Page 59 of Where We Belong

He tilts his head, studying me like he’s never seen me before. “You…saw it?”

“Yes. In my mind. Clear as fucking day. And I saw you, Nyk, Amedeo fighting, Nyk’s face was ripped half off.” I snap, my pulse still racing from the visions. I purposely leave out the memories of his parents.

“It was a long time ago,” he says, voice flat. “You were not alive then.”

I stare at him. “Was my dad?”

Kaed slides his weapon away, clasping his hands neatly behind his back. The stoic Captain is back, and the sight makes my stomach turn. “Yes.”

“So… were they together when you and her—”

“Yes.”

“Does Aiden know?”

“His disdain for me over the years suggests he does.”

That would make sense, since I too am feeling a similar disdain for him. “And my uncle?” My head feels light, either from the magic or this conversation.

“He has never alluded to knowing anything.”

“How long?”

“A long time.”

A cocktail of repulsion and something like jealousy of all things curdles in my stomach.

“You’re disgusting,” I say, before throwing the sword down at his feet and leaving without looking back.

Chapter 53

Ashley

She took at last her rightful place,

awoke the strength inside,

“Yes please,” I say, before I even know what he’s offering. Aiden raises an eyebrow and Cook beams, tapping the stool beside him. “Good afternoon, little lamb.” I roll my eyes but sit down anyway. Aiden offers a polite nod while Cook pours me a glass of something dark and red. I give it a sniff.

“Got anything stronger?” I ask, glancing between them. “Please, just a teeny tiny something.” Aiden pulls a flask from his pocket and adds a generous amount of whatever it is to the glass. “Urgh, you’re my favourite long-lost brother.”

“Careful lamb, don’t forget what happened last time you decided to drink, and the time before that.” Cook laughs, holding out his hand. Aiden passes him the flask, and he takes a long gulp, letting out an exaggerated sigh of satisfaction. “Just like school.”

I perk up. “Drinking in school? You, Aiden?”

Rhory lets out a laugh. “Your brother was a very naughty boy up until... not long ago, actually.”

Chuckling, I take another sip, reveling in the heat spreading into my chest. I’d better take this one slow. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

A voice brushes against my ears and I turn instinctively, scanning the empty kitchen. No one is there except a couple of chefs snickering in the corner over a self-stirring cauldron of soup.

“Who was that?” I ask, glancing at Aiden.

“Who was what?” He shakes his head when Rhory tries to give the used flask back to him. “Absolutely not.”

“Someone just called me.” I look at Rhory this time, but he shrugs and takes another swig.

“I didn’t hear anything. Perhaps it’s the flask,” he chuckles, but his eyes linger on me.