Page 55 of The Scars Within
I quickly checked on Jeffery. His stems were all a rich green, flourishing on the windowsill. Cleo’s plant was definitely thriving more than ours, and we have been teasing her about using her element to boost its health. But she insists that earth wielders just have a greener thumb than most. I dipped my finger in Jeffery’s soil to check if he needed water.
After wiping the soil off my finger with my dirty leathers, I slipped on my boots. I didn’t even attempt to fix my hair; this mess would take way too long, and I needed to start heading down to the stables. Thankfully, it was already braided down my back.
My breath caught.
The stables.
Oh no, oh no, oh no.
I closed my eyes, inhaled deeply, held it for five seconds, and slowly exhaled. With my hand over my chest, I could feel my heart straining to beat out of my chest.
I’m okay.
I’m safe.
I dashed out the door. There was an unusual spring in my step, but I couldn’t help it—I was genuinely excited to see whatever tavern he had in mind. And to go there with him.
Rhodes.
I instantly stopped on the steps. Should I be doing this? I was just kissing Shayde. His brother. His twin.
I turned and started going back upstairs.
But do I technically owe Shayde anything? We aren’t exclusive. We just kissed. Okay, maybe we have kissed a lot in the past few days. I’ve had a fun time. But still.
I’m an adult.
I’m a single adult.
And I’m in the process of piecing myself back together.
As I turned and headed back downstairs, I steeled myself with a single, unwavering thought: go with Rhodes. No ifs, ands, or buts. I repeated it over and over in my mind until I reached the stables.
The moment I stepped foot inside, my mind went blank. Rhodes was in a stall with a beautiful brown mare, gently petting her muzzle. The stables were dimly lit, with only a few sconces flickering on the walls. A warm, cozy light was cast across the hay-strewn floor. I don’t think he heard me walk in because he didn’t stir. I took the moment to admire him before making my presence known.
The moment didn’t last long because the mare called me out. Her ears perked up, alerting my presence, and Rhodes glanced over hisshoulder. Even in the dim light, I could detect the shock written on his face. Did he not expect me to show up?
He opened the stall and led the horse toward the stable doors, where I stood rooted in place.
“Ready?” Rhodes asked, his voice steady.
My eyes darted between him and the horse. This is the closest I’ve been to one since… the stampede.
Rhodes gently placed a hand on the horse’s neck, his brows knitting together with concern as he noticed my hesitation. “Everything okay?”
I sucked in a sharp breath. “Yes.”
“You don’t seem okay.”
“I’m fine,” I stressed.
Rhodes tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening just like before. “She’s a very calm ride,” he assured me, his voice gentle and reassuring. I nodded in response. He stepped closer, holding out his hand.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I snapped, “I can mount a horse.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Oh, I’m sure you can. But Dahlia is taller than most, and you’re—”
“I’m what?” I cut him off.
