Page 44 of A Song of Air
She leaned away from him, taking a shaking step back, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “We should keep going,” she suggested, glad her voice didn’t shake or match the trembling happening beneath her skin. Bryson avoided looking anywhere else, lest her gaze stray to the enticing, mysterious man.
“Yeah.” Ev took her hand, clasping their fingers together in a strong hold that he refused to let go. He tugged her forward and she almost tripped to keep up with his strides.
She didn’t turn around, but she could feel the hot pulse of a smirk boring against her back. Her muscles tensed with every step, waiting for that voice to invade her senses again.
But she was met with complete silence.
And for the life of her, Bryson wasn’t sure if she was grateful...
...or disappointed.
Sisters Reunited
The scurrying feetof brownies and stomping, heavy footsteps of goblins filled her ears. There was the fizzling scent of magic and wine in the air, and it felt heavy on her tongue. The familiar routine should have brought her comfort, but it only brought her dread.
When Arlo approached along the outskirts of camp, her spine steeled. It was only then that Ev finally let go of her hand, leaving her to stand alone like she was going to be on trial.
In a way, she was.
Because she knew the Resistance would not be well received. As it was, she could feel Arlo’s anger pulsing like it was tangible. She mustered up her courage despite the anxiety coursing through her veins. Facing his glare had her heart pounding. He looked down his aquiline nose at her, blinking furiously between her and the Resistance at her back. His nostrils flared as he took a whiff of them.
Dozens of scents clashing together, though none more prominent than embers, ice, water...
Sweet and spicy.
A knot formed in her throat, and she took in a breath. Ev separated from her to go stand beside Arlo. The leader of the community came to a stop mere feet away from her. His garden smell also released waves of disapproval, of vibrating anger.
He didn’t show it, but she could hear in the slow drawl of his voice. “What is this?”
There was a beat of uncomfortable silence.
It was Prince Valerio who stepped forward and spoke first. “Forgive the intrusion on your camp. My name is Valerio Ashera, Prince of Seelie.”
If he paused expecting for Arlo to bow before him, Bryson fought the urge to tell him he was wasting his time.
“Hmm...” Arlo replied.
