Page 28 of A Clash of Embers

"It was real. You and me. My mother has been lying to me. I'm Madok, but I'm also Leo. Who— Who am I?"

I sighed, "You can be whoever you want to be. If you want to remain Leo, you can, but if you want to be Madok, you can be him too."

I sat on my knees staring directly into his eyes as his thumbs circled the back of my hand. "You can be whoever you want because you are both. You are Leo and Madok. It doesn't change what I think of you. I'm just glad that you remember now, just as I do."

He nodded and I smiled at him. I wanted to kiss him but I knew everyone was watching us. I leaned in slightly when I heard Callan's voice boom over us.

"We would really like to sleep inside a building tonight, but we need you two to get the fuck on with whatever you're doing."

We both stood, and I glanced over to Callan as he smirked and rolled his eyes. Leading the group onward. Before I realized it, we were quickly approaching an enormous city. I could see it in the distance. It was surrounded by monstrous mountains that looked like tall rocks, daggers in the sky, sharp and distinguished. One touch was sure to cut you.

I realized just how close we were. To him. To the home of Luke. My best friend. I felt my heart tick up a notch the closer we got. The city was stunning to lay eyes on. The buildings were bright, vibrant colors of every shade of the rainbow. Each building had its own story, its own design, and something that made it unique. It was dusk when we arrived, and most people were back in their homes, cascading soft yellow glows across the city line and it made me smile.

I knew there were people enjoying family dinners, telling jokes, and I was happy for them. That this curse was broken and they could go back to the lives they once loved so much. The thought clicked in my head that maybe I was being selfish earlier about my choices. The description of our eternal resting place from Leo triggered a new thought. Yes, I wanted to controlmy life,butif my purpose in this life is to suffer a little to allow others to thrive in their lives, then maybe it’s worth it.

We approached a large castle that didn’t look like the regal castles I grew up knowing in Carondelet. It looked like a piece of art. Each part of it was intricately designed and the colors were just as vibrant as the city it belonged to. I took a deep breath as we approached the front door, Leo holding my hand. He knocked on the door three times and the tall metal doors opened allowing us to view the inside.

I smiled when I took my first step into the hallway. The walls were painted with large floral murals and portraits of the family of Thea. I had never met Luke’s parents but I would assume they would be just as fantastic as he was. I knew his mother had passed away when he was a small child, but that's all I knew about his family.

Our entire group eventually made it to the large living room that had windows that rose all the way to the ceiling, well over twenty feet high. The windows overlooked the manicured gardens and courtyard where we saw a few people sitting in large chaise lounges, admiring the sunset over the mountains in the distance.

Only a moment later, a man stood and walked to the doorway to greet us and I couldn’t help but let my smile grow across my face when I met the eyes of crystal blue staring right back at me. He was holding a glass full of whiskey that he quickly set down on the nearest surface and ran towards me.

Within one breath he was standing directly in front of me with his large hands encompassing my face, pulling my forehead to his. I saw his eyes close and a small tear escaped. He took a deep breath and spoke with the spicy scent of cinnamon tickling my nose. I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“I have missed that extraordinary laugh of yours,” Luke said to me, pulling his face back to get a good look at me. Then, hegripped me in the tightest hug known to man, forcing my face to be planted into his chest. His heart was beating so fast and so was mine.

Herememberedme. Heknowsme.

My voice was muffled in his chest as I spoke, “Okay, you can let go of me now. Your man boobs are crushing me.”

Luke’s laugh filled the air with elation, until I turned my head to see Leo. He was fuming. He didn’t have to say anything for me to know it, too. His face read like a book. Every line was open for anyone to read. Once Luke picked up where my eyesight had gone, he stepped towards Leo and stuck out his hand.

“Mado—Leo, it’s great to see you again. My father would have been here to greet you, but he left to prepare for the meeting already. Unfortunately, you’re stuck with me.”

Not missing a beat, Leo shook Luke’s hand and that's when I felt soft hands wrapped around my face and covering my eyes. Blocking my view of everything. A slight panic rose in my throat, then I heard a soft voice in my ear.

“I hope you’re ready to drink some wine with me. I’ve been waiting.”

I quickly turned around to see Bethany standing directly in front of me. Beautiful as always, long blonde hair but with white feathered wings that trailed her body. We both grinned at each other and threw our arms around one another. We squeezed each other so tightly, I thought we might break each other's ribs. We both laughed and I didn’t want to let go because I was afraid I’d lose her again.

Once we finally pulled away, I felt the tears welling in my eyes, but this time it wasn’t from sadness, it was pure joy. I had finally found the two people that knew me the best. Luke and Bethany.

“So, should we all get a drink and wind down for the evening?” Luke offered to the group but everyone shook their heads.

“Eh, we have had a long day of traveling. I think the rest of us will turn in for the night.” Callan spoke up and the rest of the group nodded. The maids gestured for the men to follow them and they walked to their respective rooms of the castle.

Leo was still standing there with glassy eyes watching me. He looked as if he was drunk, but I knew he wasn’t because he had nothing to drink. Is this what a man looks like when he is in love or maybe he is justtired?

“I think I may go ahead and call it a night. It’s been a long journey and I know Clara would like to catch up with the two of you.” He smiled but it was a painful smile. He didn’t really want to leave but he didn’t want to be in my way. Which, I respected.

He walked towards me, placing a soft kiss on my cheek before walking towards the maid who would show him to his room. For an instant, I thought about following him to his room and seeing what would happen if I did.

This new feeling was starting to overwhelm me. It was a mixture of panic and confusion. How could I want him so badly but be so unsure of myself at the same time? I trusted him and my body hungered for him. Why could that be so bad?

Turning back to face my friends, they were both smiling, but Luke had a raised brow, and I knew exactly what it was about.

"How about that drink?” I chuckled.

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