Page 225 of House Ignis

“Wow,” I muttered, turning away and rubbing my face. “I’m seriously a fucking third wheel right now. This is my life.”

“Oh, come on, Hotshot!” Ezra called out behind me, his voice full of that effortless, irritating charm. “You’re going to have a blast with me around for the next two weeks. I’m excellent company!”

I turned back just to flip them both off, the gesture a reflex. But the movement stalled halfway.

Because Ezra had somehow hoisted Ember onto his back, carrying her across the damp field while she smacked at his freckled shoulders and pretended to complain.

“What the fuck,” I muttered, though the corner of my mouth quirked up.

Ember looked… happy. Truly, recklessly happy.

And I had never been more relieved that it was Ezra—steady, infuriating Ezra—who had been the one to finally get past her guard.

My chest tightened, a familiar ache blooming.

Gods. I missed Asher.

Aether’s voice slid through the bond, sounding unimpressed. “Pathetic.”

I huffed a small laugh under my breath, shaking my head. “You’re one to talk. You've been moping all morning.”

“Watching those two is making me reconsider my low opinion of fae courtship,” he added dryly, though I could feel his tail lashing in my mind.

I smiled faintly, but it faded almost as quickly as it came. “You’ve been quiet today,” I murmured.

Aether didn’t answer right away.

The silence stretched between us, and suddenly, the weight of it changed. I understood.

Zya was gone too.

The four-way bond that usually hummed between us—Aether, Zya, Asher, and me—felt hollowed out.

Like someone had ripped a vital thread out of the weave, leaving the edges frayed and cold.

My chest tightened again, the realization of his absence hitting me in a fresh wave.

“Yeah,” I said softly, my voice barely a whisper. “I miss them too.”

This time Aether still didn’t respond. But the quiet felt different now. Not empty, just heavy with a shared, feline sorrow.

Maybe Ezra was right.

Maybe I needed to learn how to exist without him around for a while. Not to rely on him for every breath.

Maybe these two weeks would teach me that loving a shadow didn't mean I had to disappear inside one.

I smiled despite the hollow ache, lifted my chin, and drew the sharp morning air into my lungs. Then I turned toward House Ignis, preparing myself for what was shaping up to be a truly dreadful day of classes and recovery.

Behind me, Ezra shouted something about Ember trying to actually choke him to death.

Ember’s reply involved several creative threats, a string of curses, and a small, bright burst of fire that singed the air.

I didn’t bother turning around. For once, the chaos at my back was almost comforting. It was loud, it was messy, and it was alive.

Even if the bond in my chest still felt far, far too quiet.

CHAPTER THIRTY