Page 30 of Hero of Havoc

I feel weightless, watching as her eyes close and her tension dissolves.

I sniff, too scared to move, when she darts from my hand, rising enough to look deep into my eyes.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she insists, her voice light and chipper like usual, and I smile, finally swiping at my cheeks.

“You’re my sprite,” I clarify, reiterating the similar words she spoke to me.

“And you’re my person,” she replies, understanding what I’m referring to, and I nod.

“I won’t ever let her hurt you like that again.” It’s a vow, one I intend to keep, and she smiles.

“I don’t know how she got in here, but I will make it my job to ensure she never does again,” she declares, and I shake my head.

“That’s not your responsibility.”

She shrugs. “Maybe, maybe not, but I’ve made it my responsibility now.” Her gaze travels to the white tiger at the door for a moment before returning to me. “Actually, if you don’t need me, I’m going to go and chat with Coal. Maybe he could offer some input on the matter.”

I want to insist that it’s not necessary, but I think she needs the connection to the other fire sprite right now, and this is the perfect excuse for it.

“Whatever you need,” I murmur, and she hums, leaning in close to perch herself on my shoulder before she speaks.

“Do us both a favor, Ivy, and lose yourself in that man right there. If we have any chance of surviving the storm brewing around us, taking their strength and support is going to be the elixir that prevails.”

8

IVY

Igape at the door, right at the spot Ember darted through, for what feels like forever before I drag a hand down my face and exhale, letting the weight of the moment seep from my bones.

My white tiger must sense the change in me as he strides my way. My heart flutters in my chest as he brushes against my bare legs, and I’m quickly reminded that I’m only wearing an oversized t-shirt.

A purr rumbles in the tiger’s throat as he nuzzles against me, and I reach for him, gently ghosting my fingers over his fur. He seems to preen at the contact, tail flicking across the floor as he sits, staring up at me with big eyes as I brush my hand over the top of his head.

I can’t tear my eyes away from him, caught up in his attention as the light hum at the back of his throat whispers around us.

It blows my mind that Sax is in there somewhere.

As if sensing my thoughts, he shuffles back a few steps, and in a flash, the white fur and purring are gone, replaced with familiar cropped hair and sultry brown eyes.

I gape, jaw slack as he stands tall, stretching his arms above his head with a sigh, all while his gaze remains fixed on mine.

“Are you okay?” he asks, and I exhale.

“I don't know what I am,” I admit, tucking a loose tendril behind my ear, but in doing so, allowing my gaze to wander his very naked body.

My cheeks tingle as I press my lips together in a thin line. Any attempt to give him a pointed look as my eyes find his is impossible, and he snickers.

“You've seen my dick before,” he states, and I pinch the bridge of my nose.

Seeing it isn’t the issue. Wanting to touch it is. And with Ember’s words still lingering in my thoughts, I can’t escape it.

“I’d offer to leave my clothes here, but I like the way you look at me,” he declares, and I roll my eyes. “I do want to make sure you’re okay, though. I can wrap a towel around my waist, or⁠—”

“No, you’re good,” I rasp, lured in by the amusement curling the corner of his mouth, despite the seriousness in his eyes.

I hate my pride insisting that I can handle this.

I can’t.