Page 111 of A Clash of Stars

“When we came to Sefida to train, my parents told me I would need to get close to you to befriend you. They said the purpose was to strengthen our kingdom’s bonds with each other. I didn’t want to be your friend because of them.Eventually, I couldn’t stay away. You— you were always so kind to me and made me feel as if I was important. I want to thank you for being that person for me. I have never had a best friend before, and I don’t know how great of a friend I am, especially after stabbing you.”

We both chucked at that before he continued.

“I’m trying to say I love you as a friend and best friend. I will conquer all the kingdoms if you need me to, I might not be the best fighter, but I can try. I know I’m an idiot and sometimes don’t say the right things, but I am willing to do just about anything for you.”

I sat up and grabbed his hands. Warmth spread through me, comfort.

“Thank you, Luke. You are my friend as well. I’d like to build my trust back up with you, and then…I’d love to be your best friend.”

His blue eyes and beautiful smile widened, “That sounds like a plan. That is a perfect plan. Now, you get some rest, and we can work out what we should do next in the morning.”

He patted my legs and left me alone in the bedroom.

Being alone allowed my thinking to lead to thoughts of Evander.

I missed him so much. I wondered if he missed me, too. After everything I have been through, he has been a rock for me, the constant reminder that I was sought after and protected.

Even the fact that Evander loves me makes me want to miss him even more. I thought I’d try something to see if he could hear me. It was a long shot, but worth a try.

Evander, if you can hear me, I’m all right. I miss you, and I’m heartbroken. I need to know where to go next.

I waited a few minutes for any response from him. I never understood how we could communicate that way, but I wasn’t going to focus on it right now, especially not when there were more pressing matters to solve.

As minutes slowly ticked by, I heard nothing from him.

My mind was finally resting, and I knew I would finally fall asleep.

That’s when I heard him.

Clara. Where are you? Are you safe?

I can’t believe that worked. I could hear him. He could hear me.

Not long after, I tried to sort out the right thing to say so he wouldn’t be upset with what I said next.

I am in a shack near the inlet of the Artesian Sea with Luke. I am safe now. My father is gone, Evander. I need to find the King of Aster. I need to kill him, and then I need to find Madok.

The agonizing breaths I was taking caused my skin to tingle. I thought I might be hyperventilating and that I needed to calm the abyss down.

I sat in the bed, swung my legs over the side, and started to pace the room waiting for him to respond. I was so anxious. I knew I was about a three-hour walk away from the castle, I could always try to go back, but then my father’s voice was repeating in my head.

Run far away. Don’t trust anyone.

That’s when Ev’s voice came through to me, solid and loud. Almost as if he were in the room, his deep voice radiated through me, causing the hair on my arms to stand on end.

I know where you are. Griffin is coming to get you and will take you to Rhysette to prepare for war. I’ll stay here to watch Madok and ensure he doesn’t seek you out. Be strong, my beautiful Clara.

Chapter 34

Iquietly opened the door to the room and stopped when I saw Luke lounging in the chair, peacefully asleep by the fire. The orange light flickered off his skin, and I smiled.

I knew deep down it wasn’t his fault that Madok used magic to make him stab me. He looked so peaceful and gentle, and I knew that there would be someone out there for him who would love him the way he needed to be loved.

Opening the door more, it squeaked, and his eyes shot open.

“Clara! What are you doing? Are you alright?” He quickly stood and hastily walked towards me, gripping my face and inspecting me.

“Yes, I am fine, Luke. I just needed to come and tell you something, but I didn’t mean to wake you.” I could sense his breathing starting to calm as he could tell I was okay.

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