyes lighting up with excitement as I nod.

“I did.”

She looks around me, disappointment growing in her eyes before she gives me her award-winning pointed look. “You left it at the restaurant, didn’t you?”

Ah, fuck.

“You know I did. You had me all twisted in knots,” I grumble, and she gasps.

“Don’t blame me.” My knowing stare intensifies, and five seconds later, she relents. “Fine, blame me, I don’t care. I get to see you, and that’s all I care about.”

My heart warms as her hand clenches mine.

“You look good, Addi. Healthy,” my father states, and I peer up at him with the strain on my face that I know I carry in my heart right now.

“I don’t feel it,” I admit, earning me a soft smile from him.

Clearing his throat, he scrubs at his neck. “Can I see it?”

I instantly know what he’s referring to. Releasing Nora’s hand, I stand and turn, adjusting my cloak to reveal the kiss of amethyst embedded in my flesh. He runs his thumb over it, making me shiver at the contact, but it doesn’t hurt to touch anymore.

“Did you try what I said?” My pulse quickens as I nod. “And?”

I don’t want to discuss it out loud. Not here, not anywhere, but ideally not in front of Nora.

“And Professor Fairbourne has one as well,” I answer instead, looking over my shoulder at him as the color continues to drain from his face.

“I shouldn’t be so surprised,” he murmurs, his gaze falling to the ground as he shakes his head in disappointment.

“We’re good people, Dad. It shocks us because this isn’t how we would act,” Nora states, the truth shining through in every word as I nod in agreement.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” I muse, winking at her and watching her smile grow with pride. A bubble of doubt knots in my stomach as I consider the bigger picture and my father’s words from the last time we spoke.

Would we do something like that?

The conversation drifts away from the heavy topics as Nora informs me of all the gossip in the small town we live in. Josh has a girlfriend.Good for him.His family’s crops aren’t growing,and they may need to sell.Not so good for him.Otherwise, it’s hearsay or gossip through the media, but nonetheless, I sit and absorb every word from her mouth.

I’ve missed this, missedher. Her aura and mere presence are enough to chase away all of my worries. All too quickly, though, the sun starts to lower and her stomach grumbles for the second time in ten minutes.

“I should go,” I mutter, hating the way her face instantly loses some of its light.

“Can’t you stay a little while longer?” Nora protests as I squeeze her hand and sigh.

“I have to make it back through the city, get my dress, and then head to the academy. I don’t want to outlast the sun. The City of Harrows is safe for no one once night falls.”

It’s the truth, and we all know it.

“Fine,” she grumbles, tugging at my hand so I can wrap her in another hug.

Damn. I don’t ever want to let go, but right now, our separation will only make us stronger while I’m at Heir Academy. All of this will be worth it one day, just not today, but that’s okay; it’s part of the plan.

“I love you, Nora,” I breathe into her hair, holding her just a little tighter, and she mirrors my grip.

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