Page 224 of The Call of Crimson
“Of course,” I say, smiling softly. “Tell me something else about Elijah.”
“Hm,” she hums. “When his Gift first developed, he had absolutely no control over it. He became the court’s biggest gossip because he kept accidentally reading people’s memories.”
I gasp. “Oh no.”
“Oh yes. It was the most entertaining time. I’m surprised you don’t remember it. Weren’t you living at court by then?”
“I was… but father kept me incredibly secluded. No one would’ve dared gossip with me.”
“Probably for the best that you weren’t subjected to that chaos. He nearly ended three different marriages.”
“Yikes,” I say, chuckling lightly.
“On the other hand, it was how he discovered Julian was attracted to him. So, I suppose there was some positive that came from it.”
“And his slip in control was also how he knew I could be trusted,” I add.
“Very true. You tell me something now.”
“He saved my life, and not just on our way here.”
“Tell me.”
“I started sleepwalking after Layne died. One night, I ended up in the river behind the palace and nearly drowned. Jade was the one to pull me out, but it wasn’t the last time. Elijah found me in the garden, sleeping on the ground. I had lost time and had no memory of the previous day. He slept with me every night after that, never letting me wander into danger.”
“Yeah, that sounds like him.”
“I broke, Breyla. My mind still isn’t…” I pause, searching for the right word. “Whole. It feels fractured. But each time I foundmyself consumed by the darkness, he pulled me back. He was my sun in the dead of night.”
Breyla weaves her fingers with mine, squeezing gently. “Broken or not, your mind is a beautiful thing.”
A few beats of silence pass before Breyla says, “I need to apologize, Ophelia.”
“For what?”
“Recently, I haven’t been the friend you deserve. I shut you out, shut everyone out, after Elijah died. I know you were hurting just as much as I was, and all I did was hide. You needed me, but I was too selfish to see it.”
My first instinct is to tell her it’s alright, but I stop myself. “I’m not going to lie just to save your feelings. Losing Elijah was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced, but being disconnected from you these last few weeks? That hurt, too. I love you. And I forgive you. But it did hurt.”
“I know,” she whispers. “I’m so sorry.”
“Just don’t do it again.”
“Never again.”
We continue exchanging stories until we’re both yawning, sleep clawing at the edges of our minds. Just as unconsciousness threatens to overtake me, I hear the bedroom door open and shut.
“Two beautiful females in my bed and I wasn’t even invited?” Ayden says quietly.
My eyes crack open just enough to see him leaning against the wall beside the bed, a rakish smile tugging at his lips.
He looks exhausted. Mud cakes his boots, his tunic and pants are wrinkled, and his curls lie messily on his head. They look like he’s run his hands through them too many times.
“Where did you go?” Breyla yawns, not bothering to open her eyes.
“A fifth body was found late last night,” Ayden replies. “It was fresh, and I wanted to be there to inspect the scene myself. I’m sorry for leaving you.”
My gut churns with anxiety. Another body was found already?
