Page 187 of Where Darkness Falls

After a few moments, the sentries quickly pass by, not noticing two kids lurking in the shrubs. “Come on, Emyreus,” I whisper. “I have something to show you.” Then, with a wink, I dash across the boundary toward the woods. Emyrcurses under his breath, quickly catching up. As we disappear into the wood line, small pixies dance around us joyously.

Emyr leans over, placing his hands on his knees for support. “You’re bloody insane,” he gasps.

I bow dramatically. “But that’s why you love me,” I laugh.

Emyr swallows thickly. “Yes, it is,” Emyr answers, his tone more serious than I’ve ever heard before.

It isn’t lost on me how handsome he’s become since our last visit. I’m definitely starting to mature more, growing up from the young child I was into the young lady that I’ll be. By the way he’s now staring, I wonder if he’s also noticed the shift.

Clearing my throat, I open the palms of my hands.

Emyr quirks a questioning eyebrow at me.

“Close your eyes, Prince,” I smirk.

“Not a chance, Rosey,” he laughs.

I cross a finger over my heart. “I promise I’m not going to shove a pixie down your shirt… again,” I reply.

He runs a hand through his hair as he contemplates whether he can trust my word. “No tricks?” he asks.

“Not even one,” I promise.

Though hesitant, Emyr closes his eyes.

While this will indeed be a trick, it’s one that I’m so excited to show him. Papa and Mama warned me to never reveal my signet tattoo to King Tiernan, but surely, they didn’t also mean Emyr. The poor king has been slipping away ever since his wife died, leaving Emyr alone. Perhaps if Emyr knows I’m special too, he won’t feel sad anymore.

Emyr’s signet manifested fully two years ago, and he’s revered in all the kingdoms, destined to accomplish wonders. Whenever he ascends to the throne, he’ll be the most powerful Galrosan king in centuries. How delighted he’ll be to learn that I’m powerful, as well—ruling a kingdom of my own.

Focusing on the warmth blooming in my chest, my palms glow as my starlight illuminates this small portion of the woods insmall, glorious orbs of light. They twinkle like thousands of tiny stars up in the sky, and the sight of them makes me smile.

“Open your eyes,” I whisper.

As he peels open his eyes, his mouth falls agape. Emyr spins around, looking at the dazzling orbs shimmering above our heads. He rubs the back of his neck, whistling low. “Is this your ability?” he asks.

“One of them,” I say.

Emyr’s eyes light up. “You’ve been blessed with two?” he asks.

I shake my head, unable to contain my excitement. “Four. One for each of the kingdoms. This is the one that I can control the best though,” I say.

Slowly, I unbutton the top two buttons of my tunic, my golden signet gleaming brightly in the center of my décolletage, slightly beneath my collarbones.

Emyr freezes in place, his mouth opening and closing several times. Blinking rapidly, he coughs, patting his chest. “You’re the Na Fíréin,” Emyr murmurs.

“Yes, isn’t it exciting?” I squeal.

Emyr doesn’t smile as I’d hoped. His gaze is far off as he grimaces, his fists coiled tightly at his sides.

I frown, dropping my hands. This isn’t the reaction I was expecting. I thought he’d be happy for me, yet my best friend appears to be the opposite.

“Emyreus,” I whisper. Emyr jerks his head toward me, sighing heavily. “Isn’t this exciting?”

Emyr offers me a pinched, forced smile. “Absolutely,” he sighs. Taking my hands in his own, he places them over his heart. “Forgive me, it’s just a lot to take in.”

“Oh, I know,” I laugh. “I’m told it’s an honor to be chosen.”

Emyr chews on the side of his cheek, releasing my hands “It is indeed,” he replies. “I-Is there anything else that you can do?”