Page 86 of Tale of the Heart Queen

I look up at the sky to watch the falling balls of fire, and I know what’s causing this. Who is causing this.

We find a barn on the outskirts of the village. It’s not the best place to hide, but it’s made of stone and less likely to catch fire. Inside, we find a dozen people already huddled against the far wall.

“Lor, I don’t think we should hide with the others,” I say, pulling her back.

This is Zerra, I add through our bond.

Lor nods as she stares at the roof. Why can she see us? We didn’t call for her.

“What’s going on?” Tristan asks.

“You four stay here,” I say. “Take cover and wait this out.”

“Where are you two going?” Willow asks.

“We’re going to draw this away,” Lor replies.

“I don’t understand,” Amya says.

“We’ll explain everything after,” I say. “Meet us at the town gate after this dies down.”

If any of us survive, of course.

The building shudders at the impact of another fireball, and everyone jumps.

“Nadir,” Mael says with a warning in his voice. “What are you doing?”

“Just . . . trust us,” I say. “We’ll see you soon.”

Then I look at Lor, and we turn and start running, heading for the forest. Maybe we can find somewhere to hide. We weave through the trees, attempting to escape as Zerra’s fire rains from the sky.

CHAPTER 33

GABRIEL

APHELION—THE SUN PALACE

My glass tumbler sloshes with the strongest orc wine this side of the Beltza Mountains. The viscous green liquid could burn a hole right through the crystal, not to mention what it’s probably doing to my organs. All I care about is making my head swim and my limbs soft while allowing me a moment to escape. It’s the first time in weeks that I’ve felt like I can breathe.

Not a single one of my problems has been solved, but this shit is good.

Hylene sits beside me on a plush settee as we stare across the sea. The secluded balcony offers a stunning view while keeping us from prying eyes.

“How are you feeling?” she asks softly.

I tip my head against the sofa, my lids fluttering closed. The alcohol swirls in my blood as I listen to the pounding of the waves. The constant thrum calms the beat of my racing heart.

“Like shit,” I answer after a moment, and she laughs. This is what I like about her. No matter what I say, no matter my mood, nothing seems to offend or faze her. She takes everything I do in stride like she sees something in me and is just patiently waiting for me to stop being a pain in the ass and become a better person. I can just be myself when she’s around. There’s no judgment or criticism. There’s just her with those beguiling green eyes, that infectious laugh, and, if I’m being frank . . . those luscious fucking curves that make my dick stir.

Speaking of which, I open one eye and twist my head towards her. She’s leaning over, and I get a view of her creamy skin, her breasts swelling into the deep vee of her robe. She’s definitely not modest in her attire, so this getup isn’t for me, but nothing is sexier than a woman who’s this confident in her own skin.

Maybe a small, feeble part of me wishes this getup were for me, and I try to tell myself no. I shouldn’t be getting a hard-on for her, but I’m also sure I’m not imagining her interest.

Or maybe I am.

Maybe I’m hoping because I’m so starved for . . . everything. My brain is just fucked-up and sending the wrong signals. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Is there anything I can do?” she asks. “Besides the obvious, of course.”