Page 116 of Burning Heir

“Estella is… gone. Petrified,” I said, the image of her grey, lifeless eyes haunting me.

His sharp, questioning look told me he didn’t understand. “And how did that happen?”

“If someone is warded from speaking about something, could they become petrified?” My voice cracked under the weight of the question.

“Death would be a kinder punishment,” he said. “If a ward is forced, it can lead to petrification or death, depending on its strength.”

“Say it had to do with the king. Say it was a secret that could ruin lives.” My limbs felt heavy, as if I, too, were on the verge of petrification. “If that truth got out, what would happen?”

“Yes,” he admitted, his features hardening. “You shouldn’t be here, Severyn.”

“Do you… do you know who my grandfather is?” I asked,

“I was never certain.” He closed his eyes briefly, as if the truth itself pained him. He knew what it meant: death, ruin, the fragile connection between us unraveling.

“Are you warded?” My heart nearly stopped as I watched him still.

“Not that I know of. But if Monty knows your bloodline, he will tell everyone. Tomorrow at your trial, I suspect it will become a hunt. I cannot protect you every moment. Taking you to Ravensla was a mistake. Kissing you was wrong. I am your superior.” He pressed his thumb against his temple. “I’m sorry, Severyn.”

“Is it because you want to kill me yourself and take the king’s title? Am I standing in your way?” My hand drifted toward my daggers.

Darkness swirled in his eyes, feverish and untamed. “No.”

“Then what is it?” I demanded. “You regret taking me there. I mean nothing to you beyond a bond forcing you to tolerate me.”

“Because I cannot protect you every second. Because running is better than failing you. Because it would shatter Ciaran if you died… and destroy me.” His words landed like stones, each one heavier than the last.

Archer squared his shoulders, hands in his pockets. “You’ve known me for two months. I’ve known you for two years. I waited for you, Severyn. Weak, but alive, because you kept me that way. For months, I wanted to see you. I even took a ship to your family’s estate, hoping to glimpse you. Hoping you’d release me. And when you answered that door, I knew you would hate me forever.”

Release him. The words felt like a chain tightening around my throat. He made me feel like a beast, holding him captive.

“Do you believe in me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” he answered without hesitation.

"Then I won’t die tomorrow. Nor the next day. If this is all the time we have, I don’t care."

“That first trial nearly killed you. They will only get harder,” he said, stepping closer. His presence was overwhelming, but I held my ground. His hand brushed my cheek, thunder rumbling in my veins. “All the Serpents will be watching. My father. Your father.”

“I only care about one Serpent watching me,” I admitted, the words slipping free.

His fingers curled around my jaw, lifting my chin. “You were slow to draw today. Sharpen your blades.”

“Fine,” I muttered, shadows pulsing beneath my skin. “It must be difficult, having your life held in a naive girl’s grasp.”

He chuckled, low and dark. “Infuriating. But I imagine having your life tied to a Serpent is no better. I leave for days, return torn and bloody.”

I clicked my tongue. “I always know when you’re safe.”

“I spent two years with that feeling,” he murmured.

“Why didn’t I know?” My voice softened, thoughts swirling with thunder and flame. “Being near you feels like I have a hundred quells in my veins.”

“You didn’t know what you were looking for.” Thunder cracked outside, shaking the trees. Archer leaned closer, his hand resting on my cheek. “Do you feel me now?”

Heat surged through my veins. “I feel you,” I whispered, the space between us filling with shadow.

Archer was not the calm after the storm. He was the storm itself. And if I was to live in a world of shadows, I would strike my flame and light the path.

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