Shadowburn (2)

Chapter 19

He barely registered her soft voice calling his name. There was so much anger. So much rage. He had to get it out. But he couldn't. He couldn't get all of it out. If he did, the mansion would be gone, and everyone in or around it. That was the only thing that stopped him. The only reason he was now sitting in what was left of his study, his magic aching to burst out of him.

How could stay with him after that? After knowing Thorn loved her?

Andreas couldn't even admit to himself that he did. Why would she chose that over someone who so openly cherished her? It was written all over the Faen man's face.

All Andreas could offer her was darkness and confusion. He couldn't be the man she needed. He didn't think he could ever look that openly with so much love at her. He had too many things holding him back.

Too many issues that she didn't need to deal with on top of all of hers.

She hadn't even noticed him as she looked into Thorn's eyes. Hadn't even registered his absence, when her presence was all he felt.

Even now as she approached him and crouched down in front of him. His focus centered on her, even as he willed everything inside him to go numb. It wouldn't. It wouldn't. It wouldn't.

He heard her voice again, but couldn't register the words. Didn't want to hear them. If she was going to leave him, he'd prefer if she just went. He didn't want her explanation.

She spoke again, moving, but it was all a blur. Everything was a blur. He tried to contain himself. He was seconds from exploding. He needed to hit something. There was nothing left in his study and he'd never forgive himself if he hurt her.

*****

Thorn didn't make it to the kitchen before the link sparked and Sin was back in his head. I don't know what to do! He's not listening to me! She sent him a mental picture of the sorcerer, sitting in his ruined study, glowing gold. From her memories, he knew that was something the man apparently did when angry.

Thorn shrugged, stopping at the bottom of a staircase. Try hitting him?

Don't be an idiot, this is serious! Usually it's just eyes that glow when he's mad.. I don't even know what to do with this. It's like he doesn't even hear me, Thorn.

He hated the helplessness in her voice, hated the sorcerer for putting it there. He sighed. Yell?

You're useless. And she broke the link, pushing him out of her head.

He groaned--now she was mad again. After they'd finally gotten it sorted out. As much as he hated the man, Thorn had to admit that Grigoli had a point--and that he was glad to have all the secrets off his shoulders.

All the same, he wished he could have explained to Sin in his own time, with his own words. Instead of this way.

Thorn glanced down the hall to where he knew the kitchen and dining room were, and sighed again. He couldn't very well leave things as they were.

He turned up the staircase, making his way to the study.

He doubted that Grigoli would be happy to see him, but maybe that would be a good thing. Obviously, someone had to talk some sense into the idiot. If he was going to give up on Sin, Thorn was going to kill him.

He reached the study door at the same time as another man--Kalen, he knew, from Sin's memories--and both of them stood there for a moment.

Kalen was cursing, and there was a very, very worried look on his face. He barely seemed to notice Thorn's presence as he peered into the study, then took a deep breath and marched inside, yelling... at Sin.