Page 143 of A Fate in Flames

We split up, each heading to our own rooms.The silence that followed felt like it was crushing my skull.

It wouldn’t be long before Mira returned.Before I’d have to face another night in Dalkhan’s presence.A fresh wave of unease rolled through me.I pressed my palms against my face, dragging them down slowly.Trying to scrape away the mess of emotions underneath.

After what had happened between us—after the way he had touched me, claimed me.After I had left him.

How was I supposed to face him?

“It doesn’t matter,” I whispered to the empty room.“This is the right thing to do.It has to be.”

Keeping him at arm’s length would make sure no feelings—no stupid, dangerous emotions—got in the way when the time came to end his life.

I still didn’t knowhowI was going to do it.

It didn’t matter.There was only one way that this could end.

In death.

Mira’s voice was a distant hum as she fussed over me, adjusting the drape of my attire and smoothing the fabric over my shoulders.I stared blankly at my reflection, hardly recognising the hollow-eyed stranger.

I didn’t want to go.

I didn’t want to see him.I didn’t want to pretend that I was fine.That I wasn’t unravelling from the inside out.Mira must’ve sensed it because she stilled.In the mirror, her face was apologetic.

“Your attendance is not negotiable.”

As soon as the words left her lips, I was overcome with dread.I nodded, sharp and stiff.

She gave my back a small, reassuring pat before stepping away, but the weight in my chest only grew heavier.

The door swung open, and Theo and Tavrik strolled in as if they had all the time in the world.Jasila was right behind them, shoving Theo aside with a roll of her eyes.He let out an exaggerated‘oof” but still flashed me a grin.Despite everything, I couldn’t help but smile.

Jasila’s eyes raked over me, taking in every detail.

Did she know?Did she somehow sense what had happened between Dalkhan and I?

If she did, she didn’t mention it.She simply jerked her chin toward the door, signalling for us to follow.

We stood at the throne room’s edge, bodies pressed in close on all sides.There was a sea of people around me, yet I felt utterly alone.I couldn’t keep still, pitching from one leg to the other in an endless, anxious dance.

Jasila’s slapped my forearm.

“Stop fidgeting,” she muttered under her breath.

“Sorry,” I hissed before turning away just enough to roll my eyes.

BOOM!

The first pound of the drum rattled through me, leaving me suspended in stillness.

Dalkhan walked in, and everything tilted.

His burning, pitiless eyes were locked straight ahead.The beautiful lines of his face had twisted into something feral, a snarl etched deep enough to gouge the light from his features.

He didn’t want to be here either.

We bowed our heads as he neared, my spine curving reluctantly and hair falling forward.Through the strands, I dared to look up at him.

He didn’t stop.Didn’t even glance at me.But Azmik—beautiful Azmik, who was draped across his shoulders—stretched toward me, his scaled body straining against Dalkhan’s movement.Those glowing eyes locked with mine, filled with something that might have been longing.