Page 37 of Of Withering Dreams
In the last few weeks, I was more aware of the energies around me. Every day, more auras revealed themselves, clinging to Druiks, flora, and fauna. They were brimming with ember, elemental creatures at their core.
Each aura was unique to the living being it resided in. Swirling, sparkling, pulsing, floating. The world was a gorgeous display of the Ancients’ gifts to mortals, an exquisite canvas bursting with vibrancy and color. It often reminded me of the painting of Morpheus near my quarters.
The leaves and vines above seemed to rustle and shiver in understanding. The sinuous bark of the Elysium Tree warmed, soothing energy nuzzling against my back.
My hands rested on the spongy moss beneath me, and I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring the peace flowing through me. I breathed in and out.
In.
Out.
Willing my ember to synchronize with my heart, I repeated the cycle several times. I’d been practicing, learning how to regulate it. Such concentration helped channel and redirect my power when it had a mind of its own. I was tentatively enthusiastic about my progress in managing and learning my gifts, even if I still wasn’t entirely sure what they were.
A warm bulk settled beside me, leaning against the tree, fabric brushing against the bark. Without opening my eyes, I knew it was Kaden. I couldalwaystell. His woodsy scent laced with mint. The way he moved his body.
His hip and thigh were snug against mine as he took my hand. “I’m sorry, Ser,” he murmured.
I opened my eyes and turned my head toward him, the back of it still touching the tree trunk. My book forgotten.
We sat in silence, looking at each other. His countenance was highlighted in pink and violet—the same shades as the sunset in Reverie Weald.
When I didn’t speak, he continued, “I feel like there’s too much within me. My thoughts … my feelings … are bashing into my skull with nowhere to go.” He looked up to the canopy above us, fingering a drooping vine for a moment. “And I took it out on you. On Gavrel.”
“All right,” I sighed. “I think you still need to talk with your brother, though. You’ve been through a lot, and you need to find ways to deal with it.” I squeezed his hand.
“I know. I …”
I waited, not wanting to discourage his processing.
“I suppose I’m a bit envious of Gavrel. He’s accomplished so much. What have I done? Nothing.” He let go of my hand, rubbing his palms over his thighs. “And when he looks at you the way he does … I want to punch something.”
My belly fluttered. My pulse eagerly tapping against my neck. I dipped my head, swallowing, sifting the jumbled sensations within me.
Shifting to face him, I crossed my legs. I took his hand again, twining my fingers with his and resting them on my lap. “You are as worthy as Gavrel or anyone else. You’re one of the best people I know. And you care.” I put my other hand on his cheek, and he leaned into it. “You care so deeply, which is why you feel so much. All at once.”
He enveloped my hand with his, turning his lips to my palm and kissing it gently. His fingers moved to my shoulder, settling against the slope of my neck. My hand fell, resting atop our joined fingers.
Staring intently into my eyes, he leaned toward me, drawing me closer. My breath quickened as he moved his mouth next to my ear. “Thank you for knowing me,” he whispered, resting his forehead against my temple. His rapid breaths tickled the side of my cheek and chest. Goosebumps sped over my arms.
His body was still as if he were a petrified piece of grymwood. I angled my head so our brows touched, swallowing as heat spread from my belly to my chest. My dress slid down one shoulder, and I shivered as it whispered against my skin.
His eyes were closed. I squeezed mine shut, willing my heart, mind, and body to stop battling and reach a unified decision.
Don’t do it, Seryn. The last bit of my resolve put up a fight, but I was tired of listening. Tired of thinking. Exhausted by my relentless daydreams about him.
If only the Fates knew our future, I might as well buckle up and enjoy the ride while it lasted.
I wantedthis.
To give myself to Kaden, break into a million pieces, and put myself back together afterward—a new woman.
I drew in a sharp breath, my eyelids flying open. His green gaze burned into mine as he licked his lips, pressing his fingers into my shoulder, branding me.
He began to pull away, but my hands whipped out, fingers burrowing into his messy waves.
His knowing smirk undid me, his dimple taunting me.
“Bloody void,” I muttered before crashing my lips against his.
