Page 194 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“By all means,” Dawson said with a hint of his usual smirk, “examine away.”
She rolled her eyes at his tone but carefully peeled back the shredded material. Smooth skin met her touch.
“Any pain?” She asked when she pressed gently.
“No.”
“It’s like it never happened.”
“Thank you,” he murmured, and the weight of everything hung between them.
“Can I get you something to eat?”
“Later. We both need more rest. We’ll need our strength to find the winterflame tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Alaire said, eyelids growing heavy.
“Rest. Let someone else take care of you for once.”
Despite the cold, she allowed herself to be held for the first time in longer than she could remember. Nestling into him, she was careful not to press too hard against his chest.
A flicker of determination kindled within her. She’d spent so long running from her pain; maybe there could be another path forward now.
The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest steadied her. Made her feel safe. Born of shared struggles and quiet strength, together against the howling wind and cold, they’d help each other keep the darkness at bay—if only for a little while—in the quest for those slivers of sunlight.
Forty-Four
The following day dawned with frosty stillness, the air sharp and biting. But they’d survived. Tenderness lingered in soft glances and quick brushes of fingertips.
Last night had changed something between them. She wasn’t sure what it meant yet. She’d opened wounds she’d kept hidden for years. More than that, she realized the terrifying truth: she was falling for a fae—of all people—one she knew she couldn’t have.
Her heart had chosen without consulting her.
Alaire hitched the lighter pack higher on her shoulders. They’d discarded most of the bloody bandages and eaten a large portion of their food, rationing the rest. The mountain settled during their time in the cave, fresh snow already covering the ground.
Beck and Dawson had used their air aether to move the blockade of boulders. Their footsteps crunched across the icy ground, careful to avoid the cracks Solflara’s power had triggered. Solflara spotted two trails heading toward the summit. Unanimously, they chose the one with unblemished snow.
Before leaving the cave, they’d agreed to use magic sparingly. A slight wind was nothing compared to the yetis they’d encountered.
“You and the prince seemed especially close last night.”
Alaire dragged a palm down her face, suppressing a groan. Sometimes she truly detested the telepathic connection.
“Not willing to dignify your scandalous behavior with a response.Why am I not surprised?” Solflara replied loftily.
Alaire gasped. “There was no scandalous behavior.”
“Whatever you need to tell yourself to justify your actions in front of others is just fine.”
“On second thought,I regret not being louder so you could’ve thoroughly enjoyed my pleasure.” She grinned.
Solflara let out a sharp squawk. “Please do not.It will only give Beck more confidence than he already has.Understanding boundaries is a foreign concept to a griffin.”
“I’ll let Dawson know to convey your utmost interest in Beck.He’ll be thrilled,I’m sure.”
“Don’t you dare.”
Alaire sent a humming wedding march down the bond, waiting for Solflara to pick up on the cue.
