Shadowburn (2)

Chapter 18

It was a storm, a raging storm of thoughts and emotions and memories--memories she carefully censored--that passed between their minds. This, this was easy. This was something she was used to, something she knew. Trying to express her feelings to Andreas made exchanging thoughts with Thorn seem like child's play, easy as breathing.

Within five minutes, everything was over. She'd shown him all the things that had changed, and he had expressed his shock, and his confusion, and his anger--mostly at her letter, which she admitted was not, perhaps, as well written as it could've been--and she yelled at him for coming after her and leaving Virisel to take care of things alone.

Their ideas and emotions passed back and forth like a whirlwind, until there weren't any left. Until they each perfectly understood the stance and opinion and feelings of the other.

Thorn sighed into her mind after a few seconds of blissful silence. Do you really love him, Sin? He's... not... he doesn't seem like... but she could see the thought in his head anyway, no need for her brother to say it.

She chuckled and stepped forward, her body moving for the first time since they'd entered each other's heads. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. I know he seems bad--but he's not, not really. And I don't know yet, she flashed him a mental smile as he hugged her back, chin resting atop her head, but I'm getting there. So I want you to play nice, for me--please?

Gods, did you just use the word please?

Stow it, del Renarin. She stepped back, elbowing him in the stomach. He huffed out a rueful laugh, shaking his head at her. "Impossible," he said, both in her head and aloud. "You're impossible."

She grinned at him. "But you wouldn't have me any other way." She glanced over her shoulder at Andreas, arching a brow. "And you didn't even think to tell me who it was, did you?" The words started out as teasing, but she frowned when she noticed the dark cloud playing around his feet and the dangerous, narrowed gaze he'd leveled on... Thorn.

She moved toward him. "Andreas?" Thorn, get back. Right now.

Why?

Because he's angry and I don't know why--and he will kill you. And I don't want that so please, just get off the porch.

No.

GO. It was an order, and with a growl, Thorn whirled and stalked down the stairs, joining the third person--a girl Sin had never seen before--in the garden.

"I won't kill him, Djin," Andreas said, but the cloud didn't go away, and his tone was low and dangerous. It sent a shiver down Sin's spine--the good kind--but it was tinged with worry and confusion. "Not unless he provokes me."

"Then why are you so angry?"

He finally looked at her, eyes softening somewhat as his brows furrowed and he studied her. "You honestly don't see it?"

See what?

Who knows. He's probably crazy.

Shut up, del Renarin. Leave him alone.

A deep, irritated sigh was her brother's only response as Sin looked back at Andreas--he appeared even more angry, again. She sighed. "See what, exactly? What's gotten into you? You were fine when I left this morning..."

He gestured behind her, to where Thorn leaned against a pillar. "He's in love with you."

Sin burst out laughing, as did Thorn. Raiden sighed deeply. I told you, he's crazy.