Page 67 of Black Wing and Shadows
“You can shower here, and I’ll wait for you.”
“I am so glad you didn’t do that little trick into my chambers earlier. I think I would have perished on the spot. Warning next time, please,” I pleaded.
“As you wish, my Anam Cara,” he said, with that little devious smile that had captivated me from the beginning.
He sat back in his lounge chair. I shuffled into his bathing chambers. I couldn’t deny that I preferred this much more than the shared chambers. I had thought his plan to bring me here for a shower was to get me naked, but I walked into the chambers alone while he remained in his chair.
The shower stall amazed me with its impressive design. It had two overhead rain showers from the ceiling and two showerheads positioned directly above my shoulders. All four of them drenched me with perfectly warm water. Showers always brought me a sense of peace and calm. I sank to the ground, sat on the floor, and pulled my knees to my chest, letting the water fully envelop me. I took deep breaths, reminding myself I was okay and that this moment would pass. I closed my eyes.
“Hey—”
Shit. Sleep had pulled me under, and his sudden movement jolted me awake, my heart slamming against my ribs.
“Well, okay then, you fell asleep…” he told me.
“Yeah, I guess I was tired. I'm gonna get out. Sorry.”
“No need to apologize, I am the one sorry for startling you. You know we don’t have to stay long, make an appearance, and disappear afterwards.”
“It’s alright, I am fine.”
He smiled at me, then nodded and headed back into his chambers. I stood up and finished showering before stepping out. The shower was exactly what I needed. It was supposed to be a wonderful day and evening.
The Autumn Equinox celebrations started in the afternoon. We enjoyed a feast in the dining halls, and later, both the courtyard and outdoor arena would be vibrant with festivities. Like our initial celebration when lectures began, floating orbs hovered about ten feet above the fields. Bistro tables were arranged for eating and conversation. A bar was set up on both sides to serve the cadets. Throughout the yards, there were games for cadets to enjoy, some more individual and others for teams.
The dress that Zane got me was stunning. I wasn't sure where he found this gem, but it felt like it was made for me. The forest green shade enhanced my eyes, shifting them to a cooler, bluer green. I braided two sections at the front and pulled them back to form a braided crown. I oil-treated my remaining wavy hair, leaving it down to control the frizz. I strapped two dagger sheaths around each thigh, with side slits for quick access. I also wore black flats in case things went wrong.
I left the bathroom and stepped into the bedroom. Zane lounged with his feet up, but when his cloud-blue eyes caught mine, he straightened. He let out a low whistle that shot through me like lightning. I should be accustomed to it by now, but it still left me feeling exposed.
He swung his feet off the stool and rose. Before I could breathe, he stood in front of me, taller, shadowing my frame. His gaze locked on mine, heavy and unshakable. He reached for a strand of my hair, curling it around his finger, tugging just enough to send a shiver racing down my spine. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead—soft, disarming. His hand slid down, closing firmly around mine, grounding me while my heart hammered.
“You ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.”
“Whenever you are done, we can be done,” he said, before guiding me through the door. I gave him a slight smile and nodded.
The great thing about celebrations was that we weren't required to eat at specific times or stay within our branches. We could mingle freely. Of course, there were always assholes looking for trouble, which was why I always kept my weapon handy. With Zane standing beside me, I doubted anyone would be willing to try anything. The facility resembled a buffet set up for the event, allowing us to choose our own food. I selected crispy chicken wings coated in a mild, spicy sauce and some golden-fried potato cubes. Alcoholic drinks remained unavailable until dinner. Meanwhile, there was water, lemonade, and tea. Zane and I found a small table and sat down to eat.
“Auri!” I heard a familiar voice yell out. Lili walked to our table and took a seat next to me. I gave her a quick smile.
“Although you’re my Platoon Leader, I still feel like I don’t see you enough,” I said.
“That’s because you don’t. You spend way too many evenings in Zane’s room instead of mine,” she said, giving Zane a look. “Actually, I barely see either of you.”
“Hey, don’t blame me, she’s barely in my room these days either.” Which was true. I had been spending way too many of my evenings alone in my room.
“Hmmm…” She gave me that look I knew too well—the one that said she worried about me. A pep talk would follow. It always did. I had no siblings, but she had filled that space, equal parts steady hand and irritating older sister.
“Anyway, my flight will complete the Rite of Passage soon. We won’t break records. The goal is to survive, not die fast. And we’re down one.” My gaze fell to my plate. Clara’s absence dug like a knife. As a leader, it saton my shoulders, heavier than it should, even though I knew it wasn’t my fault.
“Your group looks strong, actually. I can’t share times or details from the others, but your flight is doing well.” She smiled, her golden eyes catching the light.
The grief stayed. It always would. But her words sparked something small and steady inside me, a reminder that I hadn’t lost everything. Maybe I was leading them right after all.
“It feels like we have so much more to do and learn, and yet time seemed to be going by quickly.”
“Yeah, when you’re fucking a divine being…” she muttered.
