Page 228 of Infernal Bonds

It told me everything I needed to know.

I’d spent so many years having everyone try to run my life and map out my future for me. I wouldn’t do the same to him.

I could give him something no one else gave me.

I could give him an out.

My chest ached, and I squeezed my eyes shut before blinking a few times.

Why did the thought flood my system with equal parts panic and dread?

“Rae?”

I turned my head to find Zeke and Cyn standing in the doorway. I hadn’t heard the door open at all.

“What’s up?”

Zeke entered first. “Are you okay?”

I propped myself up on my elbows. “I will be.”

“Ezra’s got a stick up his ass,” Cyn said, stepping into the room.

“I kinda don’t blame him,” I mumbled, looking away.

It wasn’t lost on me that just moments earlier I wanted to villainize him. I just didn’t want to hear someone else do it.

“No?” He dropped onto the bed on his side, propping himself up on an elbow, cradling his head in his hand.

“We can’t expect him to be a robot with perfect control.”

“He’s been through as much as we have,” Zeke said, sitting down next to me and toying with my hair fanned across the bed.

“He still doesn’t have to talk to her the way he did.”

“I get it, though.” Zeke gave me a sheepish look. “You scared us to death.”

That sour feeling in my stomach from earlier came back.

I hated that I’d worried them.

I’d honestly believed that going shopping with Kavina in Alonia wouldn’t cause any issues. Ezra had no problem with me leaving Alonia with Rinlora before to see Elyrdin’s countryside. I’d just assumed the city wouldn’t be an issue because we were close to the palace and Kavina was in the Guard.

“He can throw all the tantrums he wants and shut you out, but I’m done.”

“What?” I rolled my head to look at Cyn.

“I said, I’m done. Done fighting it.”

“What’s ‘it’?”

His scowl deepened. “You know.”

“I don’t.”

He groaned and glanced at Zeke.

Zeke’s hands went up. “She knows how I feel. This is… you need to do it. Not me.”