AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He didn’t even realize he was crying, did he? But that’s to be expected, for he’s a man who isn’t used to shedding tears. His inner walls are stronger and thicker than the walls of Tyron Castle itself.
And he’s carried so much on his shoulders, for so long.
The air around him feels thick with anger and sorrow. It isn’t my imagination. I can actually feel his aura.
Ever since that damn tree put its heart-seed inside me, breaking the magical seal that’s kept me hidden since birth, I’ve been extra-sensitive to everything around me. Sounds. Smells. Energies. Auras.
Corvan.
A tear slips down his cheek, touching the corner of his mouth.
I go up on my tiptoes and kiss him.
He returns my kiss with sweetness and light, in spite of his obvious grief.
If I could take away all his pain, I would.
Our lips meet. His blood makes my mouth tingle. It’s the magic in him, reacting with mine.
“Finley,” he whispers, and the way he says my name just shatters me, because I know he needs me more than anything right now.
He kisses me back, taking control. His mouth is insistent and demanding; savage and gentle.
“Thank you,” he murmurs, holding me in his warm embrace. He’s so big and reassuring. It’s hard to imagine that he was on the verge of killing the dying emperor just moments ago.
Whatever for? I didn’t do anything special.
“For reminding me that there’s more to this life than suffering and revenge. And that I have much to do before I let this empire fall into ruin.” He gently releases me and walks toward the window. There’s a small door at one end, made from the same panelled glass as the widows. He turns the brass handle.
It opens with a creak, admitting a crisp gust of wind from outside.
Corvan walks into the small garden.
I follow.
His demeanor has changed. Grief, rage, and sorrow have disappeared, tucked behind an enigmatic mask. I can decipher him, though. I’m probably the only one that can.
He walks toward the pond and squats down beside it, peeling off his gloves and cupping his hands.
He sluices water over his face.
Then he rises to his feet and stepsintothe pond.
“Corvan,” I gasp, but then I remember what his father said.
There’s something in the pond.
Corvan strides forward through the knee-high water until he reaches the center of the pond. He reaches down and retrieves something.
A metal box. It’s covered in a green and white patina.
Corvan locks eyes with me. His mask is back in place; strong, resolute, determined.
Unbreakable.
His powerful strides make waves in the water as he returns to my side.
Fascinated, we both stare at the box.
