“Yes.” I rise next to him. “Thank you for the lovely evening,” I say, my gaze drifting from Jude to Arian. “It’s been wonderful getting to know you both better.”
“The pleasure is all ours, Ani,” Jude says.
As Jasce and I bid them goodnight and make our way back to our bedchamber, my mind swirls, but one memory rises above the rest: Arian’s heartfelt declaration that she cares about both houses.
I know the path ahead will be fraught with challenges, but I also know that I must summon every ounce of courage and determination within me to walk this path of peace alongside Jasce. It won’t be easy, but nothing in life worth fighting for ever is.
ChapterTwenty-Three
ANNORA
Rain patters against the windowpanes,a steady drumming that fills the villa with a melancholy symphony. I sit by the window with my chin resting against my hand as I watch the droplets cascade down the glass, blurring the world outside. I sigh, my breath fogging up the window for a moment before dissipating.
My heart aches for my sisters. What I wouldn’t give to hear their laughter, to feel the warmth of their comforting presence. On a day like today, we would have huddled together as we shared stories that only sisters can.
My thoughts bring a wistful smile to my lips, but it fades as quickly as the fog on the windowpane, dissipating into the stark reality that I may never see my sisters again.
I glance up as Jasce steps into his bedchamber. He moves with that assured stride of his, crossing the room to where I sit nestled near the window.
The corners of his eyes crinkle with concern as he crouches beside me. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” I say, though my voice lacks conviction.
Jasce cups my face between his hands and tilts my chin up. “I can sense when something is wrong. Will you tell me?”
I open my mouth to speak, but the words are like boulders in my throat, heavy and hard to dislodge. But this is Jasce—steadfast, unwavering Jasce—and hiding my feelings from him seems both futile and wrong.
“I miss my sisters,” I say through the ache in my chest.
Tenderly, he strokes his thumb across my cheek. “I know.”
“I feel guilty for leaving them.”
“I cannot bring your sisters to you, but there is something I can do for you.” He takes my hand and stands, bringing me up next to him. “Come with me.”
“To where?”
“You’ll see.”
I follow Jasce as he leads me from his bedchamber.
The villa is quiet, save for the steady drumming of the rain against the windows and the occasional crack of thunder in the distance.
We walk down two corridors before entering a massive room, its high ceilings and tall windows giving it an airy, expansive feel.
Jasce moves to the shelves lining one wall, his fingers skimming over various objects before settling on a candle. It’s unlike any candle I’ve seen before. The wax is a deep, rich crimson, shot through with veins of gold that catch the light as he lifts it from the shelf. The candle is set in an intricate holder, with the metal worked into delicate swirls and patterns.
He sets the candle on the table, takes a breath, then a small flame appears at his fingertips. He touches it to the wick, and the candle springs to life.
Jasce looks up at me. “Come closer, Annora.”
I move to stand near him as the gold flecks in his eyes spark, and he passes his palms over the candle. The fire leaps higher, burning brighter. With a flick of his wrist, Jasce sends the flame dancing through the air.
The fire takes shape—a bird with wings spread wide, soaring right toward me. The flames pass harmlessly over my skin, filling me with warmth, before scattering into tiny embers.
“Just a little trick,” Jasce says.
I meet his gaze again, awed by this glimpse of the power and artistry he wields so easily.
