Page 20 of Blood Currents
Heat pulsed low in my chest at her words.“What truths are you scared of right now?”
“That I don’t know who I am anymore,” she admitted, the words spilling fast.“Six months ago, I was just a cleaning girl from Albany.Now I’m supposed to be a powerful necromancer and heir, and I have all these feelings I can’t sort out.”
Her gaze flicked toward me, quick but telling.
“Feelings for Keane.For Elio,” I said flatly.
She winced but didn’t deny it.“I care about Keane, even after everything.I care about Elio, even though he feels far away.”Her brown eyes met mine.“And I care about you.”
The confession hit like a well-aimed strike—unexpected, solid.Fire curled tighter in my veins, Ember’s feathers flaring brightly.But she moved on before I could even respond.
“He’s so broken,” she whispered.“The corruption twisted his magic, fractured his mind.But when I tried to help him, for a few minutes he was himself again.And I realized that even if he never recovers, I still care.”
I let her words settle and then said, “And that terrifies you.”
“More than anything.”Her eyes met mine.“Because I also have feelings for Elio.And because standing here with you, I’m realizing how complicated this all is.”
I stepped closer, my body heat brushing hers.Ember shifted, her feathers rustling like distant fire.“So you came to me.Because I won’t judge you for being honest about what you want.”
Her lips parted, but no words came.The space between us felt like the breath before a blaze.
“You feel guilty for wanting me,” I said, steady as steel.
“I feel guilty for wanting anyone while Keane suffers.Guilty for wanting you while Elio unravels.”She laughed humorlessly.“When did my life get this complicated?”
“No wonder it’s complicated,” I said.“You stopped hiding.You started fighting for people instead of just surviving.It’s brave.”
Her eyes shone, but she didn’t cry.“I don’t feel brave.I feel lost.”
“Then let me help you find your way.”My voice was quiet but unyielding.I still didn’t touch her.The choice was hers.“All of us together.We’ll figure it out.”
Her shoulders eased a fraction.“I just need help saving Keane.And help pretending this…” She gestured between us.“Isn’t more than it should be.”
I didn’t let it show, but her words cut deeper than they should’ve.No claim, no expectations.That was the deal.But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt.
“I can do that.”I pulled my shirt over my head.Her eyes followed the movement.“But you don’t have to decide anything right now.”
“What if Elio asks?”
“Then tell him the truth,” I said, sharper than I meant to.“Keane’s return stirred things up.You need time.”
She nodded slowly, like she was testing how it felt to hear it said aloud.
“First thing, we tell him about Keane,” I added.“Then we figure out the rest.”
She agreed quietly.As we stepped into the hall, I noticed how close she stayed—close enough that I could feel her magic brushing mine in little flickers, like it couldn’t decide whether to pull away or reach for me.
Ember’s feathers glowed faintly gold beside me, casting soft light between our shadows.
She’d come to me, not Elio.Not Keane.
And maybe it didn’t mean what I wanted it to.Maybe it was just strategy, or survival, or confusion.
But she hadn’t run from me.She hadn’t lied.She hadn’tlooked away.
That had to mean something.
Even if I wasn’t the one she chose in the end…
