[THIS STORY WILL BE TAKEN DOWN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2024]
He had hunted me, captured me, and locked me in a tower.
Season 3 'Of Crows and Thorns'
***
While in RISING, Tabitha discovers something peculiar that may assist Nelle in her plan to escape the...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
A soft meow beside my armchair had me glancing downward to see Flossie looking half-put out that I occupied her favorite spot by the fire. Her ginger and white tail swished from side to side as she meowed again. I clicked my fingers in an invite, and she jumped onto my lap, pressing into my touch as I stroked my hand along her spine. The fluffy cat stretched up to rub her silken head beneath my chin, purring and kneading her paws into my chest, demanding more attention.
As I petted Flossie, Jett continued to mess with his dagger, and Penn and Kenton disappeared amongst the tall rows of books, hoping to find more information on wyrms.
While our father and aunt were away, Ferne was in charge of organizing the family reunion. She was currently fielding questions from the Head Housekeeper, Butler, and Chef, listening to their messages with VoiceOver, before rapidly typing her replies using her phone's braille keyboard.
The soft ping of a new incoming message had her reaching for the thin cord hanging around her neck. She plugged a bud into her ear and listened to the message that had just come through. I watched with building curiosity as she picked a lock of black hair and absentmindedly brushed its feathered end across her lips as she listened. Her cheeks pinked and she was trying not to smile too broadly.
My nostrils flared.
I fucking knew who had messaged—Ezra Qillisan.
But could I do anything about it? Fuck, no. Ferne had continually reminded me, she was sixteen and old enough to be dating boys.
Across from Ferne, Caidan was having his own drama with his phone. He'd propped his elbows on the table, face hidden behind his broad hands. I heard the long string of curses muttered as his phone continued to buzz with an onslaught of messages, the vibration setting it dancing upon the table. With an annoyed, "Fuck," Caidan snatched it up, a deep frown marring his forehead as his fingers flew over the screen.
Jett pushed his boots braced on the edge of the table to tilt his chair back further. He rolled his eyes while tucking his dagger away into the inside pocket of his jacket. "Your harem giving you a hard time?" he drawled.
Caidan paused long enough to flip him off before continuing to type his message. Caidan never lacked attention or company. He liked having a good time, especially with pretty girls who did all the chasing before they fell into crushing disappointment when someone shinier and new came along. It got to a point I no longer bothered remembering their names when he introduced us to them. I suspected Caidan didn't either.
"I forgot I was supposed to take Sarnia out tonight," Caidan muttered.
The thunk of Jett's chair landing flat on its feet thumped through the room. Jett sat up straight, astounded. "Sarnia? Sarnia Reska?"
Caidan rubbed his hand over a tight jawline while frowning at his phone, and replied off-handedly. "Yeah, she's pretty pissed."
Jett stood up so suddenly the chair behind him was knocked on its back. Leaning over the table, Jett smacked the polished wood with the flat of his hand. "I've been at Sarnia for over a year asking for a date—you asshole!"
