Ashes Of The Throne | Part I

Chapter 148 | March 15th | Love Between Brothers

Timeline - March 15th | ( 6 weeks later)

Matthew stood alone on the balcony, the soft strains of music drifting from the dance hall where the annual gala was in full swing, continuing into the early morning hours. The distinguished guests, celebrated for their accomplishments in the Academies, reveled with the abandon of inebriated soldiers. His role in the event had ended long ago.

The music shifted as the band changed tunes, blending various melodies and rhythms. Despite the festive atmosphere, Matthew was troubled. He rested his fingers on the cool steel railing, his gaze fixed on the Empyris Academy. The soft golden glow from the Academy illuminated the surrounding area, casting a serene light across the city that had developed around it, hugging the northern coast.

A small city had sprouted around the Academy, nestled along its northern coast. Beyond the beach lands, only an expansive, dark void stretched out, blending into an invisible horizon.

Unbeknownst to Matthew, a figure stood at the entrance of the balcony, accompanied by a short ginger-haired woman. Charlotte, clad in a flowing yellow silk gown that shimmered softly in the moonlight, gazed up at Toni. The gown cascaded elegantly to the floor, cinched at the waist with a delicate sash. As the fabric caught the light, it created a subtle, radiant glow that accentuated her graceful presence.

"You should go talk to him," Charlotte suggested softly, her voice warm with understanding. "He looks like he could really use you right now."

Toni's gaze softened, meeting hers, and a quiet warmth flickered in his eyes.

"You've been watching him like a hawk," she added, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "It's obvious how much you care. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you two were... well, more than just close friends."

Toni chuckled, shaking his head. "You know that he's practically my brother," he replied, his voice quieter, almost reflective. "We've known each other most of our lives. I just... I worry about him."

"Hence why I said, if I didn't know better..." Charlotte chuckled softly before tilting her head, her eyes warm with concern. "It's about his heart, isn't it?" She reached up, her fingers brushing against his skin as she cupped his chin.

Matthew's heart transplant had become common knowledge, as had the assassination attempt that had nearly claimed both him and Toni. She hadn't imagined that dating Toni would mean stepping into the whirlwind that was his life, or that he was one of Allegiant's elite. Yet here she was, drawn deeply into their complex world, her feelings for him intensifying with every glimpse of the loyalty and sacrifice that defined him.

"Yeah," Toni replied, his voice weighed with unspoken worries. "I can't help but worry."

She held his gaze, steady and reassuring. "You know it wasn't your fault, right?" she said gently. "From what you told me, you were just out scouting when the ambush happened. There was no way you could've seen it coming."

Toni's head dropped slightly, that all-too-familiar guilt still gnawing at him despite her words.

"Hey," she murmured, her voice firm but kind, "I know they're your family. Every one of them is, aren't they?"

He nodded, the tightness in his chest easing a bit as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Yeah, they are," he said, glancing over at Matthew before looking back at her. "You good if I check on him for ten minutes?"

Charlotte gave him a soft smile, nodding as her fingers lingered on his arm. "Of course. I'll be right here. Besides," she added with a small grin, "it's not every day I get to be part of something like this."