Page 31 of Emylia

His eyes narrowed with that infuriatingly accurate intuition. “Just what?”

I opened my mouth. Then closed it, without a word.

Damn, I was useless.

Without warning, Sebastian leaned in and wrapped his arms around me, anchoring me like he always had. Warm. Unshakable.

“I didn’t want to come,” I whispered. “Not without him.” The tears burned immediately, fighting their way out.

“I’ve got you,” he said, and when he pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, the sincerity there gutted me. “You’re not alone. You know that, right? I’ll always be here.”

That much, I believed with everything I had. “Thanks, Bastian.”

“What can I say?” He grinned, cocky and familiar. “I’d do anything for my bestie.” His grin was back, roguish and annoyingly irresistible.

“Uh-huh. Including emotionally devastating me with that smile?”

He nudged me with his shoulder, his hair brushing my cheek. The scent of ash clung to him—woodsmoke and heat, threaded with something uniquely him. My heart betrayed me by skipping.

I reminded myself—he’s your best friend.

Nothing more.

Even if I’d wished for more. A million times. We could never work. I told myself that on repeat. Like a prayer. Or a curse.

You’re just friends. You’ll always be just friends.

Liar.

“You’re just jealous because you miss me when I’m not around.”

“Or maybe you missmeso much, because I’m your only friend,” I said, striking back.

“Fuck you,” he grinned, with zero heat behind it. Only mischief.

And just like that, the weight lifted. The awkwardness vanished. That was the thing about Sebastian. We could joke and tease like idiots, but I also knew—without a doubt—he’d be there for me.

Always.

“So,” I said, changing the subject before my thoughts combusted, “you didn’t make finals?”

“Tragic, I know.” Sebastian sighed. “I really thought I had it this year.”

“What happened?”

He gave me a condescending look. “I lost.”

“Obviously. But who beat you?” He jerked his chin toward the arena, where Uncle Thrainn was squaring up against Maalikai

“Him?” I asked, eyes wide. “Seriously?”

Sebastian gave me a dry look. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. Could’ve used that during the fight. Truth is, I underestimated him. He’s better than he looks.”

“He doesn’t look half bad,” I muttered before I could stop myself.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, the flash of hurt in his eyes slicing straight through me. “So, what, you like him now?”

“No!” I said, voice rising like a guilty flare. “I don’t even know him.”

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