Page 73 of Of Withering Dreams
He was so tall. So sturdy. My icy blues studied his emerald greens, and he gently cupped one cheek, brushing a calloused thumb under my eyelashes to swipe the lingering tears away.
Warmth swam over me, and I swiped my other cheek clumsily. “You’re right,” I murmured, the words catching in my throat. “I haven’t heard it since I was a child.”
“I’d know it anywhere. I hear it when you’re enjoying a meal,” he smirked.
A smile teased the corners of my lips. “You do not. We barely see each?—”
“It’s a bewitching melody for a bewitching woman. Dance with me, Asteria.”
My breath hitched, catching in my throat. His hand enveloped mine, and I leaned into his warmth. His other hand rose to wrap around my waist.
“Thank you for saving my place, brother,” Kaden snapped, stepping between us, his hands replacing Gavrel’s. My feet stumbled, and Kaden’s grip tightened, keeping me upright.
Gavrel’s lips settled into a thin line, his jaw firm. His shoulders tensed as if he was going to step forward, but before he had the chance, a wispy vapor orbited us to the sound of startled intakes of breath and faltering steps. Melina materialized next to the commander, her claws digging into the biceps of his stiff overcoat.
She glowered down her nose at Kaden and me—but mostly at me—the moonlight flashing across her metal irises.
Kaden’s scowl softened as he studied his brother and the Elder. A look that resembled something close to pity glinted across his features before it settled into one of indifference.
Melina’s voice, so melodious, was jarring, considering its edges were wrapped in barbs. “This song—Fated—always stirs something in me. Reminds me of home. Of course, it’s rare for the mortal realm to yield such a masterpiece, but when it does, you can be certain it’s from the Perilous Bogs. Wouldn’t you agree, Gavie?” She licked her bottom lip, sidling up to him and stroking his arm.
A curling smog of disdain coiled in my belly, the acidic burn rippling over my throat and tongue. Kaden’s fingers pressed into my waist. I hadn’t realized I’d edged forward but was grateful he hindered me.
Melina’s movements were unhurried as her palms inched over Gavrel’s thick muscles. Her lips curled, and her aura smoldered as she noticed my reaction. Deliberately, she scanned those around us, one brow raised. Everyone immediately averted their eyes and began dancing once more.
The skin beside Gavrel’s nose twitched slightly. He pressed the line of his lips together so tightly that they paled. He bowed to us and then left without a word, Melina’s touch extracted. The dancing couples swept him from my view.
A satisfied grin split Elder Harrow’s exquisite face before she sauntered away, following the path the commander had taken. The crowd shifted and split around her like a stone slicing through a current.
I blinked a few times, almost forgetting where I was.
Kaden made a low, resonant sound in his throat, pulling me closer and bringing my attention back to him. He positioned our joined hands next to us and steered us around the floor, his brows furrowed. The silent, circling box steps were making me dizzy as I tried to make sense of what had just happened.
“Kaden.”
He didn’t look at me.
I waited, my hand clinging to his.
He glanced down, his jaw ticking.
“Kaden.”
“What?”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m feeling punchy.”
I choked on a laugh, feeling a bitpunchymyself. His response soothed my frayed nerves. My palm slid from his shoulder to the side of his neck, rubbing my thumb in circles. “There’s no need to punch anything. Or anyone.”
“If you say so.” His head tilted, the furrow disappearing under the hair flopping over his forehead. After a moment, he said, “I’ve heard that Bogs song before.”
“It’s the song my mother used to sing.”
“Ah, the song you hum.” He smiled sweetly, his eyes softening. “Want your mead? I left it with Letti. Might be gone. You know how she can be with libations.”
I rolled my eyes, snorting. Letti didn’t drink. “I think you’re confusing my sister with you, you sot.” He gasped, clutching a hand to his chest in mock offense.
