Page 336 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
“She likes living near the woods,” Corbin said with a grin. “We just had to set up rules about not going into them without one of us.”
“I don’t think the woods will hurt her,” Tessa said in confusion.
“Not her, no, but when we have to go looking for her?” He dragged a hand down his face. “It only happened once, and once was more than enough.”
“Does she know? Whose ashes are in that box?”
“No,” Corbin sighed. “Eviana asked us not to tell her. Didn’t want her to remember that she was present for her mother’s death.”
That made sense. No one understood making hard choices about children better than her. Eviana didn’t get the choice she was given though. A daughter she was forced to carry. A daughter she chose to love when she could have simply not cared.
Some time later, they emerged in a small clearing deep in the woods. Truthfully, the only way Priya could have found it was if a Spryte had shown her. That’s how far off the path it was, but by Silas, was it beautiful.
Trees with low-hanging branches made her feel like they were stepping into another world. There was a small pond in the center, water lilies floating on top, while wildflowers of all colors surrounded it. Bright oranges and purples, pinks and yellows. Moss covered fallen logs, and ferns and other small plants were everywhere.
“Will this work?” Priya asked, turning to Tessa. There was a hardness in her turquoise eyes that Tessa wasn’t sure would ever go away, but there was also a glimmer of hope. Something told Tessa she was worried about disappointing them.
Tessa crouched before her, holding out a hand for the glass box. “This is perfect, Priya,” Tessa said softly. “Thank you for helping us find it. Can I ask for your help one more time?”
She nodded slowly, eyes darting from Tessa to the box.
“Someone very special died to save someone she loved very much,” Tessa said, her voice wavering on the words. “She loved the flowers and the trees.”
The child’s eyes went wide. “Like me?”
“Yes,” Tessa said, trying to swallow her cry. “Yes, Priya. Just like you. Which is why I was hoping you could help us return herto the trees and flowers she loved so much. You’ll know which ones are the best.”
“I can do that,” she said seriously. Then she looked up, searching for the males who loved her. “Lange? Corbin? Can you help?”
“Of course,bellana,” Lange said, flashing her a sad smile. “Let’s find the prettiest ones, okay?”
Tessa stepped back, and Theon pulled her into his side as they watched the three of them give Eviana’s ashes back to the element she loved so dearly. Priya may not know who she was giving a resting place to, but they did. They knew, and her sacrifice would be remembered always.
WHEN CHAOS COMES TO REIGN
Two Years Later…
“Yes!” Tessa cried, lurching up from the sofa and jumping up and down, popcorn spilling everywhere. Axel was there with her, picking her up and spinning her in a circle. She tipped her head back, laughter spilling from her lips. “The Whirlwinds aren’t even your favorite team,” she managed to get out between giggles.
“Yeah, but I bet Mors a good amount of money that they would beat the Firewings,” Axel said, setting her back on her feet with a grin.
“There’s still three more games in the series,” Luka grumbled, arms crossed where he sat on the sofa.
“You know,” Tessa said, sauntering closer and straddling his lap. “Every time the Whirlwinds and Firewings play, you tell me not to whine if the Whirlwinds lose.”
His hands were on her hips, and he leaned in closer. “And every time, you throw a fit.”
“I do not,” she scoffed.
“Last time, all my Firewings items mysteriously disappeared.”
She arched her brows. “Still a mystery.”
“Mhmm,” he hummed, sitting back once more and shoving her off his lap. “I get to be grumpy after that game. The Firewings played like shit. The Whirlwinds were missing half their starters, for fuck’s sake.”
Tessa laughed again, looking up at Theon from where she lay on the sofa now, her head at his thigh. His nose was, of course, in a book. It always was during Chaosphere games. She reached up, batting at the pages. He ignored her, but she saw his mouth twitch.
“I better go help Kat,” Axel said, setting down the bowl he’d just filled with the spilled popcorn. “You guys heading back in the morning?”
