Page 18 of Embers of Fate
Confusion clashes with impatience on Bram’s face. “Have you lost your mind, Nik?” He tries again to pull me along, but I will not budge.
With a snarl of frustration, he turns on his heel, storming off alone into the moonlight-bathed grounds. Relief sweeps through me, though it is only temporary. Soon, I will pay for daring to oppose him. But the price will be small compared to gaining a few stolen moments with the elusive Sam.
She watches Bram depart, slender body sagging as some of the tension leaves her. Those striking doe eyes lift to mine again, seeking answers. “Why did he come here tonight? What madness is this?” Her musical voice rings with confusion.
I rake my fingers through my hair, exhaling harshly. “Honestly? I do not pretend to understand my brother’s motives.” Or how two intelligent men descended so swiftly into violence. All I know is that I played some role in this unfolding tragedy.
Guilt gnaws at me when I glimpse her fear. She tries valiantly to mask it, throwing back her graceful shoulders and lifting her chin in a show of courage. But I do not miss the slight tremble in her hands or the shine of barely restrained tears.
Gently, I take her delicate hands in my calloused ones. She does not pull away. “I swear to you, no harm will come at my hand.” I pour every ounce of sincerity into the vow. Let our families tear each other apart—I will shed no more innocent blood in this feud.
The rumble of an approaching car engine shatters our fragile cocoon—Bram’s SUV. Sam glances over her shoulder, brows creasing.
My throat tightens around all the promises I wish to make but cannot in good faith.I do not know what the future holds,I want to say.But I will see you again, Sam. Even armies could not keep me from your side.
In the distance, voices call her name impatiently. Our stolen time together is ending. On impulse, I bring her delicate hand to my lips, branding a fervent kiss onto her soft skin. Her lips part in wonder, eyes shining.
“I must go.” She turns back, hesitation written across her features. “My brother…” Vulnerability tinges her hushed voice.
“Go,” I urge gently before my courage fails me. With a fleeting smile, she turns and rushes back inside, casting one last longing look over her shoulder.
The empty night air wraps around me with a sudden chill. But the fire kindled inside burns hotter than ever. I know what I must do now—follow my heart, no matter where it leads. Bram and the others be damned. I will carve my own path from now on.
Squaring my shoulders, I descend the steps and march towards the gates, towards freedom from the fetters of duty and legacy. The Draken in me thirsts for rebellion and adventure. And I know just the co-conspirator to join me on this dangerous quest.
My goddess, my Sam. Destiny brought us together under this roof tonight; I pray it will see us united again outside these walls. For her, I would brave any storm. A new life awaits beyond the horizon. Side by side, we will seek it out. And the fates themselves will tremble at our combined strength.
This, I vow.
11
NIK
My brother’s temper shows no signs of cooling even after we arrive home. He dismisses his guards abruptly and drags me into his private study, fury simmering off him in waves.
The cloying scent of whiskey follows Bram as he paces before the massive oak desk. I bite my tongue, holding back a reprimand. I realize the stress he’s undergoing at the moment, taking on the role of head of our family. Booze, however, seems to be the wrong way to deal with our clan’s issues. But now is not the time to criticize his drinking, no matter how it clouds his judgment. Out of respect, I remain silent.
I take a seat in one of the leather chairs, but Bram continues prowling like a caged lion. “That beast had the gall to take the head chair from me at the Deveraux’s table. Can you believe it?” he suddenly bursts out.
I exhale slowly. “Yes, I heard about the... incident.” Though privately, I’m more concerned by Bram’s rash reaction than this power move by Gavriil. Does our clan’s reputation mean so little to him that he’d risk our safety on a whim?
“As if he were the rightful leader of all covens!” Bram continues ranting, oblivious to me.
I rub my temple wearily. “I understand your frustration, brother. But we cannot challenge the Ursa so brazenly again. It invites only disaster.”
At that, Bram whirls on me, eyes blazing. “Do not dare question my decisions,” he seethes. “You are in no position to lecture your betters,brother.” He spits out the word as if it pains him.
I stiffen, hands clenching on my knees. “That was not my intent,” I reply tightly. One wrong move could see me banished again. I must step carefully here.
But Bram carries on. “I tolerated your brazen behavior at the bear’s den only because you’ve been away for too long, Niky. But make no mistake, any future displays of disrespect will result in severe repercussions.”
I clench my fists, keeping all manner of curses to myself. “Yes, my Alpha,” I mutter, my gaze lowered in submission.
Bram stalks closer, looming over me. “You arenothing, Nikolaas. No power, no magic.” His lip curls in a sneer. “You will never understand what it takes to lead. You are weak.”
Each word lands like a blow, but I refuse to show pain. Any signs of emotion could be weaponized against me. I must be ice—cool, smooth, unfeeling.
After a taut silence, Bram turns away, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Oh, but there’s more!” he adds, holding up his open hand in the air in a dramatic display that makes my stomach churn. “The Grand Witchallowedit. She gave away our seat like it meant nothing!” He leans against the desk and heaves a heavy sigh. “I worry, Niky…” Bram’s gaze becomes vacant. “Gavriil is after Cassandra. He means to marry into the Deveraux lineage, and if he does, that fucking head chair will be the least of our problems!”
