Page 29 of Of Withering Dreams
“I’m fine, Ser.” He huffed, his face pinching. He took my hand, squeezed it once, and then rushed ahead to speak with Gavrel.
While I didn’t condone violence, I recognized its value at times. Over the turns, especially since Hestia’s culling, Kaden had battled his persistent temper. It was rare for anyone to sense the inferno bubbling beneath his amiable disposition. Kaden was quick to laugh, his humor provoking amusement within others.
He wasn’t a violent man by any means, but was he impulsive? Absolutely. After having some rocky adolescent turns, he honed his self-discipline, diverting his simmering fury into physical labor, swordplay, and now—I realized—embercraft.
I glanced at the enigmatic forest behind me and squared my shoulders. Catching up to them, I positioned myself next to Gavrel, giving Kaden space. “Gav, you said Morpheus’ sister, Phantasos, created the veil centuries ago. Was it for defense or to keep us mortals from straying?”
The corner of his mouth quirked upward. “Both. The veil keeps Void creatures out. It’s a boon it has held up.”
“It doesn’t restrict Phobetor, I would suspect,” I added, my brow creasing.
“Correct, only his realm’s beasts. As for keeping us in. Yes, its secondary aim is to deter vulnerable souls from leaving the grounds before they’re ready.” His smile dropped. “Which you’ve both learned the hard way today,” he grumbled, glowering at us.
“Ah, Gavrel, don’t be so surly. I have no doubt you can join us in the fun next time,” Kaden chided, his shield of humor back in place. Gavrel squinted at Kaden, his tongue pushing at the inside of his lips.
“I’d suggest learning more about Surrelia and the Nether Void before wandering off like unsuspecting children. Of course, there is more to this world, but it would help to be armored with details to avoid getting yourselves killed.” Gavrel’s chest muscles were so tense I thought he might be carved out of stone.
My mouth dropped at the insulting rebuke, but I snapped it shut when Kaden snickered, “Killed? Our astral bodies can’t be killed, Gavie. Was that what Melina called you back there? Little Gavie Gav?”
A flush of heat tinged Gavrel’s bronzed cheeks, reminding me of a crimson sunset shining over toasted wheat. He stood taller, stacking his already straight spine into a rigid column. “There are worse things than death for both physical and astral bodies. But, by all means, continue using your poor decision-making skills to test that, brother.”
Kaden stepped forward, his aura flaring around him, but then clenched his fists and paused. Cracking his neck, he glared at his brother and then stomped off toward a group practicing with weaponry.
Gavrel sighed, looking at the ground and shaking his head.
I turned to face him. “I’m not a child. You would do well to remember that. Were we rash? Yes.” I shrugged, taking a breath. “You are right, though. I’ll study more. But you should be more forthcoming with information as well.”
He nodded once. “I appreciate that. I’ll try. There are some things I … I can’t share with you—yet. Despite what you may think, I don’t know everything,” he admitted with a sheepish smile, his eyes shifting to the left.
I gasped teasingly, “Say it isn’t so.”
His smile lingered for a moment, then melted. “I know you aren’t a child.” His eyes swept over my body, his direct gaze landing on mine. “But I worry about you both. What if I hadn’t made it to you in time?” Unease swam freely in the viridian pools of his eyes.
I stepped into him, gathering his solid body to mine and wrapping my arms tightly around his waist. “Thank you. I appreciate not being unalived.” His back stooped as he wrapped his arms around me, a soft chuckle vibrating through him.
“How did you find us, by the way?” My question was muffled as I pressed my cheek into his stiff overcoat.
“I …” He retreated slightly away from our embrace, rubbing a hand along his nape. “I’m not sure. I was with Melina, and my rune lit up. Beyond the veil, ember is untamed. Wild.” He ran his hand over his stubbled jaw, his metallic ink reflecting in the setting sun. “My tattoo grew brighter—burned—the closer I got to you, so I went where it and my instincts led me.” He gripped the strap of his leather baldric, his fingers tense.
“Huh, well, that’s interesting.”
“That was Melina’s sentiment as well. She insisted on coming.” He looked back toward the palace and then at me with urgency. “Be careful around her, Little Star.”
“Already on it; you don’t have to worry. I mean, anyone who can go poof into thin air is terrifying,” I joked, making an explosive motion with my fingers, air puffing out my cheeks.
Gavrel smirked as we turned to head to the palace. “As far as I know, she can only transport herself short distances. She likely sent herself to the other side of the veil. She loves all the theatrics of it.”
I chuckled, “Could’ve fooled me.”
Gavrel took a deep breath. “In all seriousness?—”
“Ah yes, one of your best qualities,” I interrupted him, smirking. Noticing the worry still lingering in his gaze, I put my arm through the crook of his elbow. “I’ll be careful around the Elders, Gav. Unfortunately, I have Melina’s attention now. I’ll tread lightly. Promise.”
“All right, thank you.” He tucked my arm closer into his side.
I drew in a breath. “It would seem you have her attention as well.”
A sound suspiciously like a growl shuddered through his chest. “I’d rather not, Seryn.”
