Page 291 of House Ignis

"Thank the gods," Rhea added, stepping in to hug me next.

As I hugged her back, my gaze drifted over her shoulder to where Ember was standing with Ezra.

Her stance was rigid, arms crossed tightly over her chest and brows furrowed as Ezra’s hands moved frantically as he tried to explain something. Oh gods, clearly last night had gone south.

I let go of Rhea just as Ember started walking our way, her expression furious.

"Em—" I started, but she shot her hand up immediately.

"I don't want to talk about it," she snapped, though she managed a tight smile for me anyway.

"I’m really glad he’s back, though," she added, squeezing my shoulder, but I could feel the tension rolling off her in waves.

Maddy came running back to the center of the group.

“Okay, great! Well, let’s start,” she said, her voice high and beaming, but the smile still didn't reach her eyes.

Something was clearly wrong with her and Ryven.

"Hey, Morvain! Come on!" Asher’s voice shouted across the field.

I turned around as Darcy started jogging toward the guys.

She saw me, slowed her pace, and offered a small smile.

"Glad to see that smile back, princess," she said, giving my hand a quick squeeze.

I looked down at her hand as she pulled away, and my heart nearly stopped. There, tattooed on her wrist, was a small black crown.

My eyes almost fell out of my sockets, but I forced myself to play it cool.

"Oh, wow. Asher has one exactly like that too," I said, trying to sound nonchalant as I reached out and caught her wrist, pulling it closer for a better look.

"Yeah, we all have one. The three of us," she said simply. "It’s part of the Umbra house sigil."

My eyes widened as I stared at the ink.

She was right, of course—it was the Umbra sigil. Could it be that Umbra was honoring the Veyari in secret?

"Can I have my arm back?" Darcy asked, her voice pulling me back to reality.

"Sorry! Gosh, it’s just... it's so cool," I said, feeling like a total idiot.

She gave me a puzzled nod and jogged off.

I stood there, rooted to the spot, more fucking confused than ever.

"Are you okay?" Asher’s voice slid through the bond, low and grounding.

I looked his way and saw him stretching his calf muscle, his silver eyes narrowed with concern as he tracked my erratic thoughts.

“Yes, I’m fine. Seriously.” I sent back, flashing him a bright smile before blowing him a kiss across the grass.

He caught it against his palm and pressed it to his heart with a flourish that made all the girls on the squad coo in unison.

I just laughed, telling them to stop, while Asher’s smug grin grew wider.

“Show off,” I mused through the bond, shaking my head as I turned to join the others.