Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Scarlet clouds streak across the sky like blood as the sun approaches its descent.
Although there’s been no sign of the chancellor’s men since they bolted into the forest, I keep a watchful eye on the horizon, waiting for any hints of movement or unnatural black smoke from the unaccounted-for nightstone missiles.
“They won’t strike again so soon,” Kalden says, placing a steady palm along the base of my spine. “Not until Caligo’s had time to adjust to their new chancellor.”
I dip my chin. “I know.”
Warm lips press against the crown of my head, and I lean further into him, inhaling his smoky bergamot scent.
“If you change your mind, you’re welcome to sleep at my place tonight.”
“I know,” I say again, turning my head to look up into those molten irises. “But I think it’s best if—”
“If you stick with the girls?”
I nod.
“I understand. They’re lucky to have you as a friend. I know you blame yourself for what happened to Demi, but don’t forget the three other hearts still beating tonight. Gem, Twilynn, Aruna . . . They’re alive because of you.”
I lift a hand to brush the black curls away from his face. “And I’m alive because of them.”
“Thank the sun for that,” he says, leaning in, yet waiting for me to bridge the final gap.
And I do, but not before casting a final glance at the horizon and the glimpse of the moon bleeding through the reddened sky.