Page 123 of Of Realms and Chaos

I had no chance to disagree before he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to my lips, the soft pressure a thing of beauty—of perfection. He bent down once more, strapping on the throwing daggers Henry had let me borrow. When he was done, he took a step back, looking me over.

“Do I look okay?”

“You look like a warrior.” He flashed a dimpled smile, offering me the stick of kohl when I held my hand out and sitting on the bed so I could properly reach. I was far worse at applying it than he was, but I had gotten enough practice over the last few months that I could manage a decent line below his lower eyelashes. Luckily for me, it did not take much for Bellamy to look like a warrior.

***

The training yard was hectic at best.

Mortals and demons were scattered about, their numbers mixed as they ran or practiced stances or sparred. Stone and grass made up the ground before us, not a single piece of padding to be seen. The mountainous area was not as cold down here. In fact, it almost felt like summer, which was a relief after nearly a year straight of fall and winter.

Bellamy was smiling ear to ear, his hand on my lower back and his head held high. There was pride in his walk, in his aura. The minds around us stirred, voices shouting into my head as I slowly let my magic loose.

The fae princess. She should not be here.

A goddess in the flesh, in our presence!

An abomination!

Perhaps we can spar together.

Will she show her magic?

She will defeat the fae!

Kill her before it is too late.

Hands grabbed my waist from behind, lifting me up. I was flipped midair before my stomach hit a rock-hard shoulder. Air escaped my lungs, leaving me momentarily stunned and gasping for breath. Until the male spoke.

“Well, little brat, I think it is safe to say you took dramatic to a whole new level.”

I laughed as Henry spun, my hands trying and failing to grip his leather top. His deep chuckles were a welcome sound, one I had grown pleasantly accustomed to and unknowingly missed. Slowly, he teasingly slid me down his body, setting me back on my feet with a smirk Bellamy’s way. I rolled my eyes when the prince let out a low huff and lightly smacked Henry’s freckled cheek, his beard now perfectly trimmed and his hair looking far better than when I had chopped it. I silently wondered who he had trusted to do that.

“I missed you, Ash.”

“I missed you too, pumpkin. The only one who desired your presence more than me was Wrath. Tell me, have you had the chance to embrace him yet?” A chill ran through Henry, his eye twitching. I beamed up at him, so happy to be with them all again. I could feel the sadness within him though, and I knew how he hid it behind winks and jokes—the only emotion he was capable of somewhat masking. “How are you doing?”

His gaze roamed to Bellamy, who stood just slightly behind me—a fading smile on his face. They seemed to have a silent conversation, as if any of Henry’s thoughts were hidden from me. Both nodded, and then Bellamy engulfed me in a warm embrace before kissing my forehead.

“I am going to go get the others. They have missed you.” He left without another word, patting Henry on the shoulder as he passed him. The Sun placed an arm around me, walking us towards a weapons rack. My arm instinctively slipped around his waist as we moved, my nerves skyrocketing as the silence stretched on.

“Henry?” I asked, unable to contain my curiosity or fester in the fear any longer. He sighed, arm tightening on me before he spoke.

“None of us are okay. We have lost a lot, and recovering will be a slow process. But you already know that. Having you back is a relief, at least. Some good news after two months of loss and horror. It helps that when you feel strong, we often do too. Your magic has this aura to it, like a presence that demands attention and obedience but also exudes hope and force.”

“Oh, please. They do not want to follow me. I am a walking nightmare to some of them. I can hear it, Henry.” As if saying so made the voices more desperate, I felt the thoughts barrel into my head, forcing me to pull my magic back in and lock those golden gates. Still, I felt them, rattling the lock and calling my name.

“Some resist you out of fear, but those who do not will grow stronger because of it—because of you. Trust me, we all physically felt your absence, not just emotionally.”

We arrived at the rack, and Henry grabbed two swords. They were nearly identical. Silver blade, sky blue hilt, and the demon sigil carved into the metal in black and white. I shook my head when he tried to give it to me, stepping back.

“I have not stretched yet, and I have not practiced since the last time you and I sparred.”

A smirk lit his face as he shoved the weapon towards me once more.

“My room is right next to Bell’s, Asher. I am confident you have done enough stretching.” With a wink, he tossed the sword the remaining few inches, forcing me to catch it or let the beautiful piece fall.

Instinctively, my hand reached out and snatched it from the air. I was still not nearly as skilled as the others, but I had my magic. Never did I rely on it, but I would be damned if I ever let myself think that I was wrong to use it again. I planted my feet and swung, but Henry was there, blocking it with his sword in one hand and a smile on his face.

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