Page 114 of The Oracle of Dusk

Theron stood and walked to the nearest candle, holding the letter above it until it caught fire. He watched it burn, refusing to let it go until it was ash, allowing the pain of the fire to ground him while giving an outlet to his restless magic.

If his capable, level-headed general was sending him a pleading missive, the situation must be dire indeed. But he’d just schemed his way into spending more time in this wretched city. Had this been Epicasta’s ploy? To light a fire under him? Then he couldn’t allow it.

“You should follow your calling, princess. Clearly you were destined for greatness as a delivery woman. First my ring, and now my mail.”

“And not a word of thanks for either, I notice.”

“My gratitude is reserved for those who deserve it.”

A knock on the door interrupted their posturing.

“Your Highness, a letter has arrived for you from your cousin, Thisbe.”

The princess’ face paled in an instant. She noticed his keen interest and tried to regain her composure.

“The guards will see you back to the temple, Your Majesty.”

Whoever this Thisbe was, Theron wished to make her acquaintance if she affected the princess so. Perhaps he should spare a spy to look into the matter. At this point, he would use any blackmail he could get his hands on.

“Far be it for me to keep a princess from her correspondence,” he chuckled, allowing the guards to escort him.

They dragged him through the rain, now a driving force that soaked him through his robes. Once the guards deposited him before the temple of Justice, they turned and left. Theron wrung out his clothes as he stalked the halls of the temple, the brand of Her displeasure burning on the back of his hand. He needed to find Aurora as quickly as possible. Hopefully, he still had time to warn her of what was coming.

Aurora heard Hyllus’ swift steps coming up behind her long before she saw him. An impish grin curled her lips as he caught up to her.

“You little sneak-thief! How did you escape the kitchens without being seen?”

“That’s a trade secret,” Aurora gloated as she pulled out an extra biscuit from the fold of her himation.

“I see how it is. Leave me to face the cook’s wrath while you get away with the goods. Cruel.”

He pouted. A look that reminded her of her younger brother, the little beastie. It made her homesick and happy all at once. Though the two looked nothing alike, she felt a kinship with Hyllus, a bond somewhere between brother and close friend. He was easy to talk to, to relax around, to share her secrets with.

And to tease mercilessly.

“It’s not my fault you’re bigger, louder,andslower.”

He snatched the next biscuit right from her hand and shoved the whole of it in his mouth. He grinned at her open-mouthed stare.

“Avatar tax,” he said as he swallowed his ill-gotten gains.

“Cheeky bastard.”

“Always.”

“Is the avatar allowed to be so underhanded?”

“I’ve yet to be punished for my audacity, so I’m taking it as a good sign.”

Aurora laughed as they walked along the hall bordering the courtyard. Her gaze was invariably drawn to the man in the centre, a line of the ill and injured waiting their turn for his healing magic. Her heart was an acrobat in her chest—racing, leaping, and then sinking to her knees.

“You can’t avoid him forever,” Hyllus teased.

“I can certainly try.”

“Look at him. He’s pining for you. When are you going to put the poor bastard out of his misery?”

Aurora dared sneak another glance at the man in question. Theron sat in the courtyard, back ramrod straight as he perched on the austere bench as if it were a throne. The sun loved him, burnishing his brown skin in a golden light, making his hair shine like liquid rubies. His every move was graceful, powerful, sensual. She dared not stare too long, or risk losing herself, wondering how far away she could stand while still admiring the golden hue of his eyes.

---