Page 239 of Emylia

His eyes searched mine, something unspoken moving behind them. “It doesn’t mean the thought of you with him doesn’t set my soul on fire,” he said finally, his voice raw.

“Well, if it makes you feel better, I wasn’t with him. I was with Evie. We snuck into the cupboards and stayed up all night.”

“You and Evie?” He said, more surprised than if I’d admitted Ihadbeen with Sebastian. “How’d you convince her to break the rules?”

“One of mymanytalents.” He opened his mouth to say something but shut it again. “Maybe if you weren’t so busysleeping,” I teased, “you would’ve witnessed it with your own eyes.” It took everything in me not to lose it. He just stared speechless. “If you don’t believe me,” I said, voice curling in challenge, “ask her.”

Before he could answer, a familiar voice cut through the barn.

“What are you two whispering about?”

Sebastian.

He strode in with that untouchable ease, all cocky swagger and effortless charm. His amber eyes locked on mine like they’d never learned how to look away.

“Jealousy, heartbreak, betrayal,” I said lightly. “You know. The usual.”

“Damn,” he said, raising a brow. “I miss all the good stuff.”

“You’re late,” Maalikai drawled.

“I like to arrive precisely when I’m not needed.” Sebastian flashed a grin, then turned to me. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

I gave a mock curtsy. “You’re just saying that to get into my good graces.”

He leaned in, all warmth and wickedness. “It’s worked before hasn’t it?”

I laughed, but Maalikai’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, the air pulsed between the three of us—too many truths unsaid, too many touches still lingering on skin.

I grabbed Stormfire’s and Midnight’s reins and led them from the barn, the leather smooth beneath my fingers. As soon as we stepped outside, I spotted Evie, waiting patiently along the path.

“Mom and the twins are leaving later today, she said I can leave with you guys, if that’s okay.”

“You just don’t want to be blamed for all the chaos we made last night.”

Evie’s smile was instant. “It’s okay, they’d never believe it was me anyway. I’m not the rogue dragon of the family.”

I passed her the reins. “It would be a pleasure to ride with you.”

Evie gave me a mock curtsy. “As it with you my liege.”

Sebastian looked between the two of us. “Did you two get into Aribelle’s wild sage?”

“No, why.” The horrified squeal in Evie’s voice sent me into hysterics.

“I haven’t seen you two like this for years.”

“Or maybe you just didn’t notice because you were too busy trying to get into Emmie’s pants all the time.” Evie tossed it out, casual as anything–I couldn’t help but giggle. Maybe Maalikaihadslipped some wild sage into our food for revenge.

“One week with you Em, and she’s turned into a miniature you.”

I dropped my arm across her shoulder. “Isn’t it spectacular, two of me, what could be better!”

Sebastian ignored me, swinging into the saddle. Maalikai mounted on the other side of us.

And just like that, we rode—together.

Maalikai’s stallion surged ahead, devouring the earth beneath him. I urged Stormfire after him, wind tearing through my hair. Evie rode just behind me, as though she were born in the saddle, a genuine smile lighting her stunning features, her blood red hair pulling behind her. Sebastian whooped beside me, laughter carried on the wind.

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