Page 14 of Sunken Empire

Instead of removing the frown, it simply deepens, much to my dismay. One would think that his statement alone would be enough of a reason. I mean, come on; I’ve kissed both of his brothers. Apparently, it’s not, because he’s still waiting on an answer.

As much as I’d love to reach up on my toes and press my lips against his instead of his cheek, I don’t.

“It doesn’t have anything to do with you. I’m still dealing with a lot of things,” I admit. Which isn’t exactly the truth, but it isn’t a lie either.

Smiling to relieve the sting of rejection, I add, “Besides, it’s not like kissing Zanthus was intentional. He pretty much didn’t give me a choice.”

When his face takes a dark turn, I wonder if I’ve said the right thing.

“You always have a choice,” he all but growls.

This is my first time seeing this intense side of Zephyr. I’m not sure how to respond, but lucky me, I don’t have to. The switch flips back off again, and he’s smiling.

Then comes the real problem. Something about his smile is irresistible. I’m almost saying screw it and throwing morals out of the window when his brothers round the corner. I try to take a step back, but Zephyr reaches out and pulls me closer with a wink. Neither one of them bats an eye at our position.

“I’m glad you’re awake,” Zale starts. “How are you feeling?”

I shrug. “I’m okay. Just needed some time.”

Zale nods in understanding. “Anyone would. Feel up to leaving the Keep today?”

Already in my heart, I know that I’m going to accept whatever these guys throw at me, but I still hesitate to give my head a chance to catch up.

I smile at the three of them before answering with, “Yes.”

Zanthus looks smug as Zale claps his hands once and says, “Great, let’s go.”

Zephyr and I follow behind the others as they lead us down different corridors. Admiring their backsides while their brother’s hand is in mine is stupid awkward, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

As per usual, my anxiety turns into words. “So why is Zephyr the only one with tattoos?”

Zale and Zephyr laugh as Zanthus flicks a glance over his shoulder that says he knows I’ve been checking them out and answers, “Zephyr spent a lot of time in the human world the past few years. That’s where he acquired their curious desire for markings. Though, I’ll never understand the point of such randomness. He may be alone in that barbaric human custom, but we each wear the honorable markings of our clan, or at least we used to.”

“What happened to them?” I ask curiously, giving his body another once over to see if I missed it in one of the ten times I’ve checked him out.

The corners of his lips pull up. “The witch. Our powers being drained from us started to fade our markings. We were hoping they’d return with our magic.”

“So, I’m the only one with markings now,” Zephyr brags. “Even if they are humanly barbaric.”

“Except for our birthmarks,” Zale’s voice flows back to me.

I haven’t seen anything that stands out on them, so I’m almost afraid to ask where they are.

Zephyr beats me to the punch as he holds out his left hand. In between this thumb and forefinger is a small design. Three lines on top of each other in a squiggle motion that makes me think of the wind. I run my thumb over the bluish mark, and he grins down at me. I realize Zanthus and Zale have stopped to watch us. I reach out for Zale since he’s closer, and he complies instantly, putting his hand in mine. His mark looks like a small blue wave getting ready to crest on the ocean.

When I turn to Zanthus, he pauses for so long that it makes me want to smack him. Eventually, after a few seconds long staring match, he lets me have his hand. His mark looks almost like a pale blue infinity symbol.

I don’t know where their words come from because it’s not even close to being on the same subject of our conversation, but I blurt, “Bruinen is, was, my father.”

Only Zephyr and Zanthus seem surprised, which leads me to believe Zale had at least suspected. They’re all standing there waiting for me to say something else, so I lick my lips and tell them, “I just thought you deserved to know I’m the daughter of your enemy before anything else happens.”

Anything being those kisses Zephyr is jealous he hasn’t been privy to or the revealing of any secrets they may not want descendants of their worst enemy to know. As far as I know, they’ve been nothing but honest and deserve nothing but the same in return.

“We can’t choose the family we’re born into, damselfish. It’s who you choose to become that defines the person you are,” Zale says, his brothers nodding in agreement.

“That’s why you haven’t kissed me yet, isn’t it?” Zephyr asks with a casual smirk, attempting to lighten the mood.

I can’t fight a smile even if I wanted to when I lie, “No, I haven’t kissed you yet because your breath smells fishy.”

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