Page 48 of The Reaping Rose

I can’t contain my smile. “I’ve done the impossible before.”

Chapter 16

Wilder

By the end of the meeting, Elorie moved to the window at the side of the room. She stared out at the trees just as I remembered doing when I escaped the prison, focusing on every shift in the breeze and wondering what’s real and what’s an illusion that might be turned into a nightmare at the blink of an eye.

Elorie stood at the window, listening to the arguments at the table, but no longer offering input after making her stance clear to Aurora. She refuses to waver on her promise to save both realms, no matter how much Aurora argues the logistics of it, and I love her for it. Elorie wouldn’t be my mate if she wasn’t trying to save everyone, and while I don’t see how we can make that happen, I’m in awe of her determination.

Sunlight casts a warm glow on Elorie’s pink cheeks as the sun begins to set. The blue ends of her hair dance in the breeze.

Gods, the sight of her nearly ends me right here.

And not simply because she’s stunning—the very beauty that makes every fiber of my being react. Her iron soul and endless heart are breathtaking. She’s strong but soft. Determined but caring. Loyal to her people and firm in her beliefs, no matter the cost to herself.

My mate.

I’ve managed to hold myself together for her sake, knowing that she’s withholding from me because of the secrets I kept in the Ley Court. There’s a distance we’ve yet to close, and it’s my fault. Distrust I sowed by not telling her about our mating bond.

I did it to protect her, but I hurt her nonetheless.

Still, resisting the urge to reach for her is soul crushing. The surge of magic under my skin is nearly unbearable. I need her with every part of my soul, from now until Sarrow claims us.

“Alyssium stoked your fire.” I approach her at the window as the meeting ends and the others stand to talk or leave the room.

Elorie’s silver eyes move to me before flitting to Aurora walking away. “I hope you didn’t expect me to hold my tongue.”

“I didn’t.”

Her shoulders ease as if she’s surprised by my answer. “I understand your loyalty is to your people. I’d never try to convince you otherwise. But if that’s the case, who stands for Lyrichia when we know Malachi doesn’t? You are my mate, but that is my realm. I can’t let them Cleave simply because he is their king.”

I step closer, momentarily awestruck by her scent. Frozen pine and snow. A forest slumbering in the heart of winter, surviving in unthinkable conditions.

“I won’t be responsible for more death.” Even through the thread, her voice is a whisper.

My magic caresses her cheek, and her eyes flutter. “I’ll make sure you won’t have to.”

Elorie was given a choice once, and she chose her realm. But even then, the sympathy she felt for Vaelier was present. In her heart, it is not one realm against the other. One Crown against the other. Elorie fights for those who suffer because of it. She fights for both.

Her chest deflates with her sigh, exhaustion heavy in her eyes.

“You should get some rest.”

“Greer said I’ve been resting for nearly a day already.”

“There’s no time limit on what your body might need to recover after where you’ve been.” Thankfully, my hands are in my pockets so she can’t see my fingers clench considering the nightmares the prison put her through. “Rior needs to talk with me, but I can walk you to our room.”

“Callum or Greer can do it.” She breaks my gaze, and the rejection is nearly unbearable. “Do they know where I’m staying?”

“They do.”

Perame gave Callum and Greer a tour upon their arrival, much to Aurora’s displeasure. She doesn’t trust anyone from Lyrichia, especially Callum and Greer, who were once members of Malachi’s Crown Guard. She wasn’t at the Rite to see that trust fracture. To understand why they chose Elorie and not their king when they went with her to Alyssium.

“I’ll have Callum or Greer take me to the room then. You have more important things to do.” She moves like she might place her hand on my chest, flooding me with her scent.

My heart hammers; my mouth waters.

But she pulls back, second-guessing herself.