“Yes. Of course,” Phoenix said, like there was never any question. He reached into his pocket and handed it over to Elira.
“Careful with that thing.” Caelen muttered. “It’s a bit unpredictable.”
Elira took it hesitantly. “What happened?”
“A long story,” Phoenix grinned.
Caelen just sent him a smile and elbowed him. “His fault, by the way.”
“What?” Phoenix glared. “You told me to bleed on it you shit – “
“And you did! Whose fault is that?” Caelen shot back.
Phoenix grabbed an orange off the table and chucked it at Caelen’s head.
It hit with a wet smack.
“You two are like children.” Slade growled.
“He started it – “ Caelen grumbled.
Leo nearly doubled over, laughing. “Look at you two being best friends.”
“We are not!” Phoenix snapped.
“He’s an asshole!” Caelen protested.
“Right.” Leo just kept grinning. “You areadorable!”
Caelen threw an apple at his head.
Elira’s hand lingered on the medallion. “Maybe Syrena will know where my father got these. It could be worth asking.”
Elira turned to me. “Thorne, you need to eat too. Here.” She handed me an apple. I took it, uncertainly.
“Elira.”
“Elle.” She said firmly. “And as my sworn guardian, I demand you eat and stay strong. Okay?”
I couldn’t help it. I smiled. “Okay. Elle.”
“Good. Glad that’s sorted. Now come on, we need to go,” Elira said, finishing the last bite of bread.
“Can we stop for coffee on the way?” Leo asked, rubbing his stomach.
“If we survive,” Maddie muttered.
Elira rolled her eyes. “At least pretend to be heroic.”
“Oh, I’ll be heroic,” Leo grinned. “Just caffeinated.”
We left the kitchen, sunlight slanting across the floor behind us.
The past had burned.
Now came whatever rose from the ashes.
Chapter 56
