“Yes,” Everly says, agreeing with me as she reaches for her bracelet.
“Did Cenric make you that bracelet?”
Her gaze lowers to the leather cord wrapped around her wrist. “It was Kassandra’s.”
Pain smarts in my chest as I look down at the ground, wishing Kassandra were here with us. Wishing she had gotten to marry Luc.
A long, shuddering exhale escapes Everly as she stands. “I miss her so much.”
“I do too.” I lift my chin enough to stare up at the stars. “Do you think she sees us? Watches us?”
Everly tucks her curls behind her shoulders. “I would like to think she is watching.”
My chest squeezes as I think of Mother and Aniah. Maybe they are watching me too. Maybe they even approve of this life I am living now.
“Good night, Sol,” Everly says, drawing my attention to her.
“Good night.”
She nods and moves to her tent.
I watch her go, then turn back to the fire. It’s strange how the flames can hold such an allure, mesmerizing me until my mind wanders to Hector and the last time I saw him.
He was grieving Praxis. I was unwilling to let go of my anger when I discovered he was keeping secrets from me.
And then...
The worst was confirmed. He told me he wanted to rule the other five Tarrobane tribes.
I rub my finger against my brow and shake my head.
[Tell me where you are.]Hector’s voice warms my chest and brings a smile to my lips.
[I’m near Hematite land.]
[The Giiana desert? Or one of their cities?]he asks.
[No, we skirted around their desert.]
[How can I come get you if I don’t know where you are, Sol?]
He wants to come get me?
Then, maybe he’s not too angry. Maybe he’ll even forgive me.
[I don’t know.]
[Hades! The sound of your voice, knowing I cannot see you, touch you.]
My heart shatters, crushing me. [I’m sorry.]
I cannot say those words enough, not when they beat within the currents of my heart. Every day. Every moment I’m away from him.
Over the last three weeks, that longing has intensified. That need. That urge to be near him.
Even my body has changed. I feel it the most when I walk. My legs drag, and my muscles ache.
I lower my hands to my abdomen, feeling the roundness, the proof that Hector’s child grows inside me. What if being apart from him is affecting the life we created together?
