Page 77 of Severed Heir

“Well?” I gestured toward the door. “Shall I give you a tour before something with claws eats your legs?”

Ellison grinned. “Lead the way. I promise not to trip over my own ego next time I have to save your ass.”

As we turned to leave, I could feel Archer’s stare slicing into my spine. He let me walk away. Let me lead another man through his halls. His home.

And for once, I was the one making him burn.

Ellison chuckled. “I suspected to see a dead body. Honestly, this place is so beautiful. I think I’ll rather enjoy that walk tonight,” he said. “Hopefully no death beasts find us and trap you in a nightmare again.”

I felt Archer staring as I turned down the hall. “I haven’t woken up from that nightmare yet,” I muttered to Ellison.

Our voices echoed between stone and shadow, awkward banter masking the deeper ache that I felt wholly.

He gave me the illusion of freedom—let me walk away—when all I wanted was for him to fight. Fight for me. For us.

But no trace of my unspoken words slipped through our bond.

I led Ellison to the overlook of crystalline mountains, where Archer had first kissed me after I was heired. Wind swept my hair across my shoulders. The skies were gray, heavy. Like my heart.

“How is everyone?” I asked.

He slid his hand into his pocket. “Cully won’t stop writing. Myla’s stationed in North Colindale until Winter ends, just in case a Forgotten claims the land… I think Toni and Fraser slept together. I try to avoid most conversations.”

I let out a breath, heavier than I expected. “I thought it would be worse.”

He tilted his head, studying me. “I’m good at reading people, and you seem off.”

I blinked. “I doubt that.” Then quickly added, “My friend was a mind reader. That’s what I meant. I’m sure you are good at reading people.”

He raised a brow. “Those are invasive quells. I’d never be friends with one.”

“Well, he’s dead.” The words slipped out before I could catch them. “And it’s my fault.”

The silence that followed was too full, too sharp.

“You know,” Ellison said after a beat, “where I’m from, we burn ashes and melt them into something sacred. Something loved. You could find his ashes, wherever they are. You wear a bracelet, don’t you? More Serpents keep their memories as jewelry.”

“It’s more complicated than that.”

He leaned on the railing, arms crossed. “You don’t open up much.”

“No,” I said. “I don’t care to.”

He gave a quiet smile. “I’ll make you a deal. You say something that scares you, I’ll do the same.”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. You first.”

Ellison’s gaze shifted to the horizon. “I’m terrified of my stepfather,” he said. “Hadrian. My mother had an affair when he was mentoring at the Academy. He stayed with her. Had my younger brother, Caius. I’m guessing you’ve met Hadrian... and his brute.”

“That wasn’t your fault.”

“I know,” he said, but his voice didn’t sound convinced. “Still, I’m a reminder.”

A quiet settled between us.

“Now,” he said gently, “tell me what’s clawing at you.”

I exhaled. “My friend died.”

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