Page 5

THE LEGS OF A DYING SPIDER

GAVREL

A s I held Seryn in my arms, the steady rise and fall of her breathing quieted the rapid thrum of my blood.

I navigated the twists and turns of my contemplations, memories of her flooding my mind.

Recollections of all the moments we had shared, both together and apart, echoed through the corridors of my thoughts.

There were so many things I needed to tell her, yet so many things I never could.

I tipped my face closer to the back of her head, messy curls tickling my nose, letting her sweet scent fill my senses. My Ancients, what I wouldn’t give to hold her like this for the rest of our days.

If only I could allow that to happen.

A vicious sourness filled my throat at the thought of Seryn trapped within Melina’s clutches. There were too many instances where she’d been in danger. Too many times, Melina had threatened her even before Seryn knew she was caught in the Elder’s web.

The first time Melina had erased Seryn’s memories was the winter before last. Even then, I was powerless against her. Unbidden, the memory crept into my mind like a festering wound.

In Morpheus’ palace, I wandered through the maze of hallways, exhausted from hours of sparring with Rhaegar and my brother.

My thoughts drifted as I beheld the opulence of the place. I yearned for the simplicity and comfort of Evergryn—the days when danger didn’t seep into every seam.

For a moment, I squeezed my eyes shut as an image of Seryn’s smile flitted into my mind, morphing into the shattered expression I’d put there. A heavy sigh dropped at my feet as I blinked, a daze settling over me.

A little over a turn had passed since I’d shredded our relationship. Understandably, Seryn had made damn sure to spend as little time as possible in my presence since then—and it was for the best.

Of course it was.

I pressed my thumb to the corner of my mouth, as if that could wipe away any lingering doubt.

It’s what I’d intended, after all. For her safety. So Melina wouldn’t look her way again. If keeping the Elders’ eyes off Seryn meant keeping my distance, then so be it.

Melina seemed pleased that Seryn no longer sought me out during the Dormancies, as she’d done more and more the last several turns. I pressed the heel of my palm into the scar on my chest, gritting my teeth.

Soon, I approached a set of massive doors, and my eyes widened at the realization of where my legs had carried me.

Of course, I was at the fucking library. Was I trying to sabotage my best efforts? Seryn loved the library and was likely still working there.

In spite of myself, my curiosity and desire to be near her got the better of me. With knit brows, I stepped inside as if I couldn’t help myself. Because, if I were being honest, I clearly couldn’t when it came to her.

Bloody void.

“No need to lurk, boy. Get what you need or get out.” I winced at the sound of Iben Burlam’s ill-tempered tone.

“Indeed. Thank you,” I replied, bowing my head in his direction, and moving toward the stacks near the curling staircases in the back.

Because you know that’s where she likely is .

Damn me to the Murk.

As I admonished myself, the sunbeams glinted, and a glimmer of flame-colored hues caught my attention. Seryn wandered out from behind a row of shelves, her hand tracing over the words in an open tome before sitting at her favorite table.

I froze, seriously considering diving into an aisle, but before I could take the leap, she lifted her head and sucked in a quick intake of air.

Eyes narrowing, her jaw turned to stone, and she dipped her head toward her book again, shifting her body away from me. Against my better judgment, I shuffled over to her, resting my hand on the back of the chair opposite her.

Patiently, I waited until she looked up with a quirked brow. “Yes?” Just a hint of curiosity laced with her annoyance.

My pulse throbbed under my jawline. “May I?”

“Do as you please,” she murmured.

I wish I could.

Situating myself across from her, I feigned interest in another novel on the table, but studied her from under my lashes. She was reading her favorite book again … the one she always found every Dormancy without fail—a written history about the Ancients .

The corners of my mouth tipped, and I set my volume aside. “Learning anything interesting?”

She sighed, her gaze remaining on the book. “As much as I can.”

I leaned forward. “Such as?”

What are you doing, you imbecile?

She turned another page. “Gavrel, is there anything I can help you with, or are you bothering me for a reason?”

Because I can’t fucking stay away from you.

“Ah, no reason. I … I wanted to see how you were doing.”

“Fine, thank you,” she murmured.

“Er, well. I’m glad to hear it.”

She snapped the book closed, color gliding over her cheeks. “Well, I’m glad you’re glad to hear it. If you’ll excuse me.” She stood and marched away from me, down an aisle.

And, of course, I followed because I was a fool. Because seeing her was the only thing that brought me any peace. She stretched onto her tiptoes as she tried to put the book in its place, and I reached over her, helping the volume slide into its spot.

A little gasp slipped from her as my fingers met the back of hers. She pulled her hand away from mine and spun around, her spine pushing into the shelves.

My heart tripped over itself; her nearness almost brought me to my knees. Instead, I stepped back, fisting my hands at my sides as my gaze swept over her delicate features.

Even when she was glowering at me, I wanted her. My molars were going to crack if I clenched them any tighter.

Don’t do it.

I shifted closer, and she lifted her chin. She was magnificent. My fingers twitched, and before I realized what I was doing, they slipped a curling strand behind her ear.

Her breath caught in her throat, and my fingertips froze at the edge of her jaw. My skin hummed at the contact, and her eyes crushed closed as if my touch caused her pain.

“Seryn, I ? —”

“What a touching moment. Do let me play.” Ice skittered up my nape, and I snatched my hand away from Seryn as if I’d been burned. Eyes snapping toward the intruder, Seryn’s shoulders wilted.

Melina sauntered toward us, and I positioned myself in front of Seryn. “Mistress, I was looking for you.”

“Melina,” she snapped.

She preferred that I call her by her name, forcing me to make our connection personal. Bitterness coated my tongue. “Melina,” I conceded. Anything to make her leave.

“Were you?” Her incisors glinted as she raised one eyebrow. “How fortunate I found you then. Who do we have here, Gavie Gav?”

Disgust rippled up my vertebrae at the moniker.

She knew who Seryn was.

But she wanted me to say it. Wanted to watch her prey while they squirmed .

The leaden words tumbled to the floor. “Seryn Vawn, my brother’s friend. Our neighbor.”

“Oh, how interesting.” Melina waved her hand for me to move aside, tilting her head to peek at Seryn.

Like embedded stones, my feet wouldn’t budge.

One hand rested on the pommel of the dagger attached to my side, itching to unsheathe it.

Slowly, Melina slid her tongue over her top lip, looking at me from under her dark lashes. “Move, Commander.”

My fingers tensed, and I squared my jaw, shifting. Melina’s narrowed eyes slid down Seryn’s body, and Seryn smoothed her hand down her dress as if wanting to rid herself of the intrusion.

“Good day, Mistress,” Seryn murmured. “Gavrel was helping me put a book away.”

“Ah, she speaks. How chivalrous our Gavie is, is he not?” Melina purred, sidling closer.

Dread roiled within my stomach, and my breath hitched.

Seryn frowned, eyes darting between me and the Elder. Could she sense the impending threat? She stacked her spine, tucking her hair behind her ear. “He’s not my Gavrel, but I appreciated the help.”

“How clever you are, pet.” Melina grinned, inching closer now. She tapped one finger against her crimson lips. “Now, who do you remind me of?”

It was as if the air was sucked from the library. Everyone else had left; there was no one to witness what Melina would do next.

“Melina, I’d like to meet you in your study,” I said, noticing two Akridais situating themselves at either end of the aisle. Seryn’s chest rose and fell in shallow breaths.

Elder Harrow’s halo spilled around her, and my chest cracked open.

“Commander, we’ll reconvene later. I do so enjoy our playtime, but I’m quite busy at the moment.

Shall we have some fun, pet? It’s been a while since I took a trip down memory row.

” Melina snapped her fingers, and her enforcers slunk closer.

Her ebony smoke slunk around Seryn, caressing her. Seryn swallowed, terror widening her eyes.

“I do so love reminiscing. Let’s see if there’s anything amusing in that head of yours, shall we, pet?

Or will you be like Maya and Gavie? I must admit I’ve been curious about you and your sister over the turns, but you haven’t piqued my interest until quite recently.

What with how Gavie pays you attention. Helps you with your books .

Your mother was quite the challenge, but you … you seem rather … fragile.”

Seryn’s strangled response flew from her mouth as her hands fisted around the dark energy. “My mother ? —”

Melina nodded, and a gust of oiled air knocked my body backward. “Run!” I roared, fighting hopelessly against my invisible fetters, knowing the demand was futile.

And it was. Melina’s power slithered into Seryn’s mouth and ears while she screamed and clutched at the sides of her head.

Horrified, I watched as Melina’s eyes fluttered, her body arching as she clawed her way through Seryn’s brain. She licked her lips, savoring whatever it was she saw. Whatever she was stealing from the woman I’d break for again and again.

Seryn’s head whipped from side to side, a look of anguish contorting her features. Her body trembled, and tears stained her dress.

“Ah, you have been a naughty … naughty boy, Commander,” Melina bit out, and her fingers jerked in front of her like the legs of a dying spider. “But don’t fret. A departed memory means it never existed at all. Doesn’t it?”

Damp air filled my lungs as the present resurfaced. Fury and anguish filled the empty spaces within me, shoving my shame and regret aside.

Melina would bloody well pay.

She would never harm Seryn again.

We would show her the meaning of agony, of being nothing more than a memory to be erased. She would learn that the departed don’t always stay buried.

Conviction rumbled low and deep in my chest.

Seryn shifted, her back pressing harder into my chest. I tightened my arms around her, kissing her crown and surrendering to the contented slumber that finally claimed me.