Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Yes,” he said dryly. “I’m not a recruit, Father.”
Of course he does. He could probably draw it himself from memory.
Tobias moved to the hearth, throwing the map into the flames without ceremony. It disappeared into ash. The proof that Tobias had betrayed the Council burning with it.
When he turned back, he looked at his son. “You’ve become the man I hoped you would be.”
Sebastian dipped his head, cheeks reddening. “Father–”
“Stay alive,” Tobias said. “Both of you. That’s all I ask. Lady Hale is under your protection, Sebastian.”
Sebastian met his father’s eye. “Yes, Sir.”
“And when the time comes,” Tobias said, “I’ll stand with you on the battlefield.”
CHAPTER 31
THE FIRE TEMPLE
Vallenna may worship the Four; Earth, Water, Air and Fire, but you must forge a person in flame to see who they truly are.
–Fire-worshipper proverb
Tobias set out long after night had fallen, riding for the nearest village to send reports of their ‘sightings’ along the northern border. The sooner he went, the better. The outpost was safe – Tobias assured them he knew of no patrols in the area – so they stayed. It was warmer, and far more comfortable than the tower. To Kara’s enormous surprise, Tobias bowed his head before her and brushed his lips across her hand.
“Be safe, Lady Hale,” he said seriously.
He turned to his son, and clapped a firm hand to his shoulder. “For peace, we sacrifice,” he murmured.
“Through blood, we stand,” Sebastian responded, quieter still.
Thorne’s creed.
He left with a sweep of his cloak, the oak door shutting behind him. Quiet settled in around them. Kara’s thoughts buzzed wildly as she removed her cloak and sank onto the bench as far away from the hearth as she could get. Her whole life she’d been told that Thornes were brutal – ruthless – all war and no heart. By her father, her uncle, everyone. She’d known that wasn’t true of Sebastian, of course. Hewasruthless when he needed to be – she’d seen that herself – though never without cause. But after Cade... she’d wondered if Sebastian was the exception that proved the rule. Tonight had answered that. Their lord showed kindness and understanding. Chosen loyalty over law. She shouldn’t have been surprised really, the man had raised Sebastian. But meetingTobias Thorne had made her see them in a way she’d never been allowed to before. They weregood.Brave. Protective.
How does my father not see that?
Lost in thought, she hadn’t heard Sebastian approach. His voice cut through the noise in her mind. “Do you want me to put it out?” he asked, nodding towards the flames.
She blinked up at him, surprised by the offer.
Always thinking of me first.
“No. It’s fine,” she said, though she wasn’t sure it was. But she needed it to be.
Kara reached for his hand instead, before the memories could take hold. “Sit with me?”
Sebastian took her hand at once, settling at her side. They both fell quiet, absorbing the weight of the evening.
Eventually, Kara spoke, “Well, that was... unexpected.”
“Yeah,” he replied. “It was.”
Kara tilted her head, studying him closely. “What are you thinking?”
He dragged a hand down his face. “That I trust him. I do. But...” He let out a sharp breath. “All his strategy, his manoeuvring, I understand it, respect it... to a point. But it put your life at risk. And now he wants me to do it again.”
Kara laced her fingers more securely through his. “It was my choice then. It’s my choice now, even knowing the risks. Your father respects that. You should too.”
