Page 164 of Wings of Ash & Flame
She wasn’t sure what was happening between them—or with Caius. Her eyes collided with his across the room. He stood in the opposite corner, scrutinizing her with what could only be hatred.
He rounded out the strange trio of Kaia and Archer’s complicated friendship. She didn’t understand his kindness toward her friend but disdain toward her. She’d never done anything to him.
Kaia and Archer re-entered the ballroom, walking straight to her. In moments, she was wrapped in their arms.
“We need to talk about—” Archer began.
“Not now, Archer. Later, when we’re alone,” Kaia interrupted.
“Everyone okay?” Alaire asked.
“Yeah, we’re fine. Thanks to you and your magical ring,” Archer said dryly. Kaia elbowed him in the ribs. “Ouch! I mean, yes, we’re in the tippiest of tip-top shape.”
The warped frame of the glass balcony door creaked open. Dawson emerged like a fallen god—bloody, bruised, but alive.
Relief hit her so hard her knees nearly buckled. Cuts littered his black shirt, and while she might usually have appreciated the glimpse of skin, the thought of one of those creatures getting that close to him made her fists clench.
His gaze softened when he found her across the room. He stalked toward her, scanning her torn dress and dirt-streaked skin for injuries.
“Are you hurt?” he demanded.
She shook her head. “No.”
“Good.” He stopped just out of reach, close enough for her to see the tension coiled in his shoulders.
“Are you?”
“Fine.” He waved off the question like it was nothing. Dawson glanced around at the soulwardens tending to the wounded. “The wraiths have all been eliminated. Solflara was quite the asset.”
“Finally,someone giving me the praise I wholeheartedly deserve.”
“She appreciates the gratitude,” Alaire relayed.
Dawson eyed the corner where they’d all been huddled. “What went on here?”
“Nothing,” they answered in unison.
“It didn’t look like nothing to me.” Caius scoffed. “The Vallorian wielded powers she claims not to possess, fighting back wraiths to protect a group of humans.” His eyes drilled into Alaire’s, the accusation plain as day. Not only had he seen her use the ring, but he’d seen her choose humans over his precious fae.
What else did he expect?
Alaire opened her mouth to refute him, but Dawson stepped forward—not quite between them, but close enough to shield part of her. “Stop, Caius. Tonight’s been bloody enough without us turning on one another.”
Caius’s glare could’ve melted steel, but he said nothing more. With a mocking salute to Dawson and lingering look at Kaia, he turned on his heel and walked away.
“He’s had his share of pain and suffering,” Dawson murmured in her ear. “You’ve become a convenient target for his anger. Don’t let him get under your skin.”
“What happened to him?”
Something shuttered behind Dawson’s eyes. “It’s not my story to tell.”
Alaire cleared her throat. “I need air. Come with me.” She threaded her fingers through Dawson’s calloused hands. He gave her a weary look but didn’t stop her. They stepped through the shattered doorframe onto the balcony.
Suddenly, the night sky lit with fireworks—a stunning cascade of light shimmering above them. Even the injured paused to watch, a poignant symbol of the fragile peace they all stood to lose.
Tonight had been a sobering lesson of their vulnerability, despite their success in networking with Elithian’s nobility and gleaning more information from Dexter and other noteworthy nobles.
Alaire leaned against the railing, jaw slack with wonder. She’d never seen fireworks this close.
