Page 62 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“Well, see, that’s the interesting part—I’m not quite sure.” She summarized the odd, indescribable feeling pulsing in her chest, and how, for whatever reason, she knew flying was what she needed to do.
“Let me get this straight,” he said slowly. “You think this pull is directing you toward Beck, and that we’re supposed to fly wherever it wants to take us.”
“Essentially, yes. I know it sounds absurd,” Alaire admitted, absently twisting a loose strand of hair between her fingers. Her gaze flicked to the towering flowers surrounding them.
Dawson let out a sharp breath. He crossed his arms over his chest, forearm muscles flexing?—
Which she absolutely didnotnotice.
“Alright,” he muttered, resigned. Then, with a pointed glance, he added, “But you can’t go like that.” He gestured to her with a quick sweep of his hand, taking in her outfit.
Her brow shot up, hands flying to her hips. “Why not?”
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable. “You’re wearing a skirt,” he replied, voicestrained. “It’s not practical for flying. And it’s cold up there. You’ll need to be… covered up.”
Alaire’s lips twitched as she leaned slightly closer, her voice dropping to a teasing lilt. “Are you sure it’s not my bare skin bothering you?”
His face twisted as he stared over her shoulder at the atrium, clearly searching for an escape. “It’s not?—”
“I’m kidding,” she interrupted, unable to hide her grin. “Lighten up, Dawson.” Watching his composure falter brought her such unfiltered joy. “I’ll tell Kaia I’m heading back to my room and change into my leathers. Where should I meet you?”
His attention snapped back to her, sharp and focused. “In front of the Serenity Gardens.” His tone was clipped—back to business—but his eyes lingered on her for a beat longer than necessary.
“I’ll be sure to be properly covered up this time,” she quipped, tossing him an exaggerated wink.
Dawson rubbed his temples. “You’re impossible.”
Before she exited the wildflower maze, she glanced over her shoulder. Dawson had leaned his forehead against Beck’s.
It was a quiet, intimate moment between flier and celestial—one she felt like she was intruding on. Slowly, she backed away, allowing them their moment.
The party had long since lost its luster. The girl who’d lost herself in the beat of the music felt like a lifetime ago. Alaire found Kaia and let her know she was heading back to the dorms. Kaia offered to come with her, but Alaire declined. Her friend’s eyes sparkled with mischief when she mentioned Dawson.
“You have to tell me everything tomorrow,” Kaia teased, her grin wide.
Retreating into the solace of the night, Alaire inhaled deeply, letting the crisp air steady her. Above, the stars glimmered, theirlight spilling across the path back to the castle. The pull had quieted, as if appeased by her decision.
Back in her room, she swapped her skirt for leathers, braiding her hair with steady hands despite the unease twisting in her chest.
Her boots echoed softly against the stone as she approached the Serenity Gardens. Dawson was already there, his dark silhouette sharp against the pale glow of moonlight.
The weight of what lay ahead pressed against her chest. She couldn’t tell if it was fear—or something far more dangerous.
Sixteen
Equipped in full gear, Dawson was irritatingly gorgeous in a way he made look effortless, leaning against Beck.
Infuriatingly, the sight of him made Alaire’s stomach tighten.
The gods had surely put too much effort into him to spite the rest of them. His turquoise eyes looked like the depths of the untouched sea. He’d retied his hair, highlighting the sharp angles of his face. He was already pushing off Beck, his fae hearing picking up her steps. His eyes drank her in as she emerged from the castle’s shadow.
The gargoyles hooted behind her like poorly trained owls.
“Here you’ll need these,” Dawson said, handing her a pair of goggles.
“Where are yours?” She eyed him skeptically.
“The celestial bond shields my eyes during flight. You don’t have that protection.”
