Page 78 of The Spark that Ignites
Tracing her finger along the map, Emmery counted five kingdoms named after Kahlia’s beautiful and deadly daughters, each marked by a Tree of Eternal Blood all except the Forgotten Lands which allegedly belonged to the sixth sister, Serafelle. A barrier blocked the only mountain path leading north and had prevented travel for nearly a century. But the valley was self-sufficient with all resources mined, grown, or created by the land or people. In fact, Vesper said a good majority was once shipped to the north before the barrier was sealed.
The valley in which Asaella, the King of Thorns’s kingdom, and Ellynne, the Merikh’s, was barricaded by a large mountainous chain, severing them from the rest of the continent and other considerably larger three kingdoms: Tsillah, Morana, and Delmira. Emmery found herself searching for Malheim, which Rhessa had mentioned for the transcription of her ringand pocket watch, finding it nestled on the border of Asaella and Ellynne. It didn’t appear too far from Castle Dusk but too far to travel unnoticed. Likely half a day’s ride and that alone was daunting in this new world.
Although she was no longer forced to hide her magic, there was still a target on her back, and Emmery constantly watched over her shoulder, though Vesper assured she was safe here.
But shewasdifferent. Both Hollow and Fallen, yet somehow neither. Not to mention theShadowheart. That was something else entirely. Perhaps she would always beother. Fitting in was like trying to shove a cube inside a pyramid—impossible and too damn exhausting.
“What are you looking at?” Briar asked, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, like she bled from the shadows themselves.
Emmery sprang up from the bench, her hand clutching her racing heart. “Gods... you scared me.”
“Sorry.” Briar gave a cocky smirk, clearly not sorry at all as she flicked her long navy hair over her shoulder. “Is that a book or a map?”
Emmery sank her teeth into her lip. “I’m trying not to bother Vesper for information. Also trying to balance educational and pleasure reading.”
Briar crossed her arms. “If you have questions, you should askme. As sweet as Vesper is”—she leaned in, cupping her mouth with a hand, voice low—“he’s a bit of a moron.”
Her offhand comment had Emmery fighting back a smile. “At least he tries, right?”
“If you say so.” Briar peered at the cover in Emmery’s hands. “What’s the book about?”
“Someone gave it to me at a market.” The corners of her mouth turned up at the thought of Rhessa. “It’s a romance.”
Briar studied the cover. “You like it?”
“I do.” Emmery closed the book. “It’s nice to be someone else for a while. You know?”
“You should give me some recommendations so I can experience that kind of bliss.” She blew out a breath, stirring a hair stuck to her eyelashes. “Deimos knows I need it these days.”
“You know, living across the gate, I spent most of my time hiding. But when I was reading”—Emmery set the book down—“I got to live a thousand lives. It helped ease the feeling I was wasting my own.” She wasn’t sure what had come over her to offer such a personal piece of information. The two had chatted but never gotten too in depth about themselves. Not like that.
“I’m sure you weren’t wasting it.” Briar’s voice softened, her crimson eyes gentle.
Emmery’s gaze trailed to the burns on Briar’s face. She couldn’t help it. How had that happened? How had she burned only half her body? Gods, the pain that must have—
“I got caught in the fire here,” Briar said, her voice calm and holding no condemnation.
Shit. A flush crept up Emmery’s neck. “Oh, I’m sorry—I didn’t—”
“It’s fine. I prefer to tell people before they ask.” To her relief she didn’t seem annoyed, like she’d told the story so many times it no longer held any emotion. Briar’s eyes narrowed on Emmery’s hand. “Is that—” She huffed a laugh. “Are you sucking on a lemon?”
Flipping the slice in her hand, Emmery asked, “Want one?” As if on cue, Aera tucked herself under Emmery’s legs, staring up at her with pleading eyes.
Briar winced, shaking her head at the plateful. “I usually prefer my torture in the form of hangovers. Isn’t that incredibly sour?”
“It’s quite good.” Biting down, the tart juices hit her tongue. Briar winced. Sitting up, Emmery tossed her hair over hershoulder, free from her usual braid. “We had a lemon tree outside our cottage growing up.” Emmery grabbed another wedge. “It helps curb hunger pains.”
Briar’s eyes widened and Emmery shrank into herself. Gods, why did she say it likethatand offer that sharp piece of her past so willingly? Emmery’s shoulders tensed and she cast her eyes to the ground.
Why did she feel at ease with Briar? Like she could freely speak without judgement. As if maybe, they shared a past life. But gaining Vesper’s trust was one thing—she needed to gain Briar and Callias’s too since they would be staying here. Maybe this would work to her advantage.
Briar plunked herself beside Emmery, their arms brushing and her sweet lavender smell enveloping her. The girl had no spatial issues, unlike Emmery who scooted over to create breathing room. Briar didn’t seem to notice.
Emmery studied the concrete slabs. “I didn’t say that for sympathy. I wasn’t thinking.”
“Don’t be embarrassed.” Briar clasped her hands in her lap, knuckles whitening. “I know what it’s like to go hungry too. You shouldn’t be ashamed.”
Emmery sighed. Now that the bridge was down, she may as well cross it. “I did everything in my power to ensure my sister never did.” Emmery took another bite of the lemon before placing it back on the plate. “My mother was sick. She didn’t get out of bed most days.”
