Page 97 of Of Blooming Embers
SERYN
Asoft knock sounded at my door. Uncurling from my side, I brushed my fingers over my face and through my hair. Moonlight danced through the window, accompanied by the pattering rain. It filled me like a hollow vessel left out in a storm.
When I reached the door, I opened it a crack. Breena booped me on the nose. “Thought you might need a chum,” she commiserated as I let her in with a sad smile.
She plopped herself on my bed, and I lay next to her. We stayed like that, letting the rain serenade us, for a while.
I turned on my side. “Thank you for being here.”
Breena sat cross-legged, and propped her elbows on her knees. “Of course I’m here. And which brother do I have to stab?”
I snorted and then pressed my palms over my eyes. “Kaden told me he overheard his mother and Gavrel arguing when he was younger. About Gavrel being my … my fated khorda. And he kept it from me all these turns. Gavrel, too.” My heart flopped against my chest. “He did something to block the bond. Put a rune in his chest.”
Breena’s head dropped. “I can’t say I’m surprised about you two being bonded, but, hot damn, woman. That must’ve been a shot in the tit.”
My hand rested over my heart. “Right in it.”
She rubbed my knee, mouth twisting. “I’m sorry, Ryn-Ryn. I’m sure Kaden isn’t fitting into his big boy pants yet either. If you want me to cause physical harm, just say the word.”
A chuckle burst from me at the hopeful glint in her eyes. “No need. Who made you so stabby, my friend?”
She poked my side. “First off, I was born this way. Second, that’s a bit ‘dagger calling the sword pointy,’ innit?”
I huffed a laugh as I sat across from her. The momentary lightness sank, pressure pushing between my ribs once more. I leaned forward, clutching my tunic. “It hurts.”
Breena sidled closer, wrapping her arm around me. “It always does. Love isn’t for the weak. And you sure as void aren’t fecking weak.”
A dry sob spilled from my lips. “They both … He lied to me. What I’m feeling … I don’t know if I can trust it. If it’s the bond or just … just me.”
My friend’s embrace tightened. “Now, listen well. Until you have all the facts, you don’t know why Gavrel did what he did. That man looked like you kicked him in the balls and ate his soul at once. But what you can be sure of is that your mind and heart are your own to give. I see the way you look at him. Bond or not, you’d still want to climb inside him.”
I leaned my head on her shoulder. “What would I do without you, Bree?”
“You’d have a cry and then put on your big girl breeches.” She ran her hand over my curls. “You could teach Kaden a thing or two about that.”
I wiped the back of my hand under my nose as my shoulders shook with silent laughter.
“I’m proud of you, you know,” she murmured.
My head lifted. “For what. Being a mess?”
Her mouth pinched. It wasn’t often that her features settled so somberly. “You keep pushing. Doing what’s right even when it’s fecking hard. And don’t get me started on your bloody ember. You’ve come so far, and I’m fecking living for it. Truly—watching your bitty wings take shape? It’s everything.”
I swiped my fingers under my damp lashes, and Breena nudged my shoulder with hers. “I’m here for you, always. You won’t be getting rid of me, so don’t even try.” Her palm slapped against my thigh. “And I hope you’re the damned Scion just so I can see the look on Melina’s face when we destroy her. And Marek’s. Because that twat better not be. His head is already too bloated.”
Dread and humor vibrated in my belly. This woman was the only one who could make me want to crawl in a hole and laugh until I cried simultaneously. “You’re stuck with me, too. But I’d rather pass on the Scion bit.”
She tapped her finger against her full lips. “Hmm. I’m pretty sure we already went over your big girl breeches. So …”
My foot connected with her shin, and she yelped. “I know you, Ryn. Whatever the Fates throw at you, you’ll survive. Because that’s what we do.”
I wrapped my arms around my bent knees. She was right. We were survivors, and I’d be damned if I allowedanyoneto take that from me. “That we do. Thanks, Bree. Oh, and I’ll let you know if anyone needs a good stabbing.”
Breena grinned and slid off the bed. “I knew you loved me. Now, get some rest. We have a fecking rebellion to get back to.”
“Love you, too, Mistress Stabberton.”
Her chuckle followed her out. With the click of the door closing, I sank into my bed and my thoughts once more.
