Page 39 of To Ashes and Dust
Damien had lost his mate that night. Zephyr had lost his sister. Unlike the form I’d taken moments ago, it somehow felt... natural. I assumed the part of me that was Elena tugged on that connection, welcoming the knowledge back into herself through me.
“What was it like being my brother? What was... I like? I’ve seen visions, heard stories from Damien, but what was I like growing up?”
His face warmed, his lips curving into a smile, and a light of endearment returned to his pale green eyes. “So much like you are now. You were so timid when we first met. When Damien told me of his suspicions, it was hard for me to believe, but as I got to know you more, I saw it. You were so stubborn. Once you set your mind on something, no one could talk you out of it.” His eyes went distant, a smile tugging at his lips. “You were always so kind and compassionate, but shit, did you hate being told what to do.” He laughed as he relived some fond memory. “Can’t tell you how many times I had to talk you out of trouble growing up.”
I smiled, imagining Zephyr cleaning up the messes left by Elena—by me.
“It was hard for you to open up to new people, but once they gained your friendship, there was no person more loyal. No matter what, you would be there, have their back.”
It sounded so like me, but why wouldn’t it?
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to dig up those memories.”
“No, don’t be. Like I said, I’ve been wanting to tell you.” His shoulders relaxed, as if a weight had been lifted. “I meant to tell you months ago, but then I met Calista, and I knew things were complicated between you two. I was terrified of how you would react.”
“Zeph, you’ve always been there for me. I would never turn you away.” I turned to lean my back against the rock next to him, eyes lifting to the forest around us. A brother.My brother. I’d always wanted one growing up, remembered begging my mom for one as a child, but she’d explained it wasn’t possible to have a big brother after I was born first. I’d cried so hard that day. A smile crept across my face at the memory. “It’s kind of cool to know I have a brother.”
He smiled, laying a hand on my shoulder. “Anytime you need anything. Just tell me. Barrett crosses a line? I’ll kick his ass for you.”
“Oh no, I want that honor for myself,” I said, cracking a cocky grin.
He huffed a laugh.
“Can you...”
His brows rose when I hesitated.
“Can you tell me stories of Elena when you guys were younger?” I lifted hesitant eyes to him. “I’ve always felt so... incomplete. When a new memory resurfaces, I can’t explain it, but it’s like it was a part of me that’s been missing.”
A warm smile lit his face, and warmth spread through my chest at the sight of it. He nudged me with his shoulder. “I’d be happy to. If it isn’t distracting, I’d be happy to share some while we train.”
I smiled and pushed myself up to head back to the slope, feeling energized. “Then let’s get back to it!”
“Oh, and Cas.”
I stopped, glancing over my shoulder at him.
“If you can make that flight down the hill and stick the landing, we’ll try the partial shift before we finish for the day.”
15
CASSIE
“How did training go?” Damien asked as he cut into his roast beef later that night.
“Well, I found out I have a brother.”
Damien’s dark brows rose. “So, he finally told you.”
I nodded, warmth spreading through my chest. There had been a change in Zephyr after he’d told me about Elena. He seemed more... at ease. I could only imagine what he’d felt all these months, knowing what he did and having to hold onto that knowledge.
“I’m glad. I’ve been trying to get him to for months.”
Part of me wondered why Damien never told me, but I could understand why he would feel it wasn’t his place. I was glad Zephyr was the one to tell me.
“Were you able to stick the landing?” he asked before taking a bite.
“Yeah. It took a while, but I think I’ve got it figured out. Now I’ve just gotta figure out how to not crash into trees.”
