Page 143 of Brambles and Bellflowers
“Haven’t I already proven, just from your participation in my spell, that you’re still worthy?” he asked, and my throat closed. “The magic does not lie.”
“But…” The ground had fallen from under me. I was floating, and the only thing keeping me tethered was Miles’s voice and the weight of his gaze.
“You’ve already forgiven Finn. Therefore, you’ve already established that you can grow,” Miles said. “Which means youcanmove on from this.”
The earth fell further with every passing breath.
I gritted my teeth—why didn’t he understand? “I’m used goods.”
Miles tilted his head. “Is that why you showed Huo your scar? Did you honestly believe it would make him lose interest?”
The world swayed around me. “N-n-no!” I touched my throat. My tongue felt thick, and my throat burned.
I was notthatobvious. I opened up to Damen so he could understand…
“It is.” Miles frowned, focusing on my mouth. “You thought it would make him give up on you. That will never happen. You’re beautiful no matter what happens or what scars you have. You’re the same person you’ve always been.”
My vision blurred. How could he say that?
“Yes.” Miles nodded, squaring his shoulders. “You’re the same terrifying, violent, stubborn—”
“Hey!” Now, this hadbetterbe Tu.
“—gentle, trusting, and selfless person in every lifetime.”
I pressed my hands over my warm cheeks. A sudden rush of self-consciousness flowed over me. “How can you be both violent and gentle?”
Literature was obviously not Miles’s strong suit.
“Did you ever look up the meaning of ‘mon rêve’?” Miles placed his hands on his knees. His accent slightly colored his voice once more.
“W-who’s asking?” My heart fluttered dangerously. “Miles or T-Tu?”
“I’ve been myself the whole time,” Miles replied. “And also Tu. This is a strange experience.”
I nodded. I understood. Having Mu in my head was disturbing.
But mostly annoying.
“You didn’t answer the question,” Miles noted. “Did you look it up?”
I nodded, covering my mouth. But he wasn’t having it. He grabbed my hand and held it between us.
“And what does it mean?” he asked.
I glanced away, willing the night air to cool my skin. “…my dream,” I muttered, too embarrassed to speak it much louder.
He moved to his knees and touched my palm to his chest. “Because that’s what you’vealwaysbeen. How you see the world and your ability to inspire loyalty from the people around you. You’re what I’ve always wanted to be. I admire you beyond words, and that’s how you’ve earned my loyalty; no matter what happens, I’ll always be here to bring you back to earth.”
The ground beneath us softened as the morning light cast playful shadows through the trees. Miles looked up toward the sun and said, “We’ll talk more.” He helped me to my feet. “But first, let’s find the others, and we can all go home.”
A flush crawled over my skin, and it felt like I might float away as a weight was lifted from my shoulders. However, Miles’ssteady presence kept me anchored as he held on to me, and I could only nod in response.
Julian POV
“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Damen began. His breathing was heavy, and he paused as he wiped his forehead with his arm. “But I’m kind of getting tired of killing that thing.”
I grunted in response. I hated to agree with him, but so was I.
