Page 132 of Bitten & Burned

“I wanted to say it. Gods, I nearly did. A dozen times.” He laughed once—bitter, sad. “But every time I got close, I told myself I had time. That I could wait. That she wouldn’t want to hear it from me.”

I turned just enough to see his face. It was open in a way it rarely was. No smirk. No silk. Just regret.

“I didn’t think she needed the words. Not from me.”

The bond with her scraped raw inside me, quieter now, but no less jagged. It made every word feel like a wound slowly bleeding out.

His eyes met mine. Steady. Unflinching.

“But you’re right. I left her wondering. I let her think my silence meant I didn't.”

He looked at Vael—who still hadn’t moved, hadn’t said a thing—and then back at me.

“Whatever else happens… thank you for saying it. Even if it broke her. At least now she knows.”

I held his gaze a beat longer.

“I need to find her. Come or don’t.”

They bothhesitated.

Vael moved first, decisive. “I’ll go. I’m sending for Ambrose; she deserves to hear that from me.”

Anton stayed where he was, flour still dusting his sleeve. “She doesn’t wish to be found,” he said quietly. “Better to let her come to us again.”

“We could,” I allowed. “But I can’t. I have to tell her about the sigil.”

Anton’s jaw tightened. “Then tell her I’ll be in my quarters if she wants me. It’s the only way I won’t crowd her.”

Vael shook his head. “She needs you even when it’s hard, Anton. You know that.”

Anton bristled. “And I know pressing her now will only drive her farther away.”

I cut between them. “Enough. Three of us showing up will feel like we’re ganging up on her. Anton’s right—he should stay. She’ll need a safe place after I tell her the truth.”

Anton nodded once. “I’ll be in my quarters.” He stepped through the door and disappeared down the hall.

The bond flared suddenly and sharply, dragging me like it had its own will.

I didn’t need to guess where it was leading me. I glanced at Vael and nodded.

I only prayed she’d still let us through the door when we got there.

Nineteen

STEADY

Kravenspire, Sol, Verdune

25 Ebry, Year 810

My steps picked up speed.Fast. Faster. I wanted as much space between me and that door as I could get.

I still didn’t know where I was going.

Until I did.

Across the manor. Down a familiar hall. To a door I knew would open.