Page 72 of Of Blood & Stone

“You broke your promise,” he said, voice low.

“What promise?” she asked.

“Staying in one piece.”

Her heart fluttered. “Was Prince Elnok of Vutror worried for me?”

His eyes studied her face. “You think I wouldn’t be?”

Sylzenya’s breath caught in her lungs. Suddenly, everything felt close…alive. She could feel his his heart beating against his chest—how it mirrored her own. Calloused fingers swept another strand of hair behind her ear, his skin against hers a sweet warmth that somehow gave her chills.

“What happened to your magic, Sylzenya?” he whispered.

Sylzenya licked her chapped lips, his eyes staring at her mouth as she did. He’d told her about his friend’s sickness, and he’d saved her from dying on the altar room floor. If anything, she was glad he asked; she wanted to share it with him.

“It’s custom that during one’s final ceremonial rite before becoming a Kreena, a member of the household mimics our goddess’ power and uses a branch to carve into our cut.”

She stopped, words turning into molasses in her mouth.

But he didn’t push. He waited patiently, his fingers tightening around her legs.

“I hadn’t seen my father or mother in ten years, as is custom.” Her lower lip quivered. “I was a foolish child; I despised my power, only wanting a life with them in it.”

“It’s never foolish for a child to yearn for their parents.”

Her heart fluttered. “My people would highly disagree.”

“Do you?”

She let herself lean further into him. “It doesn’t matter anymore, because my father secretly coated his branch with orodyte serum and poisoned me with it.”

Elnok tensed. “The same substance in your orodytes? Used to strengthen Dynami weapons? It… poisons you?”

“Yes,” she replied, “Not killing me, obviously, but it takes away my power. It can take away a Dynami’s power as well. It’s considered an act of violence against our goddess to use it on one of us.”

He furrowed his brows, “I’m sorry, Sylzenya.”

She meant to reply, help him not feel sorry for her, but he didn’t stare at her in pity; he stared at her in understanding. A tight knot in her chest loosened, a swell of relief rising in her body.

“Not having my connection with Aretta… There’s an emptiness inside me. I used to feel how the earth moved; the way the roots connected to one another underneath my feet; the soft lull of leaves in the breeze; the thrum of my goddess’ heart. But now… I feel nothing. Hear nothing. Like a part of myself is missing.”

She looked up. Surprise lit her chest as Elnok’s eyes turned glassy.

“We’ll find the compass,” he said softly, “and we’ll find the tree. I promise.”

Gulping, she let a tear fall down her face. Warm skin brushed against her cheek, his thumb catching the tear, slowly wiping itaway. The pool’s glow lit up his face, brightening his features and casting shadows with beautiful, sharp edges.

“Elnok…” she whispered, moving her hand up his chest, grazing her fingers along his collarbone.

His body shuddered.

Heat rushing into her face, she quickly pulled her hand away, turning towards the water.

He’d been indignant when they’d first met, someone she wished to be rid of. Gods, he’d even blackmailed her only two nights ago. But somewhere in between then and now, something had changed. Maybe it was his interest in their people’s history, or the way he had become a steady support while everything around her crumbled; saving herlife.

To feel seen—to see him in return. She couldn’t help but admire the way he cared for his friend, so much so that he was risking a life in Estea’s dungeons to find a cure. He was devious, but he was courageous, and yet she knew there was more to discover.

And shewantedto know more.

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