Page 107 of Of Blooming Embers
SERYN
The beast studied me from the side of one teal eye, the scaly shelf above lifting curiously. My dread died in my throat as I met its gentle gaze, familiarity clicking in the recesses of my memory. I craned my neck, trying to get a better look at the wyvern protectively cradling me in its claws. I recognized the beastie’s colorful plumage, and the recollection fully formed. One where Sebille slashed her blade at us while I helped a hatchling break free of its egg.
It blinked at me, its pupil contracting before focusing ahead. Itwasthe young wyvern I’d saved, grown to nearly its full size in the last months. In awe, I hesitantly reached up and ran my palm along a hardened scale, and a purr hummed within its cavernous chest.
Was it taking me to the palace? We were heading in the right direction. We soared over the Reverie Weald. Wind slapped against my cheeks, and I squinted as electric shades of orange and cerise blurred below us.
I’d heard Kaden call my name before the wyvern claimed me. He’dcome back. Found us. Perhaps it meant he’d already figured out his mother’s fate. Or he’d regretted staying behind.
With a jarring swerve, the beast dove to the right and over the edge of the cliff. My gut roiled as the crashing waves of the Insomnis Sea zoomed closer. A keening cry ripped from the youngling as it banked and then evened out, our bodies coasting parallel to the aqua depths.
I gulped, my head snapping to my right as the mother screeched back, sidling next to her offspring. The deepest sense of relief flooded me as my eyes locked with Kaden’s and then Gavrel’s, both safely tucked between long talons. They both looked as if they could breathe again, eyes roaming over my body.
We didn’t have to wait long before Morpheus’ palace peeked through the last gilded rays of twilight. A quick intake of breath flooded my lungs. I wouldn’t ever get over the ethereal beauty of the moonstone structure blending within the gleaming black stone islet.
In unison, the wyverns’ flights curved farther into the sea, as if they understood they should keep out of sight as best they could. I brushed my palms over its belly, and it vibrated under my touch contentedly.
We approached from the back of the cliff; the ebony climbed higher over the moonstone here than it did at the entrance.
The fading remnants of sunlight caught on the moon-phase windows, which ran vertically down the center of the structure. I blinked at the soft glints refracting from the crystal turrets, casting faint rainbows into the dusky air.
My stomach dropped as we swooped near a jutting stone lip nestled near the base of the wall. Waves slapped at the ledge, the foamy edges slinking into a hidden grotto.
With a chuff, the wyvern got as close as its wings allowed and stretched its talons open. Yelping, I plopped into the sea, my limbs flapping through the water. Two more bodies joined me in the surf with muffled curses.
The mother flew toward her offspring, letting out a disgruntled screech.
Bobbing, I called out my gratitude to the pair. The smaller one circled once, blinking at me, before soaring after its mother.
The waves carried us to the ledge, and I pulled myself onto it, grateful that the ocean was not as violent today. That the salted liquid made me buoyant rather than bringing up past fears.
Gavrel and Kaden climbed beside me. Kaden tipped his head to the side and bounced, extricating the liquid from his ear. “So, that happened.”
Still frustrated, I ignored him and moved toward Gavrel at the entrance of the cavern. “Well, we made it this far. No use stalling now,” I said, sloshing through the thigh-high water.
Beside me, Gavrel stretched his neck from side to side. “You gave us quite the scare.” His hand rested on my lower back.
I laughed. “Must have made an impression on that hatchling. That wasn’t exactly how I pictured getting here. Yet, here we are, nonetheless.”
Kaden positioned himself on my other side. “Glad you’re safe.”
“Thank you.” My murmur sank into the splashing water. The grotto was just big enough for the three of us to walk side by side.
“I … Wren found me. Told me about what happens when someone … when they’re culled.” His words cracked. “I can’t say it’s a surprise, but I thought … No, I don’t know what I thought.” He jammed his hand through his wet hair.
With a frown, I glanced at him and took his hand in mine. He tightened his grip as we reached a tunnel, which inclined gradually upward.
Gavrel cleared his throat. “I’m sorry you had to find out that way.”
After taking a deep breath, Kaden nodded at his brother. “It was better I found out on my own rather than either of you trying to tell me. I’ve been … difficult.”
Gavrel looked at me, eyebrows pushing together, and then moved into the burrow.
Pausing at the passage, Kaden released my hand. He stared into the blackness, his words tumbling out in a flurry. “Ser … I … I know I’ve been a right twat, but I can’t seem to help myself when it comes to you.I’ve ruined things, and I’d deserve it if you never talk to me again.”
I tilted my head, letting him go on, curious about how much he’d concede.
“I should have told you long ago about what I’d overheard. Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it was just weakness. I needed you to myself, like that would somehow fix the rest of me. Gavrel is a better man than I’ll ever be. I’ve been a mess for as long as I can remember, failing at everything that matters.”
