Page 93 of Awakened Ash and Alchemy

“Can’t I just have the day off from all of this?” She flopped back on her pillow, rolling over so her back was to him. “I’m tired.” And she was, from lack of sleep and the nightmares, and using her magick was exhausting. If she were home, this was one of those days when she’d microwave some popcorn and binge-watch something unmemorable.

“Are you saying you want to hide in here?”

“Yes. No.” Because this room was her prison, no matter how nicely they dressed it up. “I just want to go outside. I haven’t been outside since I arrived as a p—”

“You’re not a prisoner, Angela. And there is a garden outside. I’ll show you, if you like.”

Outside.

The word was a lifeline.

“Don’t you have some warrior thing to do?” Trying to lighten the mood, because the prospect of getting outside made her spirits lift despite everything.

“Always. But I’ll show you the way and leave you to be alone, if you like.”

“Thanks.” She jumped off the bed and smoothed down her gown. “You do it, too.”

“Do what?” Zarek stood, watching her.

She could practically feel his eyes on her as she straightened the hair flowing over her shoulders. Normally she’d shy away from attention, but the look had a weight to it, as if softly touching her curves.

“Spend time on your own a lot. You understand why I do it, too.”

“Yes,” he said, taking a step back from her. “I’ve always kept away from others. Mostly to avoid harming them, and I found it best to find my own answers.” He opened the door for her. “But I’ll be here if you need me. Don’t ever hesitate to come find me.”

“Thank you for explaining. And for understanding.” She hadn’t planned it when she leaned in and kissed his cheek, but it somehow made the world tilt.

Heat flooded her body, not from embarrassment, but from a deep low hum within her blood. Her breath caught in surprise as a wash of raw, undeniable desire crashed through her.

And worse, she felt the answering surge in him. His shock. And his want that was fierce and barely restrained.

Her eyes flew open in surprise as she pulled back.

His fingertips brushed over his cheek where her lips had been.

Neither of them spoke as the air between them became too thick to breathe. Angela’s heart hammered against her ribs. She knew he could feel it. Just like she could feel his.

“The garden,” Zarek said finally, his deep voice rougher than usual. “You wanted fresh air.”

“Yes.” Her own voice barely above a whisper.

Walking side by side through the corridors, she was hyperaware of every step. The space between them became magnetic, that every time his arm brushed hers, her skin sparked. Yet they never said a word.

When they reached a set of double doors, he pushed them open to the bright sunshine and green gardens. “Stay within the walls, please.”

The weight of his gaze nearly undid her. Her whole life, people had shunned her without knowing why, yet he looked at her like she was the most important thing in the world. Even after knowing all her flaws, her brattiness, and sulky behavior—the parts she hid from everyone who wasn’t family.

He nodded once then stepped back, putting distance between them as if it took effort.

Angela turned toward the garden, forcing herself not to look back. Because if she looked back, she didn’t know what would happen.

And she wasn’t ready to find out.

THIRTY-FOUR

Zarek strolled into the Sworn Exarch’s private dining room and sat at the table with his brothers. Assorted cakes and sliced fruits were displayed on platters as porcelain cups clinked and coffee was poured.

Angela had kissed him. And now he couldn’t stop thinking about her in the garden, wondering if she’d found a place in the sun or if she were walking the paths, trailing her fingers along the hedges.