Page 8 of A Clash of Embers

“Here is the bathroom. I already grabbed towels on the way up, so they’re ready for you when you are. I am going to head downstairs to speak to the guys. I will take the key with me and lock the door. Is that okay?”

I nodded as he turned to walk out the door. I noticed the strong muscles that shredded across his back. I wondered why he didn’t have Fae wings like the others, but I would find out because everything that I had read about was real.

Darthium.

I was here and it was completelyreal.

Chapter 3

The bathroom was older, with a tinted yellow sink, a small, cracked mirror, and a greenish-colored marble shower. I looked inside it, and itlookedclean, and at this point, I’d take what I could get.

I turned on the water, letting it get to a warmer temperature, and while I did, I looked at myself in the mirror for what felt like the first time.

My wavy hair was curlier with new streaks of golden blonde throughout, my skin was brighter with an almost permanent glow, and my eyes had bright flecks of purple woven through the usually gray eyes I grew up knowing.

The steam was filling the bathroom, causing the mirror to fog, blocking the view of my face. I took a deep breath, stepped into the shower, and let the hot water cleanse my body.

I lathered my muddied skin in so many suds I thought I might slip. It was a eucalyptus scent that reminded me of home and the memories of the night Evander and I shared as husband andwife. I started to cry in the shower, my body heaving, my head dizzy.

“You are the result of evil and hate, Clara. Your family is repulsive, and you’ll be destroyed when the rest of the land finds out that they are.” Theo plunged me into that darkness. The panic holds me hostage.

My lungs tightened, the glow of my body illuminating the yellow-lit bathroom. My sobs echoed off the bathroom walls, but I couldn’t let out all my frustration. I would destroy everything with my power if I did that.

Come on, Clara. Reel that shit in.

I took small breaths and stood, planting my feet solidly on the shower tiles. I closed my eyes and rinsed off my body slowly, allowing the sadness to wash away with it.

Finally, I got the courage to wash my hair and let the water pour over me until my mind was completely silenced. It was the first time since awaking that I had heard nothing in my mind. I was numb to the pain.

The water started turning cold, and I knew I had been in the shower too long. I needed to get out and get dressed before Leo came back. I dried off and wrapped the navy-blue towel around my body, leaving my hair dripping and free. When I walked into the bedroom, I was hit with a chill of the air, causing me to shudder slightly.

The three dresses lying on the bed were older, with long, flowing skirting and a high waist. They weren’t what I would typically wear, but I wouldn’t fuss about it because clothes were clothes at this point. My eyes were drawn to the blush-colored dress with small white thread details around the wrist and neckline. The fabric seemed thick, and the long sleeves were a plus. It could keep me warm.

Dropping the towel, I heard the turn of a knob and immediately diverted my gaze to the door, but nothing, not one sound came out of my mouth.

When Leo came in, he looked toward the ground before raising his eyes to meet mine.

I grabbed the dress quickly to hold it before me, but I knew he had already seen me. He stood frozen in the door frame with his mouth opened slightly. We stood staring at each other for a lifetime before either of us got the courage to speak.

“Um. I’ll— I’ll step outside in the hall and wait for you to finish getting dressed.” He averted his eyes and quickly stepped back into the hall, closing the door behind him.

I let out an exhale, not realizing that I was holding my breath. My heart was racing so fast, and I closed my eyes, trying to calm my pulse. There was something about being completely exposed to someone who was once someone you knew. It was destabilizing when a certain part of your nature longed for that touch. The way those two men loved me wasreal. I had their love once, but it had been ripped away.

I hastily shoved my legs through the dress’s opening and pulled the sleeves over my arms. It fit snugly, but I needed Leo to fasten the back laces. I cursed.

“You can come in now,” I yelled at him.

When he entered the room, I was hit with an overwhelming scent of citrus. It smelled like sunshine radiating from him, and his eyes glowed a soft amber. The same eyes that had brought me comfort during the most difficult times in my life.

“I apologize. I thought you would’ve been dressed by now. I wouldn’t have come in if—”

“No, it’s fine. I took too long in the shower. It isn’t your fault. But I could use some assistance tying this in the back. I can’t quite reach the top portion.”

I gestured to the back of the dress and Leo took slow strides toward me. Instantly, I decided to tap into his thoughts. I needed to know what he was thinking. When I did, I was let in but then was shut out immediately. When I turned my back to Leo for him to tie my dress, I let out a soft breath, wondering if he knew I was trying to read him.

“You know, you could just ask me what I’m thinking instead of trying to slither into my thoughts.”

Shit. He knew.

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