Page 10 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

Gwyneira giggled. “Don’t worry, they won’t!” She finally threw her arms around Fannar, embracing him in a tight hug. Tears glimmered in her eyes as she whispered, “I missed you so much, brother.”

He hugged her back. “I missed you too, sister. I was so worried about you, but I’m glad you are happy here.”

I glanced at Brontes, who wore a wide grin that must have matched mine at sight of the siblings’ sweet reunion.

“Please at least let us make the repairs,” I offered.

Brontes shook his head. “No need. I’ve got some great contractors for that.”

“They made me an observatory twice!” Gwyneira exclaimed.

“An observatory?” Fannar’s face perked up with curiosity.

“Yes! You must see it, brother. Now that you’re here, you must stay for a few days!”

“Yes, you must stay,” Brontes agreed. “Obsidia said she’ll be back, and we need to spend time figuring out what to do . . . for Gwyneira’s safety, at the very least.”

Fannar and I exchanged glances, and I shrugged. I knew Fannar couldn’t argue with that.

“Okay.” Fannar nodded. “We’ll stay to plan our strategy for dealing with Obsidia.”

Gwyneira jumped up and down excitedly as she grabbed each of us by the arm and began dragging us toward the dining room. “First, we’ll have breakfast, and then you have to see my observatory!”

Brontes, Fannar, and I all chuckled at her enthusiasm.

Chapter Three

Gwyneira

Thepastthreedayshad been a whirlwind of exploring, eating, and bonding that I’d never expected. Brontes and I gave Helena and Fannar the grand tour of the castle, introduced them to all my friends on the castle staff, and shared so many laughs. Growing up, I had rarely shared meals with Fannar, so being able to share our favorite foods together with Brontes and Helena in the royal dining room meant so much to me. It felt like we were truly a family now, even though much had changed since I had last seen my brother.

Fannar had always been protective, but there was a new strength in him, fueled by his love for Helena. It warmed my heart to see how he allowed himself to be vulnerable around her, revealing a tender side I hadn’t seen in years.

My initial hesitation about Helena still lingered at the back of my mind. After all, the Fire and Ice Kingdoms’ rift was generations old. But watching her now, I couldn’t help but admire her autumnal beauty. Her presence was like a warm hearth on a cold winter’s night, drawing everyone near. Despite her feisty and blunt nature, she spoke with confidence and authority that commanded respect. I envied her, especially since everyone around me treated me as if I were fragile and in need of protection, despite having both ice and storm powers.

My gaze swept through Brontes’s study. Brontes stood with his back to the immense stone fireplace, arms crossed over his broad chest. Tongues of flame cast flickering shadows over his handsome, brooding features.

Fannar leaned against the far wall beneath an arched window, silvery moonlight glinting off his white hair. Though he held himself with typical aloofness, tension radiated from his eyes.

Helena perched on the edge of the huge map table in the center of the room, her casual posture belying the anticipation etched on her face. Firelight danced across her cinnamon locks as she bounced her leg restlessly.

I found myself drawn to the cozy window seat nestled beside a bookcase, needing the comfort of my favorite reading nook. Outside, the inky night sky foretold the coming storm as the first rumbles of thunder echoed across the kingdom.

“She’ll be back,” Brontes said bluntly, cutting through the silence in the room. “Obsidia has made her intentions clear. She wants Gwyneira and Fannar dead.”

I shuddered, the memory of our last terrifying encounter with the rogue Cosmic Enchanted still fresh in my mind. Helena placed a comforting hand on my arm, her expression unusually solemn.

“We’ll just have to be ready for her next time,” she said with a confident resolve.

Fannar nodded, his jaw clenched tight beneath stone cold eyes. “But we need allies. The four of us alone won’t be enough, not against the kind of power she wields.”

“You’re right,” Brontes agreed.

“Which kingdoms are you on good terms with?” Helena asked.

I glanced at Brontes nervously. “We only have an official alliance with the Ice Kingdom from our arranged marriage.”

“But we’re not onbadterms with any kingdom,” Brontes added.

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