Page 167 of The Sins of Silas

“It seems you angered the human whore,” another chuckled. “Some are into those pointy-eared pricks. Some fucked up kink or something.”

I bared my teeth, ice prickling my insides, begging to be let loose on those fuckers. Era's eyes shone with tears, and she grasped my hand in hers and pushed open the bar's front doors, tugging me along.

We were greeted by the pleasant night air and starry sky. Most places were closed now, and the people were fast asleep. Era continued trudging along, and I tuned into my power, feeling all that she felt.

Rage. Humiliation. Sadness…so much sadness.

“Era,” I said softly. She squeezed my hand tighter, her grip near painful, and continued pulling me to the castle. “Era!”

She came to a stop. I quickly walked around to face her. Tears were spilling down her cheeks. “Hey,” I said gently, wiping them away and then holding her hands. “Don’t let what they said about you hurt. They don’t know anything about you.”

“I don’t give a shit what they said aboutme,” she snapped, her brown eyes gazing up at me through wet lashes.

I blinked. “You’re upset with what they said aboutme?”

Her lip trembled, and her face crumpled as she said, “I hate how people treat you.” Her voice broke as she squeezed my hands. “You are so fucking kind, Merrick, and sweet. And you arenowherenear ugly. You arebeautiful—”

Her eyes widened, and her hand slapped over her mouth.

I gaped at her, and we stood there silently for a few moments. “I-I had a couple of martinis before you showed,” she admitted, her cheeks heavily flushed.

Embarrassed. Painfully embarrassed.

I instantly pulled her against me, hugging her tightly. She was stiff for a beat, and then she returned the embrace, burying her face into my chest. She smelled like berries and cream. She smelled heavenly.

“Thank you for caring, Era,” I murmured, stroking her golden hair. “Thank you.”

I don’t know how many moments passed, but I held her until that embarrassment slowly disappeared, until her sob hindered. Then she gently pulled away, wiping her eyes. Our arms were still around each other.

I bit my lip to prevent a grin. “So…you think I’m beautiful?”

She groaned and pushed me away, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

We walked up the stairs once inside the castle, and I gave a curt nod to the Mages stationed there before Era and I were in the hallway where our rooms were. Her hand was on her room’s doorknob when I said, “Hey, Era?”

She twisted her head toward me, her face showing annoyance by what she presumed I’d say.

“I know things are weird between us. I know It's wrong.” I stepped closer, her eyes dilating as I leaned down and whispered, “But I think you’re beautiful, too.”

At the sight of her fluttering eyelids, I turned on my heel and headed to my room.

Chapter Forty-Six

LENA

After the chaos of battle, the Mages took over the massive castle. After selecting a room to sleep in, all within close quarters of my friends' rooms, I showered, rinsing off the blood, sweat, and ash from my body.

How many more days will be like this? How many more people will I be forced to kill?

This was the first battle where I truly felt no remorse for what I did. When I believed Silas to be dead, nothing mattered. Nothing mattered but getting justice and seeking revenge on those who had harmed him.

I never understood Silas better than after this battle. I burned a whole wing in this place, rendered unhabitable until further notice. Bodies went up in flames, turning into piles of bones in seconds. I did this all like it wasnothing. All because I thought I'd lost him.

I didn't wish to think about what any of it meant. I didn't wish to think about my words to him.

I love you.

After drying my hair and slipping on one of the blouses that had been hung in the room, along with a pair of tight pants, I padded my way to the room I knew Torrin was occupying, wishing to see him. Roland was hanging with Hendry and Edmund, but I imagined I'd find him later tonight.

---