Page 93 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Her voice cracked as she spoke, that confusing mixture of emotions welling in her throat once more.

“I know Aurora would be happy to see you, as would I. Hells, even Gaius misses you.”

A conspicuous name missing from the list. Petran ran an enormous hand through her hair, cupping the back of her head.

“Andhemisses you. Of course he does. He can be… difficult, but he’s not been the same since you left.”

The words stiffened every muscle, tears welling in her eyes as she pulled out of his grasp.

“Goodnight, Petran,” was all she could manage, hurrying through the door before the flood of tears fell.

Back in the safety of her room, she let them come, curling up into a ball on her bed as she thought about his words. Dear Petran, who didn’t have a mean bone in his body… he wouldn’t lie, would he?

He misses you. Of course he does.

It meant nothing, Vita tried to tell herself. He missed her body and nothing more. He missed his stand in for his long-lost love, not her.

But would Petran lie?

He’s not been the same since you left.

How could that be true when Renatus spent so much time ignoring her, avoiding her? When shedidsee him, she didn’t know what she was going to get… tender and loving, or sarcastic and cruel. Still, there was something underneath each interaction Vita had with him, something underneath the façade of debauchery and lust that glimmered in his eyes as he looked at her.

But, no. This was his doing, not hers. Vita had given Renatus her heart and he crushed it. He was vile to Verian, who had done no wrong.

If he wanted to visit her himself, then perhaps she’d give him a chance to say his piece. Beyond that, there would be no trips to the palace.

CHAPTER 39

Verian

ANOTHER SHIFT OVER, ANOTHER meal in the dining hall.

What had once seemed so comforting, the strict rules and schedule, now just seemed empty, monotonous. Verian had countless days like this to look forward to.

And now, where he normally found relief in passing his time by daydreaming of Vita, thoughts of her made his chest clench uncomfortably, his throat as dry as the sun soaked summer soil.

“You’ve been awfully quiet,” Drusus said, finishing the hearty stew in front of him.

Beef and vegetables, a delicacy for lowly guards, and yet Verian had barely touched his food. He had not felt much like eating since Vita had been so cold, so distant. Somehow he hoped they couldreturn to the way things were, but even that thought made his stomach hurt. How could they ever go back after what had happened between them, after he revealed the truth of his love?

When he didn’t respond, Drusus grabbed both bowls, bringing them to the waste disposal before returning to his spot on the bench.

“Do you want to go for a walk?”

Verian and Drusus ambled along the interior of the city walls, dusk casting heavy shadows across the stone streets. They’d walked in silence for a few minutes, though Verian tensed for what was to come. As close as they were, Drusus had never been the type to offer a casual stroll through Shadowholde.

A raven passed by overhead, silky black wings beating through the air, Verian following its flight with his gaze.

“You really should go speak with her. You can’t go on like this, the not eating, the not sleeping.”

There it was.

Verian sighed heavily. “I’ve tried. She doesn’t want to see me. I need to give up. I’m hoping that with time, she’ll agree to be friends again.”

Drusus stopped and turned to him, grasping his shoulder. “Is that really what you want? To be friends with her?”

“It’s not all about sex—” he started, but Drusus interrupted.

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