Page 100 of Burning Heir

“I think my flame is quite useful,” I said, following him through the home and into a room with armor, swords, and daggers hung on the walls. The air smelled of wood and musk,but mostly Archer, and maybe it was strange I could pick his scent apart.

“Did our fathers make barters? These are from North Colindale.” I recognized the iced base of two.

“Serpents are always making bids and barters. Having a few daggers doesn’t mean much,” Archer said. “Besides, your father doesn’t barter much these days.”

I couldn’t quite tell where the others were from—besides the red-handled sword, which matched the one I had earned off Callum during our match. He had referred to them as being crafted for the Forgotten Children a century before.

I asked, “What exactly do you plan to barter with him, or was that another lie?”

Archer reached for two matching black-tipped daggers. The silver handles were etched with crescent moons. “Your father’s land is full of diamonds. He could have any Serpent at the reins if he wished. Northern Colindale is one of the richest lands in Verdonia, and I hoped to make a deal with him.” He grabbed two leather holders, kneeling as he cupped the back of my leg and raised it. He changed the topic swiftly, eyes on me. “Some say receiving a dagger from a Serpent is an honor.”

His bare hands skimmed my thighs, and I leaned into the touch. “What do they say about a Serpent kneeling before someone?” I asked.

Archer tightened his clasp of the leather sheaths, his pupils flaring beneath his dark lashes. “Naïve.”

“Do you think you are naïve?” I asked, and he rose two heads above me.

He considered my question. His one hand was still cupping my leg. “I think I lost all sense the moment Naraic bonded with you. I mean that in the nicest way possible. You do not wield to me. Being headstrong is a blessing. You will make a great Serpent.”

“Damien says you will force me to step down and follow you.”

Archer glanced at the pendant on my neck. “Coming from the man who gave you a necklace to watch your every move.”

I looped the chain around my index finger. “Damien gave it to me in case I need help.”

Archer scoffed. “Help?”

I bit the inside of my cheek. “Damien means well. He cares about me.”

“If you insist on allowing a male to see and hear every breath that escapes you, then perhaps I was wrong about you.”

“Your protectiveness is not needed, especially not with my heart.”

“Your heart… does not beat for him.” A distraught gleam hinted in his eyes. “I do not wish to shatter your heart again with my words.”

He meant Klaus.

“Then who—who does it beat for? If not a man whose only words have been kind and certainly no lies have uttered from his lips.”

The sheer closeness of him caused my flame to spark. “Damien was the one who caused Everett to fall. He wanted to test your quell. I am simply ensuring you understand what my brother is capable of.” His eyes froze on the glass pendant. “He watches you through the glass. Think about it, Severyn. He can portal through mirrors. When I found you in the bath… he was watching you.” His jaw clenched, rage whirling in his eyes.

A shiver ran down my spine. He wouldn’t. “How do you know?”

“Antonia saw him. He used his quell to shield Everett’s mind, forcing him to fall. When I learned about Delair attacking you during Skyfall, I knew Damien had tainted her thoughts. Shewould never go against me and willingly attack you. You don’t understand the power of a mind reader.”

“He… watches me?” I ripped the pendant off my neck that suddenly seemed suffocating, throwing it across the room. It was glass… he could see through glass. He could see me.

“He watched mebathe?”

“He brought you to the one bathroom that is full of mirrors. It’s disturbing if you ask me.”

“No,” I whispered. “That’s just—”

“How do you think he knew about our barter?”

“I figured he’d broken through your ward,” I said.

He got close, so close his breath touched my lips. “I should be insulted, but I’ll allow you to believe I am still your enemy because shattering your heart seems to dampen mine.”

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