AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Evelyn paused, studying him. “Yes, at the Battle of Morrow.”
Kade nodded. “Well, I was fourteen at the time, a little reckless and dimwitted. My brother Eldrick and I were five years apart and spent most of our time together.”
Evelyn fidgeted, sitting farther upright and concentrating on Kade’s next words.
“We had the bright idea to skip our training lessons one day. We left the Vadon Mountains, trailing my mother’s unit all the way to Morrow. We thought ourselves clever werewolves, not once getting caught until we came upon the fortress. My mother was angry, disappointed in our recklessness. Traveling alone? Leaving the Vadon Mountains? I was Son of the God and needed to learn my duty, take it more seriously. But I was young and let some things go in one ear and out the other. We stayed for two days and then left the fortress with a small unit.”
Kade paused. Outside, the rain no longer drizzled; it poured in sheets against the window. The lively fire continued to crackle. Evelyn didn’t dare to say anything, unsure where Kade’s story was heading.
“Vampyrs attacked less than an hour after we left. We witnessed the horde of them breach the fortress wall. Eldrick and I sprinted back, ready to defend and help our mother. As I jumped the wall, I found twenty vampyrs circling her. We locked eyes. I knew before she even shook her head. She wanted me to stop, to not engage. Her last words as the vampyrs swarmed her were, ‘Remember your duty.’”
Evelyn wanted to reach out to him, to take his hand or place a comforting touch on his arm. Maxie had a similar idea, moving from Evelyn’s lap and jumping to Kade’s. His pained expression relaxed. He held Maxie close, and she purred, golden eyes staring up at him as if to say, Go on, now.
He did. “As it turns out, the horde of vampyrs had trailed me and my brother for miles. We’d led them to Morrow. If it weren’t for me, my mother would still be alive.”
“Vampyrs killed your mother,” Evelyn said.
“As they did your parents, but the choices I made led to my mother’s death. I failed her in being foolish. I do not judge you, Evelyn. I do not think less of you. Your flame may have left you, but that moment does not define you. Your flame doesn’t define you.”
Evelyn squirmed and twiddled her fingers. Familiar, treacherous words resounded in her mind. They fought against his kind words, making it hard to believe him. “My tutors always told me that without my flame, I was nothing against the vampyr.”
“I don’t know who your tutors were, Evelyn, but they can rot,” he said. Maxie leaped back onto her bed, assuming her favorite position at the foot. Kade leaned forward, grasping Evelyn’s left hand. “I can’t take back the things I said. I was wrong. Please know, I’m sorry.” The look he gave Evelyn stole her breath, and she had to look away, had to focus on something else.
She wasn’t ready to talk about Kade being her fated. The magnitude of it sat in the air, unhinged and frightening. Admitting to him why she had left and hearing his acceptance and apology was enough.
“You need more rest,” Kade said, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
Evelyn wanted to argue, but sleep weighed on her. “We need to discuss the White Lady and the latest murder.”
“We will,” Kade said. He stood, gathering his cloak.
“Where are you going?” Evelyn asked, sitting up straighter, worry lacing her words.
“Not far,” he said. “You gave more than me a scare, Evelyn. The people of Callum were beside themselves when I ran into town with you in my arms.”
Evelyn relaxed, raising a brow. “Are you sure that had nothing to do with you as a werewolf?”
Kade laughed. “No, their concern for you outmatched their shock. I need to let Miss Patricia know you’re awake or she’ll wring my neck. At least that’s what she promised. Aster and Tovi also deserve to know you’re awake.”
Evelyn went to stand, but Kade stopped her.
“Remember needing rest? Did I mention you almost died?”
“I can go with you,” she muttered. “I want to see them.”
Kade sighed. “If I promise to bring them back with me, will you sleep?”
Evelyn eyed him. Then a yawn escaped, her body betraying her. “Fine.”
Kade stood, looked at her, sighed, and then nodded. He turned in a rush and disappointment flushed through Evelyn.
“Kade,” she called as he made it to the door.
He whirled. “Yes?”
“Thank you.”
Kade smiled, and Evelyn’s chest swelled. Her heart soared and her stomach dipped. He said no more as he left, and Evelyn hunkered into the bedsheets, finding her body had indeed betrayed her, and she floated back into sleep.
