Page 73 of Embers of Ruin

Onyx inclines his head. “Your Majesty.”

Every time Onyx calls him that, I hear a bit of stiffness beneath it. The shape of something old and complicated tucked behind titles. Onyx can challenge him, argue with him in silence, step between him and me with that jaw of his ticking like he is holding back a war, and yet here they are pretending their titles, king and captain, explain all of it.

I know it doesn’t, I just can’t explain how I know. I do know Onyx is loyal to Thorin, and nothing will change that.

Naturally, neither of them asks my opinion. It’s tragic, really. I have so many unsolicited opinions to give.

Mazelle’s eyes move over me with open assessment. “You look less sore today. There might be hope for you yet, Lady Tarethyn.”

I glance down at myself, then back at her, raising a brow. “How kind of you to notice, Lieutenant. I’ll admit, I was worried you might be disappointed that I survived your attempt to grind me into the training yard.”

“Had I attempted to grind you into the training yard, you would still be there.” Her eyes sweep over me in slow appraisal before a smirk tugs at her lips.

“Maybe we should have a magical training day where I practice offensive magic. I’d love to demonstrate that on you, Mazelle.”

I deliberately leave off Lieutenant and the faint curl of her lip tells me she noticed. Good.

Thorin steps closer to us, and the shadows at his feet move with him, quiet and obedient. Mazelle and Onyx immediately bow, standing still with their hands at their sides.

“Today will not be physical training.”

His eyes remain fixed on me, as if I’m the only person standing in the courtyard.

Gods, not again.

Every time he looks at me like that, the rest of the world seems to fade around us. I hate it. I hate the way my pulse stumbles and the air feels heavier, charged with the same impossible pull I’ve been fighting since the moment we met.

I hope Mazelle and Onyx don’t notice the way the world seems to narrow whenever Thorin and I are near each other. I can only pray to Illurine that it isn’t as obvious to everyone else as it feels to me.

I stand there, frozen, unable to tear my eyes from his. I bite the inside of my cheek, willing my racing heart to settle. I wonder if anyone has ever hated and wanted someone enough to lose their mind. If not… I might be the first.

“Thor—Your Majesty,” I begin, my breath catching as his gaze drops to my mouth, watching the movement of my lips.

“Do you not remember what I told you?” His voice is low, quiet enough that only the four of us can hear, yet somehow it carries the weight of a command.

I swallow. “I don’t know what you⁠—”

“Lyra.”

My words die in my throat, because he says my name like a command. His eyes are silver now. Entirely silver. Instinctively, I take a step back. Onyx shifts with me, subtle enough that most people wouldn’t notice. But Thorin does. His head tilts ever so slightly, nostrils flaring as his gaze flicks briefly to Onyx before returning to me. I know exactly what he’s about to say so I cut him off.

“Thorin,” I correct quickly. “If I need more physical training, then I'm more than willing to learn.”

“No, muya mivanti. You’ve had more than your fair share of physical exertion. We won’t be working on that today.”

The knowing look in his eyes steals every coherent thought from my head. He’s talking about last night.

Illurine, if you’re listening, now would be an excellent time for the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

Onyx stiffens beside me as Thorin’s attention shifts to him. The two hold each other’s gaze for a long, silent moment, and I swear I catch a flicker of disbelief in Onyx’s eyes. Thorin’s expression hardens almost imperceptibly. Onyx is the first to look away. He turns his head, his jaw tight as his fists clench at his sides until his knuckles turn white. Out of the corner of my eye, Mazelle stares in disbelief.

My stomach twists. Why are they reacting like that? My thoughts immediately return to the words Thorin keeps calling me.

Muya mivanti. What in Illurine’s name does it mean and why are they reacting like that?

“Come.”

I blink. “Come?” My mind almost drifts into dangerous territory but I reel it back because we are not going there.