Page 64 of On Burning Paths

“Chocolate and strawberries?” Fenric repeats with a laugh.

Thorian picks me up off my feet and throws me over his shoulder.

"Put me down," I say, laughing and kicking. "Thorian⁠—"

"We're going to the Spire," he says, carrying me toward the cave entrance. "So we can find that bed."

"And the strawberries," I add.

"And the strawberries," he concedes.

"Don't take her until she's had breakfast," Fenric calls, holding up a hand to show a small bloody spot on his palm. "Do you know what I went through for these eggs?"

Thorian sets me down and we all gather together, eating eggs with mushrooms and sweet onions, berries, and nuts. It’s not a large breakfast, but it’s enough.

When we've finished and Fenric is shouldering the pack, he comes over to stand beside me, his voice dropping low. "Nyx. I know Thorian asked, but⁠—"

I stop braiding my hair and put both hands on either side of his face. "I thoroughly enjoyed this morning and last night," I say clearly. "You would have known if I hadn't."

He looks at me for a long moment. "You're sure?"

"She's sure," Talon says, sailing past. "The rest of us were there."

"That's enough from you," I say, grinning as I start fixing my braid once more.

Talon smiles over his shoulder, unbothered. Thorian shakes his head. Fenric looks down at me and finally, slowly, smiles back.

"Good," he says. "Because I'd very much like to survive these trials. For several reasons that are new as of last night."

"As would I," I say, finishing my braid. "So let's get moving."

“I like the sound of that,” Fenric says, his voice softening. “I’ve thought about…about what it would be like. To stay together after this is over.”

He has? I’m happy to hear it, because the gods know I’ve been thinking about it too.

“As have I,” Talon says, shrugging. “I see no reason to break the team up. Especially when we work so well together.”

I hesitate, then take a risk and say what's on my mind. "I could see myself building a life. With all of you. When this is all over."

Fenric stares. “And my family?”

I smile. “And your family.”

“And a charming vampire?” Talon asks, lifting a brow.

“I couldn’t imagine my life without a charming vampire,” I tell him.

He grins.

We turn to look at Thorian, whose normally blank face now shows worry and maybe confusion. After a moment, he lets out a long, suffering breath, then says something I wasn't expecting at all.

"So would I, but I have to say something first."

We all stare. Silent.

He struggles. "Something important."

"Don't make us beg for it, big guy," Talon says, but his expression is serious.