Page 67 of A Fate in Flames

Theo ran a hand through his unbound hair.He hated this as much as I did.He was never meant to be here.The guilt of that alone was its own battle.

I cleared my throat, pushing down the emotions threatening to spill over.

“I just need rest.I’ll see you both in the morning.”

Tavrik gave a small nod and they made for the door.Theo slowed his steps.

“I don’t know how to help, El,” he said softly.“Just know that I am always here for you.”He kissed his pinkie and pressed it to his heart before closing the door with a soft click.

I was alone again with nothing but the suffocating silence.

Mira had left a slip for me to wear, but even it was ridiculous.The soft black material hugged my curves, the fabric whispering as it touched the floor.I crawled into bed, curling beneath the soft sheets.Even then, sleep did not come easy.My mind raced, replaying every moment, every word, every look—and once my eyes finally fluttered shut, he was there.

I jerked awake with a sharp scream.My body was drenched in sweat, hair plastered to my neck, the sheets twisted around me like serpents.The dream had somehow gotten worse.His face—clear as day—haunted the edges of my mind,relishingin my suffering.

I shoved the dream away violently and took deep breaths, counting each inhale and exhale until my heart stopped trying to pound its way out of my chest.I pushed back the covers, my skin clammy against the cool air.My legs felt unsteady, nearly tripping as I stumbled toward the bathing chamber.I fumbled trying to remove the slip, the fabric catching on my damp skin.

I slid into the bath, letting the heat chase away the lingering ghosts of fire and ash.Resting my head back, wishing I could disappear beneath its surface completely.

No matter how hard I tried to lose myself in the water’s comfort, the memories refused to fade.

By the time I stepped out, wrapping the drying cloth tightly around myself, I was already bracing for Mira’s arrival.

Right on cue, she walked in, arms stacked with fresh garments.

She paused when she saw me already awake and waiting.“You’re up early,” she said, setting down her bundle.

“Morning,” I replied as she helped me dress quickly, both of us moving through the now-familiar routine.

A perfect opening.

“I would really love to take a walk beyond these walls,” I sighed dramatically.“I miss the sunshine on my face.The breeze in my hair.”

Her hands stilled, frozen mid-adjustment.

“Um…”

Yeah.I knew exactly what that meant.

She continued working with renewed focus.“Jasila mentioned you’re not allowed outside the palace grounds.”

She glanced at me apologetically, her bottom lip caught between her teeth.I waved it off with a quick flick of my wrist before she could get too deep into the‘I feel bad but also don’t get me killed’speech.

“It’s okay.I get it,” I said, slumping.“I’m just sick of this room.”

Mira patted my shoulder sympathetically before twisting my hair into some kind of half-up masterpiece.Somehow, she always managed to make my hair look better than I ever could.

“If you want, we could explore a little more,” she offered, gathering the lasts of her pins from between her lips.

Not exactly what I needed, but it was better than nothing.

“I’d love to,” I said, mustering up some enthusiasm and forcing a smile that hopefully looked genuine.

A sharp knock sounded at the door.

I grinned as I walked over, pulling it open with a flourish.

“Look who finally learned how to knock,” I teased, leaning against the frame.