Her arms came around my back, over the dirt, the smudges, the broken pieces of me I hadn’t bothered to clean off.
And she held me. Tight.
And just for a moment— I felt warm. I felt…loved.
Then I turned and walked away.
Chapter 16
Phoenix
We had an army two hundred strong. Slade led at the front on horseback, all steel and silence. Leo rode beside him, glancing back toward the castle every few minutes.
He was waiting for Elle. So was I.
Caelen was already saddled up beside me. Sorrowsea was on the way to the garrison, so he'd be riding with us.
Fan-fucking-tastic
“There she is,” he said, nodding ahead.
Elira came hurrying across the courtyard, her pack already slung over her shoulder.
She’d changed—dressed now in fitted leathers, her face clean, her eyes sharp.
I had a horse ready for her. Of course I did.
But before I could move, Caelen was already off his mount—striding toward her, slipping the bag from her shoulder like it weighed nothing, his hand brushing hers as he helped her up.
I clenched my jaw. And said nothing.
But gods, I wanted to.
“Any troubles?” I asked her, keeping my voice even.
She shook her head. “She just wanted to talk.”
“Are you okay?” Caelen asked.
And she smiled at him.
She smiled.
“I’m fine. Thanks.”
I hated how easy he made it look—sliding in beside her like he belonged.
Leo must’ve noticed it too—because a moment later, he nudged his horse up beside hers, cutting in just enough to make Caelen’s jaw twitch.
“I missed you, trouble,” he said, easy and low.
“Well, I’ve had an eventful morning, that’s for sure,” she replied, dry.
Caelen laughed. “I know. That was insane.”
“I’m sorry—who invited you to this conversation?” Leo drawled, not even bothering to hide the bite beneath the smile.
Caelen’s mouth flattened. “Do you always have to be a dick, Leo?”
