Page 76 of House Ignis

Hot. Alive. Angry.

My head snapped toward the far stalls. Aether.

My feet moved before I even registered the command. I sprinted down the aisle, boots pounding against the straw, the voices of the others fading behind me as they called my name.

I skidded to a halt at the last enclosure, chest heaving, and there he was.

Aether stood tall in the straw-covered stall, his black coat gleaming despite the faint scorch marks along his flank. His ears were pinned back in pure offense as a healer hovered near him, brandishing a long silver thermometer.

"If she sticks that thing one more inch toward me, I swear by Kael's iron balls—"

"Sir, please—" the poor nurse tried desperately, her hands shaking.

"I am fine. Get her away from me. I will not be violated in this establishment!"

I burst out laughing, the sound jagged with relief as I collapsed against the wooden post. The healer turned, her eyes wide with gratitude. "He's all yours, Princess."

"Don't worry," I said between breaths, reaching out to stroke Aether's nose. "He's clearly perfectly fine."

Boots crunched through the straw behind me as the others finally caught up.

"How is he?" Ember asked softly.

"Still dramatic," I muttered, stepping into the pen.

Aether flicked his tail and huffed. "And proud."

"Then he's all good," Ryven said with a relieved grin.

I crouched beside the massive panther, and the adrenaline finally drained from my bones, leaving me hollow and shaking. My throat tightened, and hot tears burned behind my lashes.

"Oh, Aether…"

I wrapped my arms around his powerful neck and buried my face in his thick fur. He was warm. Solid. Alive. He let out a long, exaggerated grumble, then coughed awkwardly in my mind.

"Ugh. Emotions."

I laughed wetly into his shoulder, gripping him tighter as the sheer terror of the duel finally broke. Behind me, Ember's voice softened, ushering the others away. "Come on, guys. Let's give them a moment."

Straw rustled as their boots retreated, and the stable fell into a heavy, peaceful quiet. Aether's breathing evened out beneath my cheek.

"You did not let me down," he murmured firmly through the bond. "Do not even think it."

My fingers tightened in his fur. "I almost lost you."

"And yet," he said dryly, "you did not. Now, let go of me. Heirs don't cry."

Despite his prickly words, a wave of relief flooded the bond—warm and steady. He gave me a small, rare smile that reached his golden eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Aether," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I let you down."

"You did not," he insisted, his gaze locking onto mine. "I am proud of how you handled it. It is Zorian who must answer for using illegal magic. We would have won—against him and that stinking, eight-legged beast."

A watery smile finally tugged at my lips. "And Zya saved your life?"

His tail flicked sharply, and he immediately turned toward the stable door to avoid my gaze. "So they say," he muttered.

I rose and followed him quickly. "Did you at least thank her?"