Page 45 of #Resort Love
“And you?” I murmured, my voice empty.
Samian hesitated, the muscles in his back tightening. “I will be away.”
With that, Samian left, letting the door slam shut behind him.
I crumpled into the headboard, my control finally shattering as I covered my eyes with my hands and screamed. Whether in shame or anger, I wasn’t sure which. Maybe it was both—for letting things get this far, for how I treated Samian, for questioning Ambrose even though he has been so kind to me.
The lights around me brightened, the sound ringing in my ears before the glass of the lights—the windows—shattered, flying across the room. I panted, the use of my magic so soon after yesterday made me feel tired and empty, like a shell of myself. Pulling the soft plush blanket over my head, I slid down into the bed, letting misery and darkness take over.
I didn’t wakeuntil the next morning when a soft knock gently pulled me from my sleep. My eyes were puffy and I felt tired. So tired and weak. The knock sounded again, and I huffed, sliding out of my warm cocoon to pad across my room to the door, ignoring the shards of broken glass on the floor as I went. When I cracked it open, Ezra’s warm brown eyes greeted me. Worry quickly flashed through them beforedisappearing, and he gave me a soft but timid smile. I swallowed the lump in my throat, considering whether I should close the door and return to my bed, but the concern that flashed in his eyes…
I widened the door and moved aside for him to enter.
Stepping in the living area, Ezra wasted no time hurling me into a tight hug, making it hard for me to breathe. Sputtering, I patted him on the arm. Ezra let me go, his laugh booming across the room as I gulped down air. But his laugh grew silent when my eyes met his. We shyly looked away, shame tightening my throat while Ezra rubbed the back of his neck, considering his next words.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” he finally said softly. “I should have been more forceful with Arianna. I should have stopped her and protected you better than that.”
I breathed, mustering up the courage to look at him, and when I did, his eyes looked so meek—so dejected. This giant bear of a man looked as if he was about to crumble—to be blown away by the slightest gust of wind.
It was genuine. His apology was genuine.
I swallowed, blinking back my tears, and looked at the floor, trying to find the words I wanted to ask but was too afraid to speak out loud.
Steeling myself, I wrapped my arms around me, my nails digging into my skin. My voice sounded so quiet—so hollow—as I asked, “Are you afraid of me now?”
Ezra sighed and gripped my shoulder tightly, but not enough to hurt. “No. I’m not afraid of you. It was—I was more afraidforyou than of you, if that makes sense. Samian told me about how you’re afraid of your magic—of not being able to control it. I was afraid of how the incident was going to affect you.”
“You’re not afraid of me?” I breathed, more to myself as shock rippled through me.
Ezra’s deep laugh rumbled through me, easing the tension in my chest. “You’d be surprised how often something like this happens. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it's not every day that someone brings two of the strongest fae in Volmire to their knees,” Ezra teased, lightening the mood, “but it does happen. If anything, you should be proud of yourself. No one will be looking at you like you’re fresh meat,” he winked.
“What about Arianna?” I sputtered, my mind whirling too fast at how carefree Ezra was acting.
“Eh, she’s fine,” Ezra waved, moving further into the living area. “She needed someone to knock her on her ass, if you ask me. I would have done it eventually, but you beat me to it.” Another deep laugh reverberated from his chest. “Now,” he said, his voice turning stern, “Samian had to run off somewhere, but he asked me to help you get ready for your first patrol. Luckily, we’re not staying overnight so you don’t need much. I’ve already packed a bag for you with some essentials, but I think you should refresh yourself. You—ah—smell.” Ezra pinched his nose as he glanced at my rumpled night clothes.
I looked down, casually lifting my arms to sniff. Grimacing, my cheeks flushed, and I rushed to the bathroom, leaving Ezra sitting in a chaise that looked almost too small for his powerful body.
I quickly bathed and changed into a new uniform, feeling more refreshed and ready for the trip. I still felt sick with what happened during training, but I swallowed back that guilt, making myself focus on the excitement I felt about going to Lowbrook. After only seeing the palace and Volmire, I was ready to see more of Nemos—to learn more.
Braiding my damp hair, I ignored the glass thrown about theroom and walked back into the living area while Ezra was plating a warm, savory pastry filled with ham and cheese. My mouth watered and my stomach grumbled. Too weak and lost in my despair after the incident, I didn’t have much of an appetite. But now, I felt like that hunger was going to eat me alive.
“I saw the plates of food on a cart by your door. I figured you might be hungry,” Ezra said, handing me a plate.
My eyes widened. “There was food by the door?”
“Samian was worried about you yesterday. He said this was one of your favorites.”
I frowned, looking at the door as if Samian would stroll right in while Ezra ate his food. “He’d be right.” Taking a bite of the pastry, it tasted like ash on my tongue.
My heart squeezed. I couldn’t get our conversation out of my head. I was awful to him, yet he still made sure I was taken care of. He didn’t deserve me lashing out at him the way I did. The truth was that Samianhadbeen helping me. If it weren’t for him, I would have probably stayed hidden in my room, too afraid to face this new world. He had given me hope and friendship when I felt worthless. He had stayed with me, patiently teaching me about what I could do.
Exhaling, I popped the last bite in my mouth, feeling more determined to make it up to Samian when I returned later today.
Chapter 26
Sybil
After clearing the plates and returning them to the cart outside my door, Ezra led me out of the palace, where a unit of soldiers stood, waiting by their horses. At the front, there was a large white and golden carriage that felt too pristine for travel outside of the city. Stepping out of the carriage, Arianna scanned the soldiers, her eyes narrowing when she caught sight of Ezra and me weaving between the crowd. I studied her, searching for the injuries Ambrose had hinted at, but found none. She looked like she always had—beautiful and polished.
