Page 259 of Cursed Evermore

“Even better than yours?”

“I think it’s on par.”

We both laughed, but as the sound died away, something heavier settled between us, a weight that made the air feel thick with unspoken words.

“How are you feeling about being with Wolfe?” she asked, her expression warm and hopeful.

“He was my… first.”

Her eyes rounded. “Oh, my.” She pressed a hand to her heart. “Then it’s even more special.”

“Yes. It is.” I nodded slowly. “My memory predicament made me promise myself that my first time would be with someone special to me. Someone worth remembering even though I’d never remember.”

“Oh, Elariya. I’m so happy you got that moment.”

“Me too. But now, I’m not really sure what will happen next. He left before I woke up, and I haven’t seen him since.”

“Don’t worry about that. He could have needed to be anywhere. Or maybe he even went to see Dreynthor. I’ve neverseen Wolfe look more furious than last night. Knowing Wolfe, he would have wanted to sort things out straightaway.”

“But maybe he still has to marry the princess.” The thought lodged like a splinter in my chest.

Arielle shook her head. “I’ve never known Wolfe to do anything he was forced to do. But Bastian told me the whole marriage idea was put forward to contain the rebellion. Thalyrius controls the main sea routes for trade. The plan was to scare them into submission.”

“That sounds serious.” And like something Wolfe might have to do.

“It is, and it’s a clever way to control him. Dreynthor gets to stake a claim on another kingdom’s legacy. While marriage wouldn’t make Wolfe king of Thalyrius when their ruler dies, the alliance would benefit all Nightblades. Especially Dreynthor and his heirs.” Her mouth twisted in disgust.

“No wonder he was so horrid to me.” Dreynthor’s awful words still scraped at my pride. In his eyes, I was just a whore threatening his plans.

“Don’t worry about that asshole.” Arielle spoke firmly. “And don’t let him spoil last night for you. Wolfe will defy his uncle at every turn, but even he knows when duty calls. My heart tells me he wouldn’t have gone after you if he planned to go through with the marriage. So, try not to worry.”

Although I nodded, fear still pricked at me. “I’ll try.”

“I'm sure you'll see him later.”

“I hope so.”

A gentle smile brightened her face. “Something tells me you will. You have to let me know what happens.”

I smiled back at her. “You know I will. Thank you for… listening to me and being such a good friend.”

Her eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her features before melting into something warmer. I realized theword 'friend' had caught her completely off guard. For a moment, she looked almost vulnerable, and her eyes glistened as if she might cry.

“Friend,” she repeated quietly, testing the word like it was something precious she was afraid to break. A flush crept up her neck, and when she smiled this time, it was radiant. The kind of smile that transformed her entire face. “You are my friend, too. I don’t have many girlfriends. The ones you met at Hyxian were more like acquaintances. It’s partly because of my advanced powers, but mostly because I’m part of Wolfe’s Veythral. It’s been great getting to know you. You’re the most genuine person I’ve met in a long time.”

“Same here.” I sighed, then I realized how much time we’d spent talking about me. “Gods, I’m sorry. I’ve been talking your ear off about my problems. SomefriendI am.”

Arielle shook her head and laughed. “No, you have not talked my ear off.”

“You’re too kind.” I tsked and chuckled. “Now, please tell me what happened between you and Bastian. You guys made quite an entrance.”

Her entire face lit with joy. “He followed me when I went looking for you. Imagine my surprise when he held up a bottle of wine and invited me to go to the very place I was going to take him. When we got there, he kissed me, and then we didn’t stop.”

I smiled at her, feeling genuinely excited. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. It feels like a dream come true. Now, all we need to do is sort outeverythingelse.” She released a ragged sigh. “I can’t help but think that finding the ring will open the doors to all the things we want.”

“Yeah. It sure could.”