Page 123 of The Garnet Daughter
His shoulders ease, his brow softening, and I could swear I see a tiny line of water filling his lower lids as he waits for me to say more.
I swallow hard before continuing. “I heard you say you love me. I love you too.”
My words are cut off a blink later, smothered by his mouth on mine. I melt into his strong hold, as without it my knees would surely give out. I lose all concept of time and space. I wrap my arms around his neck, needing him closer as his tongue brushes against mine, kissing me so deeply it transforms into something entirely new.
He breaks away with a small gasp and heart-squeezing grin. “I love you, Callia. I have for a very long time.”
I laugh freely, a warm, static energy flowing all over my skin, and lean to kiss his palm where it gently holds my jaw.
The sound of someone shifting behind us sobers me finally, and when I look over my shoulder, I find Ferren’s mouth gaping in frozen surprise. I clear my throat and straighten my hair, utterly embarrassed I got so carried away in front of her and 99.
In contrast, August practically puffs out his chest; he’s so proud to have witnesses.
Ferren bursts into a joyful laugh and exchanges a dreamy glance with 99 before he strides off to slap August on the back as if to congratulate him. The flare of embarrassment fades away, and I instinctually reach to hold August’s hand, and the dimpled smile he sends down to me is contagious.
They are all so happy, delighted even, and suddenly the only thing that seems foolish was waiting so long to feel this way.
Chapter
Thirty-Seven
We all share a meal together, laughing and enjoying a rare moment as a group like we used to. It makes me miss Allister and the dish he made for us in his little home on Viathan. My cheeks get hot when I remember how excited I was that August had returned from a job. I was so frazzled, I could barely speak. But now I cannot stop talking and grinning and holding August’s hand.
I tell them what happened in the temple, how I shut down the ridiculous nomination and how they spoke of making their selection. All three of them are surprised when I repeat some of my conversation with Selene, the hopeful note we had left off on, how we plan to go forward in a different way.
Ferren is pleased at my harsh words toward her former priestess order, but 99 solely focuses on their slow process of placing a ward and how Selene assured him it would be done by morning. August is notably quiet, listening and watching me with transfixed eyes that the others notice as well. And when our bellies are full and my cheeks hurt from smiling, we decide to call it a night.
Ferren hides a small yawn. “Would you both like to stay here tonight? I think we should all remain close now.”
“It is a long walk back to your ship,” I tease August with a side glance, which grants me one of his playful grins.
“I can show you the room, Calliape.” Ferren extends a hand for me to stand with her.
“They are testing the turrets now. We should have a full report in . . . a few hours,” 99 says to August, holding his gaze for so long, August nods in some secret understanding, and I could swear his lips pull up in a smirk at his friend’s meaning.
I walk arm in arm with Ferren toward the sleeping quarters in the back.
“You deserve happiness, Calliape. We all do. The coming days will be difficult.” She begins to bite the nail of her free hand but quickly corrects herself.
“This conjunction has tried to break us in so many ways.” I sigh.
“How different we both are since the day it started.” She leans into me a little, that small contact meaning so much.
In just two days, the conjunction will peak, reaching utter darkness as the planets perfectly align, reminding us the three worlds were once one. I want to ask her if she will stay in the ship during the battle, but she will likely want to fight on the front lines with the Viathan fleet and the priestess order. First Son’s army is predicted to attack at the peak, not only symbolic but when he is at his most powerful.
I push down the need to fixate on making arrangements for the coming days and worrying until I’m sick. I have done my part in ensuring my friend is safe, in telling her the truth of First Son’s plans. There is nothing more for me to do. I have severed the last ties to the priestess order, pulled out their hopes for me by the tap root. I have purged the secrets I have been keeping,unburdening myself in order to gladly repair the damage they have caused in more meaningful ways.
I draw a contented breath and hug her tightly when we stop in front of the door to the room August and I will stay in.
“There are some clothes in that cupboard Leema did not take with her if you want to change into something. Oh, I doubt you will.” She laughs to herself awkwardly. “Blessed night.”
“Sleep well, Ferren.” I shake my head fondly as she giggles to herself.
Just as I have the door almost shut, August’s palm grips the side, causing it to pause on its sliding track, but then he waits, looking out into the hallway. “Alright. Yeah, no problem. Night,” he says into the hall impatiently.
Ferren’s voice is cut off as he enters and shuts the door behind him.
“She was still talking.” I point absently at the sealed door.
