Page 143 of Burn Her They Said
“You thought you knew different.”
I nod.
“I can understand why you believed what you did.”
I quirk a brow at him.
“After a lifetime of being lauded for your utility and service, it would make sense to assume anyone only ever loves you because of it.”
My heart leaps at his use of the word ‘love’, even though I am the one who wrote it.
“But you know that’s not why they adore you, don’t you?” He nods to Cirrin and Fray as I glance over at each of them.
“While I am not sure what was exchanged between you just now, I can guess,” Cirrin begins. “And that’s not at all why we care for you, Tasch.”
My cheeks heat more as I drop my gaze to the floor. “Yes, well, the only service I provide you is managing your emotions so you might better protect me.”
“Is that what you think?” Fray asks. “You’re a much better friend than that.”
“But you’re always taking care of me.”
“Not true.” Cirrin’s eyes are sincere as he delivers the message.
I pull in a breath. “You don’t need to placate me. I understand our roles.”
“You’re doing it again.” Varic nudges me.
“Doing what?”
“Dismissing our appreciation that has nothing to do with your power.”
His words are a key, unlocking something deep. Some damp, darkened room I forgot existed, left to rot while I’ve been made to neglect it.
“I’m sorry that snatcher has made it so impossible to recognize what’s in front of you,” Varic says. “I’m sorry he has made it so difficult to imagine other beings admire you for more than your magic.” He squeezes me closer while I turn to look up at him. “And I am sorry that he has made it so uncomfortable for you to accept that we care about you, not the Imperial Grand Witch—she’s just another of his creations.”
One of His Majesty’s hybrids. A part of me that splintered off, then stuck around in protection. That inner suit of armor I throw on whenever there’s a battle of warring emotions.
Varic lowers his forehead to mine, maintaining eye contact the whole time. “And that’s another reason we need to get you free of him.”
I pull in a deep breath and brace for it.
“Because we all need you to be the real Tasch again.”
Chapter Fifty
Doubt
Two Days Later
Botanical silhouettes dance over the peaks of Varic’s cheekbones, while shadows from swaying leaves cast across the unnatural brightness behind his irises, and the sun filtering in only serves to amplify their luminance.
I pull in a deep, cleansing breath for the first time since we stopped for luncheon. Thankful for Drusilla’s decision to return to the carriage, while we stretch our legs in the forest before traveling further.
Varic glances over with a subtle furrow in his brow. “I’ve been thinking I should train you on how to wield a blade, just in case we are ever blocked from accessing our magic.”
A smile creeps up the side of my mouth as it seems my Guards have failed to inform Varic of everything they have trained me in when it comes to self-defense. His expression of concern is so sincere, I cannot help but lift my brow in acceptance of the challenge he’s given me without realizing.
I swivel to face Fray as he strides alongside me, and my grin widens when his own glints back, because Varic might also be unaware of Hendry’s affectionate term for us. Yet if I am reading Fray’s expression correctly, we are about to offer him a stunning introduction to the Twin Flames of Chaos.
