Page 72 of A Reflection of Dusk and Dawn

“Aleksander,” she begins, but I don’t wait to hear the rest.

Stepping out into the crisp night air, I inhale deeply, trying to clear my head, but of course, it doesn’t fucking work.

I walk aimlessly as my thoughts churn. When did I start craving more than ambition and power?

An image flashes unbidden in my thoughts—the way Annora looks at Jasce. The love that burns behind her eyes.

Fuck!

Since when did I envy my brother for anything other than his title? Wanting that kind of connection was never part of the plan.

I slip a hand into my cloak and grab the false gold.

“You’re the fool, Alek. You will always be nothing.”I slam my father’s voice away, but not before it echoes again and again and again.

Shut the fuck up!

I weave through the tents,making sure everyone and everything is where it’s supposed to be.

As I pass by a flickering campfire, a solitary person catches my eye. Kythara sits hunched over, drawing a whetstone along the edge of her sword. Sparks dance with each stroke, lighting up her face in brief flashes.

“Careful,” I say as I stop near her fire, “you might set the entire camp ablaze with all those sparks.”

She doesn’t look up. “Better the camp than letting my blade dull.”

“You’re always so serious.” I sink my fingers into my weapon belt and study her in the firelight, watching the way the flames reflect in her dark eyes. “You know, there’s more to life than sharpening swords and scowling.”

Her gaze flicks up to meet mine—cold and unamused. “Oh? Enlighten me.”

“Well, for starters, camaraderie. A good drink. Maybe even a smile once in a while.”

“I’ll smile when there’s something worth smiling about.” She returns her focus to the blade, dismissing me.

I lean against a nearby crate. “You wound me. Here I am, offering delightful company, and you toss it aside.”

She sheathes her sword with a sharp snap and rises to her feet. “What do you want, Aleksander?”

Why does she have to say my name like that? As if it burns her tongue?

I block her path. “Why are you so hostile?”

She glares up at me. “Move.”

“At least tell me why you dislike me so much.”

“Fine.” She crosses her arms. “You’re arrogant, manipulative, and you think you can waltz in with that smug grin and get whatever you want.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Is that all?”

“Believe me, I could go on.”

“Please, don’t stop.”

Her lips press into a thin line. “You’re insufferable.”

“Only when I’m around you,” I admit. “You bring out the best in me.”

“Then, do us both a favor and stay away.” She tries to sidestep me, but I mirror her movement, blocking her path.

---