Page 30 of Soul of Thorns
“You left,” I spit. “After everything we talked about, you were leaving without me.”
Rev’s mouth falls wide, his eyes soft but large. He’s surprised. “No, Cae, I wasn’t. I just got restless and went for a walk. I was going to come right back.”
I turn my attention back to the wraith.
“Trouble in paradise?” He grins.
A sound rips from my chest, and I throw my shadow ball straight at him. He hollers as it slams into his chest, and he flies back into the stone fifteen feet back.
My chest heaves, rage still simmering, but I allow him to pick himself back up.
He exposes his teeth. “Are you done yet?”
“Are you?”
His eyes are narrowed as he slithers closer, drifting right and then left. “You are changing,” he whispers.
“Caelynn...” Rev’s soft voice drifts through me.
I put my hands down. I allow my muscles to relax, and I face him.
“Are you okay?”
I cross my arms, my rage drifts away. I am tired. I am sad. I am still a little mad, but... I shrug.
Rev approaches me like a spooked animal, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
“I’m fine,” I say. “Just mad at you.”
He reaches out to rest his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I promise I wasn’t leaving you behind. I wouldn’t do it. Not like that.”
I purse my lips. “Well, then, you were just being an idiot.”
He huffs a bitter laugh and smiles. I loosen a deep breath, expelling the rest of my tension.
“What about him?” I nod to the wraith.
“I’m not sure what he’s here for. I don’t think he was planning to harm me.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Good. I still don’t trust him.”
“Did you come to help us cross the fire wall?” Rev asks hopefully. “We could use an ally.” His hand slides down my back.
“Of course not.”
My lip curls. “Then what? What purpose could you possibly have?”
“I will not help you cross the flame wall because you will certainly perish the moment you do.”
I roll my eyes. “Then what, pray tell, do you suggest?”
“What do I suggest?” the wraith drifts closer, his smokey magic billowing. “I suggest you turn back. Caelynn goes through the gates to the land of the living.”
“And leave Rev behind.”
“It is the only way.” His eyes remained narrowed, as if unsure if I’m safe to approach. I haven’t ruled out the possibility of attacking him again.
“You’re a coward. And you think me one if you’d bother to even suggest such a thing.”
