Page 215 of The Call of Crimson
Until your very last
May the gods grant you peace
The flames crawl higher, fully engulfing his body as the second round begins and the remaining voices join. When the fire reaches the flowers atop his body, something breathtaking occurs. Simultaneously, they burst into flames, golden sparks dancing around him and high into the sky. The scent of chocolate and cinnamon fills the courtyard.
I catch Ophelia from the corner of my eye and see the bitter acceptance flash in her silver eyes.
It’s Elijah’s scent.
And this is the last time we’ll ever smell it.
I make it through the third round before my voice fails me, pained cries taking its place. Waves of sorrow wash over me as every memory I have with Elijah floods my mind. Each one is a beautiful juxtaposition of joy tinged with sadness.
Desolate, piercing screams reverberate through the too-empty courtyard as my chest cleaves open, leaving me exposed and even emptier. My knees hit the ground, but I don’t even notice the cold of the snow below me. All I feel is the void in my chest growing wider with each passing breath.
I release the hold on my shadows, letting them flow freely and react to what I’m feeling. Wave after wave of emotion tears through me. Grief, anger, regret, denial, joy, guilt, and finally acceptance all tangle inside me simultaneously.
I feel it all, then nothing else.
The numbness creeping back in takes root and leaves me empty once more.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
BREYLA
Thunder cracks overhead, making me jump and scream.
Elijah pulls me into his arms, his voice a soft murmur. “Shhh, I’ve got you, B. You’re okay.”
Rain plasters my face, tears joining them as I cry softly.
His palm settles on my hip, the other clasping my hand, our fingers weaving together.
“Dance with me,” he whispers.
“There’s no music,” I protest.
“We don’t need music.” He pulls me into familiar steps.
Muscle memory takes over, my body moving with his despite the paralyzing fear. The more we dance and sway, the more the tension in my limbs eases.
Thunder roars again, and I jump, looking around in panic.
“Eyes on me, B. Ignore everything else.” Elijah squeezes my hand in gentle reassurance. “Just feel the dance, the safety of my arms, the cool touch of rain on your skin.”
My eyes find his and stay there. We continue dancing, my gaze never leaving his as we sway.
I throw my head back, feeling the cool rain pelt my face, a tentative smile forming.
The unmistakable whistle of an arrow slices through the night.
My head snaps forward.
Wide-eyed shock plays across Elijah’s face as he looks down at the arrow protruding from his chest.
I scream, Eli’s body dropping to the ground.
I fall to my knees beside him, hands cradling his cheeks.
