Page 92 of The Ember and the Emerald

“Shut up, Kevin,” we both mumbled.

I snuggled deeper into my Tinman’s chest. Facts bubbled up in my brain, and I spoke them as they came, the words slightly slurred. “Water maidens perform the dance for only two reasons. To please a lover or mesmerize a foe. None can resist the transcending dance.”

“That’s right.” Jasher smoothed a lock of hair from my brow. “I certainly couldn’t. I am enraptured.”

“But it zaps our energy, making us vulnerable to attack.” Which would’ve been good information to have before I performed. But I couldn’t regret it. The rabdogs had fled, no blood had been shed, and we’d circumvented a vision.

“Do not worry. I’ll keep you safe.” Jasher carried me toward the corner. “It’s said that those who observe the dance are forever enthralled.”

He eased me upon the comforter, on my side, and I whimpered when he drew away. To my delight, he paused, deliberated, then stretched out behind me, enfolding me in his wings and warmth. His sultry scent fogged an already fogged mind.

“What do you think?” I mumbled.

“I think…you should sleep.” His breath fanned my nape. “I meant what I said. I’ll let nothing happen to you.”

“But you’re being so sweet to me. I want to stay awake and enjoy it. Tell me something. A secret.”

At first, I thought he would refuse. Then, he softly admitted, “Ian injured my wings while you waited for him at the Ring of Truth. He wanted my name before he fled. Said Malkom demanded it. I was no longer compelled, but I pretended I couldn’t give it. Ian…reacted.”

Aaah. When Jasher confessed he’d done it to himself, he’d referred to Ian. I nuzzled closer to him, offering comfort. “Ian’s crimes against you won’t go unpunished. I swear it. But you are not Ian, Jasher. You are…mine.”

His arms tightened around me. “In the nest, I wanted to take his head. But he already suspected my connection to you, and commanded me to stand down. He’d vowed to kill you as soon as he gained the Ember if I aided you. Took everything in me, but I finally broke his control over me.”

“You did it, and you saved me,” I whispered. “I will forever be grateful.” Trusting him, I let my muscles go slack, until even the ache of vigilance faded.

Darkness carried me away—and broke. I stand upon the mountaintop, wind tearing at me. Smoke burns my lungs.

Below, a battlefield churns in chaos. Above it, monstra wheel in a tightening ring, their attention fixed on a single, suspended figure.

Andrea. Her water-wings beat in flawless rhythm, light and lethal, every movement effortless. But Jasher comes into view, flying among his brethren. Jasher, who didn’t live in Andrea’s life.

I blink and suddenly, it isn’t Andrea in the sky, flapping water wings.

It’s me.

Air thrums around me while power surges through me, steady and certain, leaving no room for fear. The monstra circle closer, teeth bared, hunger sharp in their eyes.

I smile. “Come.” My voice carries farther than it should, echoing across the expanse. “Try.”

The word hasn’t finished echoing when my eyes fly open. In the vision, and in real life.

The dream faded. My pulse hammered. My lungs dragged in oxygen too fast, too shallow. Stone walls, dim light. Jasher slept behind me, his arm locked around my waist, his breath warm against the nape of my neck. Solid. Real.

I let myself sink into him, the last of the vision loosening its grip, no match for his heat, now seeping into me. The cavern was quiet, save for the soft rustle of rainbow wings at the entrance.

One thought lingered, sharp and unanswered, long after my pulse slowed.

The time loop had brought us full circle to pit me against the whole monstra army. Did the Ember expect to drain my strength as it had once drained my mother’s?

Was that to be my end?

28

BITTERSWEET HELLOS

Astorm erupted outside the cave, whipping up a violent wind. Thunder boomed and lightning flashed, the atmosphere charged with electricity, raising the fine hairs on my body.

I lay on my side, with my back to Jasher, but now his arm draped over my hip. He slept through the tempest, apparently unbothered. All the while, the rainwater called to me, reminding me of my dream.