Page 107 of A Sun Scorched Bloom

"Find Noah a room, if you don’t mind. As well as one for Janelle. Put them close to ours."

"Actually," Erik stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Janelle and turning to face Vincent. "Just a room for Noah will be sufficient. Janelle will be staying with me."

Chapter 70

Lea

Thomaslookedolder.He’dgrown something resembling a beard since she’d last seen him, and had cut his brown hair a bit closer to his head. His arms and chest had filled out, clearly from the training Vincent had been running the rebels through over the last month that they’d been gone.

It was odd, sitting across from him now. So much had changed. Once, not too long ago, she’d thought that maybe she could love this man, but sitting across from him now, Lea felt nothing but the love of an old friend. Someone with shared history.

Where she’d once felt like she belonged to Thomas, and he had belonged to her, she now felt no ownership over him. She would always love him, of course, but the life she was living was almost unrecognizable. She no longer needed him to feel complete.

"I’ve had a lot of time to think since we’ve been here," Thomas started, clasping and unclasping his hands as he leaned his forearms on the table. "I need to apologize to you." He reached forward but stopped himself.

Lea was surprised at the pinch of hurt still inside her chest. He’d watched her be beaten. Had said things that were difficult to forget. But she still loved him as her friend. Nothing would change that, and she was certain that with time, the sting of those cruel words would ease away until they disappeared all together. "You don’t. We’ve both made mistakes." Lea grabbed his hand in both of hers, squeezing tight.

Thomas sighed, squeezing back. "For twenty-three years, I trusted you completely. Never once in that time did I doubt a single word that you said. Not a single time." Thomas flinched at his own words. "But as soon as my feelings got hurt, I let that change. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you when you told me that Evander wasn’t like his father and brother. I’m sorry I pressured you to choose between our friendship and your mate. I thought I was protecting you, but really, I knew how you felt, and I hated it."

Thomas took a deep breath and hung his head. "I should never have said that if you were with him, you’d be against us. I believe in this rebellion, but even if you wanted nothing to do with it, or if Gray hadn’t been the Eclipsed King, I need you to know that I never would have let anything happen to you. Younevercould have been my enemy. I was jealous and angry and a coward. I’m so sorry. For all of it." Thomas sighed before standing, looking over Lea’s shoulder to where Gray stood with Vincent. "I know things have changed, but you’re still my best friend and—I just had to tell you that."

Lea stood and walked around the table, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I’ve known all that for a long time, Thomas."

"I just want you to be happy," he said into her hair.

"I am," Lea smiled, pulling back. "Well, as happy as I can be, knowing that a war is coming and Alaric is probably going to come after us and try to slaughter me again."

She’d meant it as a half-hearted joke, but Thomas’s eyes darkened and he clenched his teeth. "I’llneverlet him hurt you again. I swear it."

Without a doubt, Lea could tell he meant it. It was in the determined set of his jaw and the way he fisted his hands at his side.

"That’s one reason I made you the sword. Wait—" he looked to her hip, then through the doorway to where Gray stood, his eyes scanning the room. "Where is your sword? Why isn’t it with you?"

Lea’s forehead scrunched up. She had no use for a sword here within the cavern, not unless they were training. "It’s with my things. We left them with the horses."

"Bring it with youeverywhereyou go, Lea. That sword is special. I’ve never used more magic to create one weapon. It can only be used by you, and has the ability to become whatever you need it to be. It could save your life."

"What do you mean?" Lea wished she’d brought the sword with her so Thomas could demonstrate. While they’d trained in Calir, it had seemed like a pretty standard weapon. Lightweight, balanced, and razor sharp, but she hadn’t noticed anything particularly magical about it. Honestly, she’d felt more capable using her powers than a sword, and hadn’t even carried it much outside of training.

"I didn’t have time to explain it all before," he said, "but the sword will absorb whatever power it senses. If you want to infuse it with shadows, it will take that darkness and amplify it. It can help you know where to strike, sense danger, and detect lies. Promise me you’ll keep it with you."

"I didn’t realize—yes. I’ll keep it with me," Lea promised. "Thank you." A yawn pushed up the back of her throat. "Maybe you can show me how to use it tomorrow? I’m sorry. It’s been a long few days."

Thomas caught her yawn, covering his mouth. "Right, of course. Sorry. I’m sure you’re exhausted."

"I missed you," Lea said as she wrapped her arms around her friend again, relaxing into his familiar embrace. The distance between them was still there, but it was significantly smaller and less painful.

Thomas returned the hug, sighing. After several moments, he pulled away, rubbing the back of his neck and averting his gaze. "I’ve been wondering… How is Emma?"

"She’s okay, I think. She’s been quiet, spending a lot of time reading, but I think she’s working through it. Any particular reason?" Lea raised her eyebrows.

His cheeks turned pink. "I’ve just been worried about her. You know, after what happened in Auropera. It’s nothing," he said, turning toward the barracks.

"Thomas," Lea stopped him. "I think she’d be better if you checked on her yourself."

Thomas smiled, a blush creeping up his neck. "Do you think so?" he asked nervously, shuffling his feet.

"Yeah, I really do." Lea turned back to find Gray, craving a few hours of rest in his arms before the work of tomorrow began. "Goodnight, Thomas," Lea called over her shoulder. "Take good care of my friend."

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