Page 139 of A Simple Truth

I stared at the last line for a little while before motioning with my hand to extinguish the fire, realizing that the title didn’t sound so scary anymore.

Not if it meant he’d be with me.

83

FINNLEAH

The next morning, I woke up to some small strands of wildflowers, a little box filled with chocolates, and a long letter explaining exactly how to summon Liriya.

After a few fumbling tries of awkward hand and arm movements, the large raven appeared. I grabbed a pen and paper out of Xentar’s desk, writing.

You learn quick, General.I threw a piece of the sweet candy in my mouth, almost moaning at the delicious taste.I have to admit,chocolates are a nice touch.Thank you.

Just so we are clear, I expect a continuation of last night’s conversation,he immediately wrote back, making me smile as if I were a child on Death Day.

I’ll consider it,I replied.

Liriya returned a minute later, this time holding a stack of papers and a small note.

To make sure you don’t run out of paper. Better start writing, Daughter of the Dead, I expect to read ten pagesat least.Don’t go skimping on the details.

Don’t you have better Emperor-y things to do than read my raunchy thoughts?

I can only think of one thing I would rather be doing than just reading about it.

Gods, keep yourself contained, General,I wrote back, laughing.

No can do. You started this game first, worried you can’t win?

You wish. Until tonight, then?

Until tonight,he responded, and a thrilling chill ran down my body at his words.

I swiftly grabbed my boots, running outside a second later, unable to wipe that happy smile off my face.

“Well, I think I know who stole the sun.” Xentar smirked as I strode to him and a few other Creators in the middle of the village square. “What are you beaming about on this gloomy day?” he asked with curiosity, moving a few bulky flower garlands from one roof to the other with his magic, connecting small white cottages with a flowery thread.

“Oh, finally got some good rest, you know,” I mumbled, lacing up my boots.

“Gods, you are such a terrible liar,” he laughed.

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” I narrowed my eyes at him, though my lips curved up, unable to stay down. “Hey, Ophelia.” I waved at the gorgeous widow walking towards us, carrying the cutest, chunkiest baby, Kova, in her hands.

“Hey, Finn!” She smiled back, coming up to us. “Are you excited for your first SulnGod celebration today?”

“Most definitely,” I replied, tickling the tiny baby’s toes as he squirmed, making adorable faces.

“Ophelia?” someone called her name a few houses down.

“Just a second!” she shouted back.

“I got him.” I offered, and she mouthed a quick thanks, handing the baby to me.

I shot a few sparks, earning a wide-eyed look from his blue eyes, a copy of Kaius’s eyes a successful distraction from the hastily departing mother. My feet moved, rocking him as I carried him closer to the giant flowers decorating the beautiful arches the Creators put together for their celebration.

“How is your secret midnight writer doing?” Xentar asked as I made cooing noises to the baby, earning a sharp whack from his tiny fist straight into my nose. Xentar snorted. I rubbed my nose, sending more sparks in the air while I recovered from the sudden baby attack.

“My secret midnight writer is doing well, I think,” I said, unable to hold in a giant grin even at the slightest mention of Gideon.

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