Page 98 of Storm Caller

“Want a bite?” he asks. “You’ll have to deal with my fingers.”

I nod as he lifts it to my lips, and I sink my teeth in with a moan. It’s delicious. Sugary and sweet, decadent beyond description.

“I discovered this bakery while I was exploring the city,” he says. “Chocolate isn’t something we get a lot out in the Veil, but it’s one of my favorites. This was easily the best thing I’d ever tasted.”

My lips brush against his fingertips as I do my best not to make a mess. I think I feel him shiver, and his eyes darken as I look up. I pull away, chewing slowly, savoring every flavor.

“It’s incredible,” I agree as he sets it back in the box. “Your turn.”

“I bought it for you.”

“I’ve known you almost a year . . . Surely you’ve had a birthday, too? One you never told me about.”

His gaze flicks to mine. “A few months ago,” he confesses.

“Then it’s settled. Besides, it wouldn’t be a proper birthday if I didn’t get to share my cake with one of the most important people in my life.”

It feels like he stops breathing for a second before he nods. I retrieve the cake and hold it up to his mouth. He opens wide and sinks his teeth in, and I can’t be sure if it’s intentional, but he licks my fingertip in a move that has my stomach dipping.

Then we’re kissing. The flavors of chocolate and icing melt together with the heat of our tongues and our lips. I drop what’s left of the cake back into the box, and Rook sets it gently on the floor before he wraps me in his arms again. We kiss feverishly, hands roaming, seeking the edges of our clothing before tracing our fingers over slivers of feverish skin.

An explosion overhead has us pulling apart.

A burst of green, blue, and red sparkles in the sky. Fireworks.

“What’s that?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Someone must be celebrating.” His expression turns sly. “Probably your birthday.”

“Right, that’s just for me.” I laugh. “Not sure how you managed to plan the perfect evening when you didn’t even know it was my birthday.”

He offers me a coy smile. “What can I say? I’m just that good.”

I giggle and then kiss him again as we get lost under the glow of the lights.

A moment later, I feel Rook’s phone buzz. He doesn’t normally carry it with him, but as he pulls it out, I realize it isn’t his standard-issue Amery device.

He must have brought it with him when we returned from the Veil.

He slides it open, then scans the screen before looking up.

“Cloudspire has been attacked.”

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“What?” I ask while Rook types furiously on his screen, panic flashing over his expression.

“Navy just messaged me.”

“Your family?” I ask. “Are they okay?”

“I’m not sure. We should head back.”

“Of course.” Quickly, we climb down the ladder and jump to the bottom. It isn’t until we reach the street that I remember we left the rest of the cake behind.

“Who attacked?” I ask as we speed walk through the streets.

“They’re not totally sure, but all signs point to The Shield. She says Justin and my parents are all fine.”