Page 385 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

My brain short-circuited trying to see a different way to interpret that, but he must’ve felt my cogs churning because Cyrus clarified, Sometimes it’s nice to be the space you clearly feel safest in. Where your guard drops and you let yourself melt into me.

And this from the man who thinks he can’t communicate.

The tiniest twitch tugged those full lips I couldn’t help but watch. That’s all the words I have. Fresh out. Took me all night to come up with that.

I shot him a smile as thunder rumbled in the distance, a flash of lightning illuminating the room to the steady drum of raindrops. You’re not mad at me?

For what?

You go, I go.

Oh no, that still pisses me off.

Figures.

What were you thinking?

August said to evacuate. I didn’t think, didn’t⁠—

That. You didn’t think, Freya. I’m not some pawn you fucking discard at the first sign of trouble, he growled into my skull, but his hand was gentle as it tucked those stubborn bangs behind my ear, running his big palm over my short hair. I’m in this, Freya. If we’re doing this thing⁠—

What thing?

He deadpanned, which might as well have been a whole batch of fertilizer for the smirk growing on my face. Fuck off with that shit. If we’re doing this thing, we’re doin’ it right. None of this martyr bullshit Ally pulled with August. You don’t get to save the world with you as the price. Not unless you take me with you.

Fine.

Fine.

Can I ask a question?

You just did, smartass.

Another one, then.

We don’t have all day. Carr and I⁠—

Actually, it’s about Carr. And… well... the other two idiots passed the hell out in my room.

Cyrus lifted his head with a yawn, eyeing the space before scowling and lying back on the pillow beside me. What the fuck?

That’s what I’m asking. What’s with the testosterone fest?

You woke up in the middle of the night and called them all in and siphoned off enough magic to fill all our wells.

Mmmmm… that’s vaguely familiar. But why are they still here?

Carrson insisted on taking watch after.

Very effective, what with the blood loss.

Right. Hence your asshole fiancé.

He’s not an asshole, nor my fiancé.

Is Cadoc aware?

Cadoc wants our families joined.