Fireborne (The Aurelian Cycle, #1)

by Rosaria Munda

Beneath the quilt, the fingers of the hand not wrapped around my shoulder find mine and slip into them. The patter of my heart as I listen to him read becomes something I can feel and hear.

And as she turned, it was revealed by her tread that she was fireborne.

Lee turns his elbow ever so slightly away from his body, and though it’s not a gesture of politeness we’ve been taught, I understand. He’s offering me his arm. Heart in my mouth, I take it.

She’s at once as beautiful as what came before and something else entirely: something powerful.

I am still strangely, painfully happy. And for one bright, oblivious instant I envision this moment continuing: her remaining with me, alone, and the night wearing on with no one but each other for company.

As I speak, I feel Annie’s fingers find mine again, roll them into hers on our knees beneath the table, and a feeling like dizziness comes over me. Hours left. And we’re still together, and she’s smiling. Smiling while she holds my hand.

Like I’m willing it back to life. Back to me.

And this is how it hurts, to want someone, and see them in the arms of someone else.

You have given life to me.

and I marvel at the feel of his hands, Lee’s hands, holding me so tight to him it’s like he wills our bodies to crush together as one.

I am saying, Come back to us, over and over again. Until it becomes, at last, Come back to me.

all I can think, all I can remember, all that matters, is her lingering warmth. Come back to me.

😩😩😩😩