Page 140 of Of Flames and Fallacies

“What a terrible waste,” Celeste murmurs and motions to Darian’s tray.

“Will he…not be coming back?”

“I’m not sure. Sometimes he’s gone for days. Sometimes weeks or months. It all depends.” She takes a delicate bite of berries with a fork.

I finally tear my gaze away from the door where Darian disappeared and back at her. “Depends on what?”

She shrugs. “I’m not sure. He never says, and I’m not the one he tends to share information with.”

I grab some grapes off his tray as Melaina sits across from us, and Celeste’s eyes narrow in on her.

“Sooo…” Celeste starts casually, a hint of suspicion in her tone. “You had quite the night last night, huh?”

A blush blooms on Melaina’s cheeks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You don’t have to fool me. I know you were with Darian last night.”

I stiffen, hoping Celeste doesn’t notice.

“I was not.” Melaina glares with an arched eyebrow.

“I saw you two dancing after dinner. And I heard someone in his room last night. And I know you two—”

“Stop it. It wasn’t me. I may have gotten a little carried away last night, but it wasn’t with Darian,” Melaina bites back before Celeste can finish.

Celeste’s eyes widen as she leans forward, and I follow suit.

“I kissed Archie,” Melaina whispers.

“What?” Celeste exclaims.

Melaina shushes her, before stealing a glance over at Archie who’s already watching us. He smiles and waves before he turns his attention back to Cole.

Celeste raises an eyebrow. “Who was with Darian then?”

Melaina scoffs. “How should I know?”

“You know what? Good for you,” Celeste says finally and leans back approvingly.

I grin at Melaina. “I think he really likes you.”

“Sounds like we need to return back to camp early. Carlisle sent word there’s been some suspicious activity near the lake,” Cole says behind us.

I whip to him, our eyes meeting. Daeja. I got so drunk last night, I hadn’t checked in with her, and my heart races to a gallop.

“Daeja? Are you okay? Cole is saying there has been activity near the lake and I thought–”

“I haven’t been practicing flying, if that’s what you’re asking. So don’t bother scolding me.”

“Have you seen anyone?”

“Not since I heard from you last. It’s been relatively quiet here since you’ve been gone.”

“I’m so sorry I didn’t check in with you last night, I’ll be there tonight to see you—”

“You better bring me extra chicken. I expect a whole carriage full.”

Celeste pouts and says something about a short visit. Cole assures her we can come back once we secure any threats.Melaina watches the back and forth between Cole and Celeste, and Archie stands right behind Melaina, his palms perched onto her chair casually.

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