Page 83

Drums beat in a lively rhythm that seemed to vibrate through the stones beneath her feet. Esmyra’s heart pounded as she glanced in all directions, overwhelmed by how many surrounded them.

She barely had a moment to catch her breath before a group of young women took her by the hands and pulled her from where she was rooted at the bottom of the dais.

Esmyra followed, laughing in spite of herself, spinning and dancing among the people she was desperate to know. Their laughter became her own, and for a moment, she was swept up in it all, almost forgetting the dread she felt for what she knew she would need to ask Syrena.

Glancing across the square, she spotted Draevyn surrounded by a growing crowd of men, women, and children of all kinds, watching him in awe.

They gestured at him with eager excitement, calling for him to show his powers now that the restraining cuff was gone.

He seemed reluctant, but under their prodding, a flicker of fire sparked in his palm, earning gasps and excited cries from onlookers.

It was then she remembered they had never seen his kind of magic before.

Even above the surface in Rymelle, it was rare to see his magic and live to tell the tale.

The Phoenix was feared, and for good reason, but as she watched him from across the space, smile beaming, she knew then that he was never deserving of the name monster —not like she was.

It was likely the first time he had his power on display with people cheering for him, instead of running in terror or screaming.

The flames danced in his hands, playful and fierce, illuminating his features as he wielded the blaze into different shapes and scenes.

Esmyra watched as his smile beamed brighter than she realized was possible.

An unexpected warmth flooded her at seeing him this way, freed from constraint and finally admired for the person he was, instead of the villain he was rumored to be.

Draevyn must’ve felt her stare, because a moment later, his gaze met hers. She raised the glass in her hand in toast, and was answered with a wink before he was thrust back in providing their entertainment.

Hours passed in a haze of music and celebration, and Esmyra found herself forgetting her worries, losing herself to the laughter and joy around her—something she certainly wasn’t used to.

For the first time since arriving here, she wasn’t thinking of her bargain with the king, her father, or even what she had found in the crypt earlier that day. She simply existed, savoring the feeling of the moment.

But as the night wore on, her social energy waned, and she suddenly felt overwhelmed by her surroundings.

Her fingertips rested at the base of her neck as she stood on her toes and searched through the crowd, realizing she hadn’t seen Syrena since her speech. It was as if she vanished the moment the celebration began.

Esmyra stepped off to the outskirts of the square, and when she turned back to face the crowd, she found Draevyn standing nearby, his gaze searching until it landed on her.

As their eyes met, a hint of relief flickered across his face, and he made his way toward her, sidestepping clusters of dancers .

“There she is,” he said as he halted in front of her, an amused grin on his face. “I got something for you.”

Her head reared back slightly as a nervous laugh escaped her. “What do you mean?”

Draevyn lifted a finger before reaching into his pocket, and when he pulled out his hand, he held a necklace bearing a sparkling turquoise crystal.

Her lips parted. “Drae, what is?—”

“It reminded me of you,” he admitted as he stepped behind her, draping it around her neck. The coolness of the metal chain bit into her skin, sending a shiver through her.

Esmyra glanced down at her chest to look at the jewel before turning to face him. “You got me a gift?”

No one had ever done that before.

Draevyn’s nod was accompanied by a wink. “It's beautiful and blue.” A smirk formed. “With sharp edges.”

Esmyra let out a laugh, her heart fluttering, but a pain twisted in her chest. It was proof that he saw her—the real her —and instead of balking away in fear, he only embraced her more. She felt seen, cherished, cared for. And she didn’t feel worthy of any of it.

“Are you okay?” he asked, a bit of nerves flashing across his face as he searched her own. “If it’s not?—”

“No, no. It’s perfect.” Her fingertips brushed against the crystal as she nodded, chuckling softly. “Thank you so much, Drae.”

His smile may have been the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

Draevyn offered her his arm. “It’s getting late. Would you like me to escort you back to the palace?”

“I would be lying if I said I didn't want to get out of this madness.” Esmyra gestured to their surroundings. “But I don’t think I want to go back there either.”

His head tilted to the side, and as he moved to drop his arm, she laced hers through.

“Come with me,” she said, a lilt in her voice she didn’t recognize. “ I know a place. It might be nice to unwind a little…away from all of this.”

Draevyn’s brow arched as he studied her. But then a slow and genuine smile spread across his handsome face, and something flickered in his eyes—not his usual roaring flames, but subtle glowing embers.

“Lead the way,” he said. “I’d be honored.”