Page 57 of Property of Prophet

Me.

The bear slows almost imperceptibly.

Only someone who has known Blade as long as I have would notice. Anyone else would think nothing has changed.

I know better.

He sees it.

He understands it.

And just for the briefest moment, the president of the Kings looks tired.

Older than I remember.

As though seeing me standing in that window has added another weight to shoulders already carrying too many, and then he keeps walking.

Because that’s what Blade does. Whatever the fuck is waiting, he walks toward it.

He remains in bear form for another few seconds, his enormous body still as stone while his gaze stays fixed on me, taking in everything Fury already has and probably twice as much besides. Then, almost silently, another figure appears at the edge of the clearing.

There isn’t a flutter of wings or the snap of a branch beneath a boot.

One moment, the space beneath the pines is empty, and the next, Vex is standing there.

Lily draws in a quiet breath beside me.

“I didn’t see him arrive.”

“Most people don’t.”

She studies him for a long moment. “Should that worry me?”

“It worries everyone.”

Vex doesn’t acknowledge Blade or Fury. His pale eyes settle on me with the same unnerving intensity they’ve carried for centuries, seeing far more than I’d ever wanted anyone to see. He has always possessed that gift. While the rest of us notice the obvious, Vex notices the cracks.

His gaze travels slowly over me, lingering for only a heartbeat on the silver threaded through my hair before dropping to the way I unconsciously favor my right side.

Nothing escapes him, nothing ever has. Vex doesn’t look surprised or horrified, and somehow, that’s worse.

He accepts what he sees.

The realization settles heavily in my chest.

He’s already mourning me.

For several long seconds, neither of us moves. We stand there, separated by little more than fresh snow and everything Heaven has taken from me.

Then, almost imperceptibly, he inclines his head.

Not out of respect.

Not a greeting.

Recognition.

I’m still Prophet.