Crown of Flames and Ash (Courts of Aetheria #2)

Chapter 2

Chapter Two

A elia

I would not spend another day drowning in misery in bed. Rolling over, I reached for a tissue and blew my nose, then wiped the remaining tears from my cheeks. I also refused to cry for another sun-blessed minute. Reign Darkthorn was not worthy of my tears. No male was, as far as I was concerned.

The draping vines curled overhead, dancing on a non-existent breeze. The myriads of colorful flora surrounding my bed had been my constant companion during these dark days. Hazarding a peek at the scroll on my nightstand, I watched as a glimmer of light danced across the parchment. I should read it … Instead, I closed my eyes and lay back against the plush pillow.

I could have easily slept for a week if given the opportunity. Not only was I physically drained after the endless weeks of the Ethereal Trials and the grand epic failure that was the end of the term battle with Arcanum, but I was emotionally exhausted as well. But I refused to give into the all-consuming sensations for a moment longer. Instead of facing Reign’s betrayal and the suffocating emotions that came with them, I’d bury it all in the darkest recesses of my fragile heart and hide my head beneath the pillow.

Yes, that sounded perfectly rational. No, I would no longer be that fragile, powerless Kin ruled by her emotions. I would become stone, hard and unyielding—anything to survive what came next.

I yanked the coverlet over my head as images of the battle from three nights ago zipped across my subconscious. Every night the confrontation with Reign’s brother, Ruhl, plagued my dreams. No matter how hard I attempted to free myself of the heart-wrenching memory, it haunted me all the same.

I would never forgive Reign’s betrayal.

And still, a part of me, a part I absolutely despised, longed for him. I told myself it was closure I needed. He’d promised answers, but I’d refused him at every chance, in turn, denying myself that closure. For now, my heart was leading the way and I’d have to wait a bit longer for that resolution, it seemed. Poor Rue had become my temporary guard, shooing away my professor—well, former professor, as I’m determined him to be—every time he darkened our doorway.

Thank the goddess the term had finally come to an end, and we would be granted a moment of respite.

The only thing that kept my broken heart pumping was the knowledge that I’d finally get to see Aidan after four long months. I slid my hand beneath my nightgown and felt for the gold medallion my adoptive father had gifted me what felt like a lifetime ago now.

Would this visit back to Feywood finally give me the answers I’ve been seeking?

I thumbed the warm medal, the delicate etching beneath my finger kindling a memory from the day I was taken from my home.

“What does it say?”

Aidan cleared his throat, his eyes dipping to his folded hands. “I’m afraid I’m not sure. I believe it is in the old tongue of Faerish. I wish I could say I had it made for you, Aelia, but I stumbled across it in the village a few months ago. Raysa must have guided me to your gift for this special day.”

There was one male on this campus who I knew was very familiar with Faerish. Too bad I wasn’t speaking to him. After all these months here, I wasn’t sure why I’d never shown Reign my necklace. Perhaps some dark part of me knew he wasn’t to be trusted. Squeezing my eyes closed, I banished all thoughts of my traitorous prof—ex-professor.

I only hoped Aidan would be more forthcoming upon my return.

The creak of the dormitory door opening sent my head spinning toward the sound. I stared, my heart in my throat, as it slowly inched open. Reign hadn’t dared to use his mystical access to enter, but what if…?

“Finally, you’re awake!” Rue bounded into the chamber, that irrepressible grin firmly in place. Even the loss against Arcanum hadn’t dulled her cheery disposition.

I mumbled a hello before burying my head into the pillow once again.

“Aelia! Enough of this.” The pitter-patter of her tiny feet echoed an instant before the coverlet was ripped off my head. “So, we lost against Arcanum. It’s no reason to behave like this.”

And still another reason I refused to emerge from my bed. I hated lying to my friend more than anything. As angry as I was at Reign, I couldn’t divulge his secret. Which likely made me a complete imbecile. If a prince of the Shadow Court had infiltrated this academy, it could only be for nefarious reasons.

And yet, I kept my mouth shut, possibly putting everyone I cared about in danger. Okay, it was only Rue, Symon, and Heaton that I cared anything about at this horrid place, but still.

“Aelia! You cannot continue like this.” She ran her hand over my hair, the unexpected display of affection only increasing the guilt. In my short time dwelling within the courts of the Fae, I’d come to see how rare genuine caring was—and showing fondness, rarer still.

Drawing in a breath, I rolled over and faced my friend. “It’s not only the loss against Arcanum…”

“I gathered as much since you’ve refused your favorite professor admittance into our chamber for days, and yet he still sulks at our door.”

“He does?” Gods, I hated how hopeful I sounded.

“Reign was out there when I came in just a moment ago.”

I forced myself to sit up and squash the flutter of hope that had my heart in a tizzy. Let him wait out there forever.

She squeezed my hand, and a prickle of heat blossomed behind my lids. “Maybe if you just told me what happened between you two, it would help.”

I slowly shook my head, clenching my teeth. Do not cry . I promised myself I would not shed another tear for that lying bastard.

“Well, I’m here when you’re ready to talk.”

Nodding slowly, I murmured, “Thank you, Rue.”

“Cheers, my dear.” She stood and trotted over to her closet. I watched as she pulled out a large carpet bag, humming a happy tune. “I suppose we should start packing. I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait for this break.”

Oh, gods, yes. For a moment, I’d completely forgotten. An entire week at home in Feywood was exactly what I needed to remove all traces of Reign from my mind. And heart .

“You’re right, it’s time.” Running a hand through my disheveled locks, I forced myself to the edge of the bed. Rue was right. I needed to pack. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Aidan’s face when I arrived atop Sol. All of Feywood would be in an uproar.

You know I won’t be able to remain in Feywood . Sol’s voice skittered through my thoughts. There won’t be enough food to survive for a whole week without ravaging their meager supplies .

I know. But you’ll be nearby, right?

You know I’m never far, Aelia .

Sol’s deep voice was like a balm to my aching heart. He’d been surprisingly quiet as of late. He claimed it was because he’d been forced to fly farther from Fae lands to hunt, but I had a feeling there was more to it. Perhaps, he’d open up along our journey home.

Just call for me when you’re ready to depart. I’ll be hunting along the border to prepare for the flight back .

Have you ever been to Feywood, Sol?

Of course, I have. There aren’t many places along the immense continent of Crescentia that I haven’t explored in my many lifetimes .

Right . Sometimes I forgot that though Sol’s body was new, his soul had been reincarnated dozens of times. What about the Wilds? Are the beasts as horrifying as they say ?

Nothing is frightening to a dragon, little Kin .

That wasn’t quite the answer I was searching for so I tried again. Are the Wilds as dangerous as the Fae claim ?

Why do I have a feeling if I answer that it will only lead to more questions?

Because you know me well and are fully aware how inquisitive I am.

Almost fatally so.

A rueful chuckle slid out . I’m not going to run into the Wilds to confirm your answer if that’s what you’re afraid of.

I just told you dragons aren’t afraid of anything .

There must be something …

Sol snorted, the sound vibrating through my skull. I could practically see the plumes of smoke rising from his enormous nostrils. Perhaps, one day I’ll tell you .

His reply stunned me to silence. I truly believed there was nothing the great Solanthus, the Sun Chaser feared. I remained quiet, reveling in the faint pulsing of the bond that stretched between us. I was just beginning to feel hints of my skyrider’s emotions, whereas he could sense everything from me, which most of the time simply proved embarrassing. Maybe that was why he’d been distant lately. He was likely fed up with my aggressive pining for a certain Shadow Fae professor.

Now, get packing, Aelia. I hope to arrive in Feywood before nightfall.

Yes, sir !

I could practically hear his smile across our mental link. Nightfall… Goodness, it would be odd to see the sunset and sunrise once more. Reign wasn’t the only one who missed the moon and the stars. There was nothing more beautiful than the twinkling orbs nestled across the midnight sky. It reminded me of Reign’s eyes?—

No. No. No . I banished the thought from my mind and stomped toward my closet. It was time to go home.