Page 87 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Her name was Isolde.”
27
Ava awoke to the sun streaming in her window. Unsure of the time, she assumed it wasn’t early as evidenced by the daylight. Casimir had let her sleep in. Even Cirilla hadn’t awoken her.
After her realization last night that the very person who helped her escape imprisonment months ago was the daughter of two of the kindest people she’d ever known, the guilt had overwhelmed her. Though Jorrar assured her she did nothing wrong, she still felt a pang of shame that she hadn’t tried harder to get Isolde to leave with them. She should have dragged her away.
She rose and dressed before making her way to the living room where Cirilla had laid out breakfast. Ava took a seat, stomach in knots, but forced herself to eat a few bites of eggs and a pastry. Wondering where Casimir was, she knocked on his door but there was no answer.
“He’s already at the training rings, Your Highness,” said Cirilla, returning to clean the table.
“Thank you.”
Luna trotted alongside her, Titus on her shoulder, as shemade her way through the castle, anxious to blow off steam and calm her nerves. Tomorrow was the day. The day she’d have to journey to their sacred tree and if she was deemed worthy, she’d take her true fae form and unlock her magic.
You’re going to succeed, Ava. I know it,said Luna.
Ava looked at her companion as they emerged outside. “Thank you. I take it you can’t come with me.”
No.
“Figures.”
Luna trotted off to Aro, who was snoozing under a tree, climbed onto his back and settled herself among his fur. Titus disappeared into the treetops in search of his own breakfast. Raine’s wolf, Sabriel, and Quinn’s panther, Bastien, were even hanging around—lounging in the sun instead of hiding in the woods like usual.
The conversation last night about her and Casimir being soul-bonded made more and more sense. The way Aro and Luna were attached to each other. How Aro had saved her life. The way any time the group faced danger, Casimir appeared in front or beside her, ready to protect. How he took care of her so gently in Saxumdale. Even when they were angry with each other, he still found a way to keep a watchful eye on her safety.
Ava reached the ring where Casimir and Raine were sparring. He was shirtless and hadn’t seemed to notice her yet, his brow furrowed in determination.
She leaned her elbows onto the stone wall as she watched the two powerful warriors face off, this time using daggers. She couldn’t peel her eyes away from Casimir as he lunged at Raine, who dodged his attack with grace.
Casimir’s lightly tanned skin was coated in sweat, and she imagined herself touching him again. Taking a break, he paused. His back was facing her as he pulled his hair out of his face, muscles flexing in the sun. Her eyes drifted lower as shewondered what his muscular thighs looked like under those pants. Among other things. God, she wanted so badly to?—
“Ava,” called Raine. “Whatever you’re thinking about, it’s gross.”
She straightened, clearing her throat as Casimir turned around and grinned.
“I wasn’t thinking about anything,” she choked.
“You’re a shitty liar. I’ll see you two later. I’m going to leave to protect my innocent eyes.”
“Oh, go away,” said Ava, blushing.
Raine left, laughing out loud, and disappeared into the castle.
Casimir strode toward her, a knowing look in his eyes, stopping a couple of feet away on the other side of the wall.
“You knew I was here the whole time, didn’t you?” she asked.
“Of course.” He smiled. “I heard you walk up.”
She rolled her eyes. “Men.”
“Alright, let’s get started. In the ring.”
“Now?”
He tilted his head. “Isn’t that why you’re out here?” He stepped closer and leaned in, whispering in her ear. “Or did you have other things in mind?”
