Page 114 of Emylia

“You’re fine.” A relieved sigh visibly left him.

“I’m fine,” I managed to confirm, although my voice lacked its normal confidence.

“Good.” Even from here, I could see his ragged breaths as he fought to calm his demeanor. “Tomorrow, you return home.” His tone was final, no room for argument as he softened his voice.

One second passed. Then another.

It took a small eternity before I could make sense of his words.

“What?” My voice was a high squeak.

His eyes met mine, daring me to challenge him. “I heard… what happened out there.”

“So, what, you’re banishing me?” I accused.

“Your home is the only place you’ll be safe.”

Despite my body’s protest, I rose to my feet, the warmth of my blanket already forgotten as it landed in a muddled heap on the polished wooden floor.

“I’m not going to leave you all here to die,” I shot back with more venom than I’d intended.

“This is not up for discussion.” His voice was a low growl, warning me that I was in dangerous territory. “We’ve determined that it was a scouting party. Since none of them will be returning, we can assume that it will relay the message to stay away from Ophelia or else. But should they chooseor else, like Nexus I’ll risk your life. So, like I said, this is not up for discussion.”

“Like fuck it isn’t.”

Well, there goes the girl who could hardly move, replaced by a fury so consuming I wouldn’t be surprised if they could see fire brandishing my skin.

My fingertips tingled, a strange power crackling along them. I jerked my head down, convinced I would see flames licking my fingers, but I only saw clear skin.

No sparks of electricity.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Between what transpired at the Tree of Life and whatever happened earlier, I was either going insane or something was happening outside my control.

Thrainn took several steps forward, his gigantic frame towering over me as he glared down. “This is not up for discussion; you will do as I command. I will carry you over my shoulder kicking and screaming, if I have to.”

“Like fuck you will,” I spat back with a wrath that could maim.

Thrainn’s eyes narrowed on me. “Youwillleave first thing in the morning, even if I have to drag you there myself. Do not push your luck, Emylia.” His stare was cold as he met the steel in my gaze. “Sebastian, let’s go.”

Sebastian gave me an apologetic look, leaving my room. Before my uncle shut the door, he gave me one last pointed look. “And don’t even bother trying to escape out the window again, I have guards patrolling the perimeter. Five stationed right outside your window, with the soul purpose of making sure you do not leave this room.” Thrainn slammed the door, the sound of a key locking it.

He wouldn’t dare.

I sprinted across the room, trying to twist the knob but it was already locked shut.

Shit.

I sprinted to my window, yanking it open, peering outside. Just as my uncle had said, five armed guards stood several feet from my window, staring at me like they would incapacitate me without a second’s thought, rather than risk my uncle’s wraith for failure. Sworn to my uncle, they would do it without hesitation—I knew that much.

Screw him.

Tearing myself from the window, I began to pace, rage increasing with each step. Thunder cracked outside the window and two seconds later lightning struck, shaking the glass in the windows.

I froze.

Watching the window, I waited and waited. Thunder rumbled and almost immediately lightning flashed a second time.

I breathed out in disbelief.

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