Page 31 of Veinblood
When I finally suggest we go to bed, Sacha follows me through the apartment, checking locks and turning off lights. Once we’re under the covers, I curl against his side, my head finding its place onhis shoulder. His arm comes around me, holding me close enough that I can feel his heartbeat against my cheek.
“Whatever we find tomorrow, whatever the bracelet means or doesn't mean …”
“We'll face it. As we've faced everything else.” His firm confidence soothes the anxiety building in me about returning to a place I've spent years trying to forget.
The group home wasn't abusive, but it wasn't kind either. Institutional care focused on compliance rather than nurturing or comfort. A place where lost children learned to survive rather than thrive. But if my bracelet is still there, if it holds clues to my origins and possibly our way back to Meridian, then facing those memories is necessary. Another challenge to overcome, another step on the path back to where I belong.
Sleep comes gradually, helped by the steady rhythm of Sacha's breathing and the knowledge that whatever tomorrow brings, he’ll be there with me. And the last thing I remember is the gentle pressure of his lips against my forehead and the whispered word that follows me into dreams.
“Mel'shira.”
Unexpected one.
The endearment carries new meaning now, filled with everything we've shared and everything we still need to discover. Whatever I am, whatever power flows through me, whatever connection exists between my past and our future, it all starts with a silver bracelet taken from a frightened child.
Tomorrow, we'll see if the past is willing to give up its secrets.
Chapter Ten
SACHA
“Truth delayed is not truth denied. Some revelations ripen in their season.”
Writings of the Veinblood Masters
My eyes open,sleep disturbed by Ellie stirring beside me. Another night where I’ve slept without interruption, without my senses on guard for disturbances and intrusions. I’m not sure it’s something I will ever grow used to.
I don’twantto become used to it.
I need to get back to Meridian before Sereven’s forces overtake Stonehaven.
Ellie moves again, and I allow myself a moment to appreciate her presence before thoughts of what today’s duties will be intrude. The warmth of her skin against mine, the scent of her hair, the way her body curves close into the space beside me.
When I turn my head, her eyes are open, staring up at the ceiling. I recognize the expression on her face. It’s the same look I’ve seen a thousand times before on young fighters’ facesbefore a battle, when the mind runs through countless scenarios while the body remains still.
“You’re awake early.”
“I couldn’t sleep anymore. My mind won’t be quiet.” She rolls toward me, her leg sliding against mine, and the contact sends warmth through me that has nothing to do with the heat trapped beneath the sheets. “I keep thinking about what we might find out today … or not.”
Her voice carries more than anxiety over finding a long-lost bracelet. She’s preparing to return to a place that shaped her childhood, to confront memories she’s spent years avoiding.
“Whatever we discover, we’ll adapt to it.” I try to reassure her without giving false promises. A lesson learned through years of leading people into uncertain situations, where hope must be tempered with realistic expectations.
She nods, but I can feel the tension in her body where it’s pressed against mine. Her hand reaches out to touch the dark shadow of my raven familiar where it’s settled against my ribs.
“Does that move around? I swear it was on your shoulder yesterday.”
“It does. Have you not noticed your mist stalker on your body?”
“What?” Her lips part, and she lifts the sheet to peer down her body.
Rising, I tumble her onto her back and drag the covers away. “Right here.” Leaning over her, I press my lips to the image of her familiar on her hip. Her entire body shivers.
“What wasthat?”
“Do you remember when you touched my raven in Stonehaven?”
“How could I forget?”
