Page 73 of Ruin of Revenants

Fire demons.

The names grew fouler the more I read, until I had to avert my eyes in disgust. Clearly, Archer wasn’t the only one who had connected the phoenixes to the revenants ravaging the world outside the capital, though, here in their protected bubble, I was a little surprised anyone cared. I had expected fear and hatred of phoenixes; not concern about the revenants that, here, felt like a distant concern. Like Rainsong’s citizens would be happy to feast and dance their nights away while the rest of Emberglade fell around them.

At last, we left the city proper behind and approached the graveyard and the edge of the boundary that kept out other beings. The one that Brenton and I could only cross once we shifted into our phoenix forms.

My entire body trembled with a combination of eagerness and trepidation, longing to spread my wings but also dreading it, knowing the price if we were caught. I didn’t think the crown prince could spare Brenton and me then, even if it cost him his own life—I had the terrible impression that King Wystan would only look at his son as a traitor and declare his daughter as his new heir instead.

The posted guards at the edge of the graveyard scowled as we approached, though their stern expressions softened somewhat when we neared and they realized Archer was the one holding the torch.

“Your Highness,” the female said, her rich brown eyes scanning his form and making a show of her surprise. Her gaze lingered on his muscles before searching his face, clearly appreciating his features.

Typically, I might have had to hold back my laughter, but tonight I was too relieved to have Archer’s charm and good looks offering us any sort of favor.

“We’re here to relieve you of your post,” Archer said, flashing her a wide smile to sweeten his words. “There was a disturbance in the eastern district, near Mossworth’s Edge. They’re wanting backup in case there are shifters attempting to cross the border.”

“Fire demons,” the male guard snapped, his face twisted with fury. The female nodded with disgust.

“Very well, Your Highness. I’m surprised you don’t want to be there yourself to punish them.” The female fluttered her lashes.

“Don’t worry, if there are any trying to come into Rainsong, I know you’ll restrain them and we’ll dole out justice soon enough.” Archer’s teeth flashed in the night. My stomach twisted.

We waited as the guards crept through the graveyard and back toward the city, silence settling around us. Mist was rolling in from the Cinderwood’s borders, curling about the gravestones like ghostly, groping fingers. Tree frogs and insects filled the air with their music, a sweetly familiar song that, unfortunately, didn’t alleviate my nerves.

Bren openly scowled at the guards’ retreating backs. “Bigots,” he muttered, casting me a disgusted look. “If we shifted now, we could burn them where they stand.”

I reached out, grasping his arm. “Bren.”

“I’m jesting,” he muttered, “but they deserve it.”

“No one will be burning anyone alive,” Archer interjected, his expression unusually somber as he lifted his torch, studying the rainforest. For the first time, I wondered what he was thinking and feeling, preparing to venture into the heart of enemy territory. Was he afraid? Disgusted? Hoping to scrape some piece of information from us that I refused to let slip, so he could later go back and destroy our entire haven?

Perhaps because my own emotions were a vicious tangle, I couldn’t discern which feelings were his, or even if I was sensing any of his at all.

“Let’s not waste another moment,” Archer muttered once the guards were out of sight. “We won’t be left here alone for long.”

My nerves twisted further at the thought of shifting right now, with Archer’s gaze solidly on me. Something about the thought of transforming before him made me feel vulnerable, like I was revealing some secret part of me, some facet I had kept hidden. He already knew what I was—had already seen me in full and partial phoenix form—and yet, he’d never seen me change.

Shaking off the discomfort, I drew a breath. Already, I could see Brenton’s feathers flash red and orange in the moonlight. I closed my eyes, drawing on the power waiting for me in my core, ready and eager to finally be unleashed again. Though my fae form was as natural as my phoenix form, keeping one contained for too long left me stifled. Being able to shift at last felt like I was finally freeing the truest part of myself, allowing myself to be both fae and phoenix. The transformation came effortlessly. My wings expanded, wind ruffling my feathers. I stretched in relief. I’d been cramped into the wrong shape for far too long.

Lifting my head toward the sky, I took in the clear night eagerly, ready to be in the air again.

In phoenix form, Bren and I couldn’t talk, but we could communicate with one another in much the same way Archer and I did through our bond.

He’s so puny, my brother observed, glancing downward. It was odd to study Archer from this perspective, when we stood taller and larger than the crown prince, the male who’d held so much influence over my circumstances, my actions, and my very feelings for weeks. Are you really sure that you’d share the same injuries if I used fire? Phoenixes can’t burn.

We can if we’re dying, I snapped back. Don’t try anything.

I shifted my gaze back to Archer, who was gazing at us silently, his green eyes drinking in the sight of us in our phoenix forms.

Or rather, drinking in the sight of me.

If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought the emotion that swelled briefly through our bond, one that was decidedly his and not mine, was awe.

You’re thinking of burning me to a crisp, aren’t you? His mouth twitched, but he neither smiled nor frowned.

I don’t really feel like dying today, so I’d say you’re safe for now. I dipped my head forward, lowering myself until I was closer to his level. Remember, there’s no time to waste. Quit dawdling and humble yourself enough to climb on.

This time, Archer’s mouth did twitch into a brief smile. Putting out his torch in the dirt, he laid it on the ground and obeyed.