Page 10 of Embers of Fate
“I can scent the alcohol seeping from your pores,” he growls, temper rising as he straightens. “Don’t eventhinkabout trying to deceive me.”
I rally my courage. “My personal habits are none of your concern,brother,” I retort scornfully. “You may be the Ursa King, but you do not own my life. I can do whatever the hell I want!”
Years of simmering vexations now boil over, refusing to be contained. I am no longer a child to be scolded and commanded.
His eyes smolder with outrage, jaw clenched tight. “Watch yourself,” he warns, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “You’re still underage.”
“Don’t play the age card on me!” I hiss, an inch closer to the desk. Apparently, I have a death wish. “Next year, I’ll come into my full power. And I promise you, Gavriil, you will never see me again!”
Shock cracks through his anger. The muscles in his neck stiffen. Slowly, he leans forward over the desk. “I will never allow that,” he says in the lowest, deadliest voice. Ice skitters down my nape at his tone.
“Iam the Ursa King,” Gavriil declares, pronouncing each word like a death sentence. “Igive the orders around here.” He takes a deep breath, mastering his fury. “Not. You.”
Unshed tears burn behind my eyes as I push the words out through a tight throat. “What happened to Luciana was not my fault.”
TheUrsa Kingflinches. “What did you just say?” he asks, his tone laced with disbelief.
I press on recklessly. “You blame me for her loss.” My voice trembles but does not break. “I know you do.”
His fierce stare meets mine. “Samara…” he warns me in a whisper. “Don’t.”
But I won’t give in. “You blame me for not finding her with my scriving. You refuse to accept that there are limits to my magic.”
Gavriil’s lips curl into a sneer. “Yet within weeks of losing her, you found our missing brother in a forsaken cabin in the woods,” he murmurs, tone dripping with disdain. “Your magiccertainlydid not fail you then.”
I was not ready to hear it, my brother’s pain and bitterness. His words pierce me like a knife. My breath hitches, memories flooding back in an instant—Gavriil shattered with grief, pleading for me to locate his mate’s body, consumed by his desperate need to honor our clan’s traditions... and I couldn’t give him that.
I failed him.
“I loved Luciana!” I choke out, hot tears brimming my eyes.
His response comes in a broken whisper, “No more than I do. Believe me.”
Gods. The way he talks about her, it’s like she’s still here with us. A pang of wistfulness hits me at the thought.
For an endless moment, we stare at one another, the gulf between us never wider. He eyes me as if seeing me truly for the first time.
Gavriil’s chest heaves, nostrils flaring with each agitated breath. His arrogant manner crumbles as rage gives way to profound grief. He slumps into the chair, a hand pressed against his creased brow, gaze suddenly distant and hollow. My heart aches at the sight of such raw pain etched on his face.
I’ve wounded him deeply by raising Luciana’s memory, however unintended. All I want is the tender brother I once knew returned to me. But he’s trapped reliving that tragic day, trapped in anger and blame instead of allowing himself to heal.
“Dusk. Tomorrow,” he finally grits out.
A tear slips down my cheek. “Gavriil…” I whisper, reaching out a hand to him, but knowing it would be useless. He won’t let anyone near.
“Go now,” he exhales, no longer my brother but my clan’s king.
With a heavy heart, I nod silently and turn away to leave the room.
7
SAM
The iron gates clang shut behind our car as it winds up the long gravel drive to Deveraux Manor. I gaze out at the imposing neoclassical facade, each column and pediment symbolizing the centuries of dominance held by this powerful coven. And yet, tonight we come to them as peers, not supplicants.
Beside me, Gavriil sits rigid, knuckles white on the armrests. He insisted on bringing not only Sasha, but also two of his best Elite guards. Though the precaution might insult our hosts’ hospitality, nothing will dissuade Gavriil from caution since the attack that stole his Luciana.
When the engine stills, he turns to me with brows drawn. “Stay close tonight.” His voice leaves no room for debate. “I’m not leaving you unguarded here.”
