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She adjusted her Goldstones uniform and aimed her feet away. “I will see you at dinner.” Then she was gone, stepping through the invisible wall that had protected them.

Parys lingered, watching her go. For the first time since Veyka and Arran’s departure, he thought he might actually be dining with a friend.

55

ARRAN

“What is this place?” Veyka said, peering around at the perimeter I’d created.

It had taken the better part of an hour, even with my significant flora gifts. But I’d managed to peel back layer after layer of the dense jungle to create a clearing approximately the size of the training courtyard back in the goldstone palace.

“I thought we’d take a different approach to training your power.” I’d been thinking about it since the festival.

We’d tried again and again to summon her void power at will. To no avail. Veyka eventually got angry and either yelled at me or Percival.

I didn’t mind her yelling. I did mind the fact that she was no closer to controlling her power than she had been when she’d disappeared from the throne room at the Joining.

Veyka was walking the perimeter of the circle I’d created. There was still limited sunlight, since I had only bothered to clear the four yards or so closest to the forest floor. Above our heads, the trees still laced together, blotting out most of the sun.

But I watched as my mate took a deep breath. Her chest expanded as she held in the air, savoring it. It was the closest thing to freedom she’d experienced since we left the wide-open plains on the other side of the Crossing.

She was coping with the realizations of the last few days… by not dealing with them at all. She did not want to talk about it, and I did not blame her. Aside from recounting the facts that Lyrena and Cyara had told her, she’d been quiet.

Thinking. Calculating. Her mind was always working, even in the quiet. The weight of it threatening to crush her.

Had I done that to her?

Before the Joining, she’d been focused on her revenge to the exclusion of all else—including her own safety and peace in Annwyn. I’d lectured her, I’d scorned her for her selfishness.

And now… she was the one tearing herself apart for her kingdom, while I was ready to burn it to the ground for her.

No wonder she felt trapped.

She slowly exhaled, her entire body softening with the motion.

I couldn’t help watching her. I knew every curve of her body, every hollow and pucker of skin, but I still couldn’t get enough. I didn’t think I ever would.

“You look a little too pleased with yourself,” Veyka said. She’d caught me staring.

I swallowed back my desire and threw my hands wide. “Do you like what you see?”

Veyka lifted one pale eyebrow in challenge. “Do you?”

“Always.” My beast growled softly for her. “But we don’t have much time. The others are expecting us back by midday.”

She started tugging at the golden brassiere that held her tunic in place. “I can be quick.” Her eyes gleamed wickedly.

“Use your power and I’ll reward you any way you like.”

Her hand stilled.

It wasn’t fair—but I didn’t care. She had to master her power… before it stole her away from me. For the last two months, I’d lived in fear. I still did. I couldn’t protect her from her power. But I could teach her to use it.

She folded her arms under her breasts, pushing them upward. Taunting me.

I tightened the hold on my beast.

“Choose your weapon.” I pulled the axe from my belt.