Page 69 of Thorns & Fire (The Ashes of Thezmarr #2)

Wren

‘The sweetest peace blooms in gardens guarded by thorns’

– Elwren Embervale’s notes and observations

‘I THINK WE have seen enough, yes?’ Farissa failed to hide her smile as she turned to the other masters.

Wren’s heart was still pounding, and it was only Queen Reyna’s hand sliding from hers that brought her back to the judgment she now awaited. ‘Thank you,’ the queen said as the healers helped her from the stage.

There was a general murmuring of consent before the High Chancellor addressed Wren. ‘Thank you for sharing your work with us, Elwren. Do you have the written report?’

Wren nodded, retrieving the carefully bound pieces of parchment in her satchel and offering them to the High Chancellor.

‘If this result can be replicated across all those impacted, then you have just changed the tide of the war,’ he told her. ‘For now, you may go.’

Gathering her things with trembling hands, Wren practically fled the theatre, where her sister and two more Warswords were waiting in the foyer.

Warmth wrapped around Wren as the Bear Slayer encircled her with his arms, kissing the top of her head. Wren breathed in the familiar scent of him and grinned into his chest.

‘It worked...’

‘Of course it did,’ Torj told her with a wide smile. ‘You made it.’

Wren savoured his touch for a moment longer before she pulled away, aware that they were in the middle of the foyer for anyone to see.

Torj’s arms dropped from around her and she turned to Thea, who was beaming.

‘If I’m not mistaken, Wren just defeated dark alchemy and earned her spot as a sage at Drevenor. We need to celebrate. Let’s go to that tavern Kipp’s always on about.’

‘That’s a bit premature, don’t you think, Thee?’ Wren said, leaning back towards Torj to whisper, ‘and I can think of other ways I’d like to celebrate.’

He went rigid beside her.

‘We’re busy,’ he blurted out. ‘Wren’s got work for the academy—’

‘I don’t think so, Bear Slayer,’ Thea replied with a knowing grin. ‘We’ve handed the shadow magic over to Audra who’s looking into it, and now our hands are tied while we wait for Wren’s results. One drink at this tavern. Then my sister can do her “work”.’

Torj laughed and gave Wren a shrug. ‘I tried.’

‘It was a poor effort,’ Wren told him, but she couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips.

‘It was,’ Torj admitted. ‘But perhaps you should see it as an opportunity.’

Wren raised a brow. ‘Oh?’

Torj answered with a wicked grin. ‘A drink, something to eat... You’ll need your strength for what I have in mind for you.’

‘Is that right?’ Wren had to stop herself from leaning in, from pressing her lips to his.

‘That’s right.’

‘Were we that insufferable?’ Thea cut in, looking to Wilder for confirmation.

‘Yes,’ Wren and Torj replied in unison.

Wilder laughed and threw an arm around Thea’s shoulders, pressing a kiss to her temple and leading her towards the academy doors. ‘I’m afraid so, Princess.’

Wren watched them, her heart full. Gods, she was glad her sister had that happiness. After all they’d been through during the war, it was one of the things that eased her sorrows. Thea deserved that love.

Wren was jolted from her thoughts by a warm hand turning her body. She stared up to find Torj watching her, a soft smile playing on his lips.

‘I think we should join them,’ he said. ‘Just for a while. It’s not often you get to see Thea, and with what’s to come... We could all use the distraction. Thea more than anyone.’

Wren found herself nodding. ‘I love that about you,’ she said quietly as they started after the two Warswords.

‘What?’ Torj looked genuinely confused.

‘You’re always thinking of others. And I love that you care for my sister.’

‘She’s my friend,’ Torj said. ‘They both are. I don’t imagine a day when they won’t be.’

Wren gave his hand a squeeze before dropping it quickly. ‘That makes me happy, Bear Slayer.’

Torj leaned in, their sides brushing against one another as they walked. ‘That’s all I want from this life.’

‘Not more Warsword glory and heroic adventures?’ she teased.

Torj laughed, and Wren savoured the sound. He didn’t laugh enough, she decided, and she would do everything within her power to change that.

‘I’ve had enough glory and adventure for several lifetimes over,’ he replied.

The evening was unusually warm, and the revelry had spilled from the tavern to the grounds outside.

Tables and chairs had been set up beneath the stars, and several fires illuminated the makeshift garden party.

It was no surprise to see Kipp greeting Thea and Wilder warmly, thrusting drinks into their hands as he held court at a table with Cal and Dessa.

Wren glanced at Torj as they made their way towards the merriment. ‘What do you see for yourself?’ she asked. ‘When... when peace is restored?’

Torj’s fingers brushed hers. ‘I’ve never really let myself think that far ahead. Being a warrior, a protector... It’s all I’ve ever known.’

‘But if you could do anything, be anything... what would it be?’ Wren pressed.

He faltered, tugging her to a stop so they remained out of earshot of the crowd. ‘Honestly? All I want is a life with you, Embers. A life where we’re not constantly fighting battles or chasing prophecies or cures. Just... a simple life. With you.’

Wren swallowed the lump in her throat. ‘And if I can’t give that to you?’

‘Then I’ll take whatever you can offer and thank the Furies every day for it,’ he told her fiercely.

Tears stung Wren’s eyes. ‘I love you,’ she murmured, wishing she could press her lips to his.

Torj loosed a shaky breath. ‘I have dreamed of the day you would say that to me so freely...’ His voice was low and hoarse. ‘It still doesn’t feel real.’

‘It’s real, Bear Slayer.’ She brushed her fingers against his again, entwining them briefly. ‘I love you.’

‘And I love you.’

‘Good.’ Wren smiled, swiping at her falling tears.

‘What about you?’ the Warsword asked. ‘What do you see for yourself?’

‘I want the same thing, only with one minor addition,’ she replied. ‘I want a cat.’

Torj made a noise of protest. ‘Surely you can be convinced of a dog instead?’

‘Not a chance.’ She squeezed his hand. ‘Shall we go and join our friends?’

‘If we must,’ Torj sighed, clicking his tongue in mock frustration. ‘Whose idea was this anyway?’

With warmth blooming through her chest, Wren laughed and tugged her Warsword towards the revelry.