Page 4 of Soul of Thorns
Caelynn
Hazy light streamsthrough the last intact window of the shadow-filled cottage, casting a reddish glow over Rev. I watch his movements, his muscles shifting as he pours water over the pot, measuring a small amount of tea into the filter and placing it in carefully. I watch how he pauses to stare out the window.
What is he thinking about?I wonder.
He’s probably annoyed with me for being here. I did complicate things considerably. He’s probably thinking about the spell book and how that’s the key to his redemption. The key to earning his place as the most powerful fae in the realm.
We’ve been here for a full three days. Me and Rev, together, in this dinky, hand-built home where soot clings to everything, including us, with meager supplies and very little hope.
Finally, Rev pours the steaming liquid into two small cups, sending pleasant-smelling herbs wafting through the air. I meet his eyes, dull grey. Not nearly as bright as they once were.
Will I ever see their striking color again?
He hands me the ceramic mug, and I grip it with both hands, relishing the warmth.
“Thank you,” I grumble awkwardly. He chuckles and sits beside me as he sips his beverage. This will be the last of our quiet moments together. Bittersweet, painful, awkward, and incredibly beautiful.
I close my eyes and focus on the warmth, of his drink, and of him. He’s only inches from me. Close enough to reach out and touch. Not that I’d ever dare.
I adore being near Rev. Touching Rev. Kissing him...
I swallow.
But those moments are painful because it’s hope for the hopeless. It pains me every time I allow myself to fall into the wonderful oblivion of intimacy and then remember the truth. Even if Rev could somehow forgive me entirely, if he could somehow overlook the fact that I murdered his brother and destroyed his life, there’s no way for us to be together. I’ll never go home. I’ll never see the sun without a haze over its lovely light. I’ll never see the Shadow Court again. And soon, even Rev will be gone forever.
But the truth is, even if there was a way for both of us to escape this hell, there’s still the fact that the rest of the realm will always villainize me. I could never be worthy of him.
My soul is scorched and rotting. My heart shattered and scarred.
Even if Rev could forgive me, I can’t.
“I could stay here for a while longer,” Rev says between long sips.
“We’d run out of food in a week.”
His dark hair falls into his silver eyes, full of a sadness that kills me. His body is lean, his shoulders broad—but that’s not what I’m supposed to be focusing on. I cast my eyes to the floor.
I was inches from death a few days ago. It doesn’t seem at all right that I’d be basically back to normal this quickly. But when my ally has healing magic... well, that changes things. I shiver at the thought of his healing essence rushing through my body.
“We could forage for more.” Rev shrugs. “That sorcerer stayed here for a year. It’s obviously possible.”
Theoretically, this is where I’ll spend the rest of my days. That is, if I survive the quest we’re about to continue. Even that seems farfetched, though, considering the fact that my death would stop the Night Terror’s plan and save Rev... I’m not exactly holding my breath for a long life.
But if that thought makes Rev feel better—that I can have a life here after he’s gone—I’ll let him believe it.
I hop up and grab my backpack.
