Page 133 of City of Snakes
Their awestruck thoughts only fueled my anxieties. Every gaze felt like hot air from a hearth glazing over my skin.
“I’m not doing anything, Sybilla. You are.” The lines of Ryn’s brow softened as though only now did he regret putting me in such an awkward position. He shielded me from the crowd, drawing me closer. While he looked like the brooding warlock that my heart felt conflicted about, he didn’t smell like him—Ryn smelled like lemongrass and musk.
Past Ryn’s shoulder, I saw therealKrait, still holding Elsedora’s hand, but having gone stone-still. They stood outside the crowd that had circled around us. He stared at us with anunreadable expression before dropping El’s hand to approach me.
I was a fawn caught in a hunter’s lamplight—caught off guard and too exposed to fight.
So, I did the next natural thing.
Chapter 40
Krait
As soon as Ryn led Sybilla out into the rain, Elsedora stopped spinning around me like a water-logged fairy. Wet red locks of hair slapped me in the face, catching me right in the eye, as she came to an abrupt stop.
“El,” I groaned. A wild grin spread across her face. This was the one day a year Itriedto allow myself to have a bit of fun. Or at least let others have fun. The news of Sybilla’s impending departure had already soured my mood.
“Should I remind her?” El asked. “She knew of the enchantment when Asterie visited her court. Surely she remembers that—”
“No,” I grunted at the ground. “Let her see. It’s best she remembers.”
Elsedora squeezed my hand as the band nearest to us picked up a new song, this one slower.
So what if Sybilla saw the reflection of her own desire in Ryn? So what if it was the young King Mattock?
“Kraiiit.” Elsedora attempted to soothe me in anticipation.
Under the moonlight, Ryn’s Source power would bring out truths I’d rather not face on a night meant for joyous debauchery. I stared at the ground, not breathing.
“Sources,” Elsedora exclaimed. When I dared to raise my gaze, a crowd had formed around Sybilla and Ryn as they swayed awkwardly through the dead, rain-soaked grass.
Seeing a version of myself there, gazing down at Sybilla with a smile, made me grow hot. It struck me—we lookedrighttogether. I’d spent all of my time with her trying to convince myself it would be wrong.
I couldn’t read her lips but could tell she was being contrary.
She didn’t believe the illusion.
I didn’t believe it either.
Then, Ryn brought her in closer, seemingly to guard her flushed cheeks and surprise from the crowd. When her gaze met mine, her posture went rigid, and she backed away from Ryn.
After dropping El’s hand, I took one step forward.
Sybilla searched the crowd for an opening and ran as soon as she found one. Ryn didn’t try to stop her. I pushed through to get to him as his features shifted to his own.
“What thefuck,Ryn?” I quietly growled, trying not to draw the crowd’s attention. “What stunt are you pulling?”
Ryn sighed and threw his hands up. “I love you, Krait, but this is getting ridiculous.”
My brow furrowed as my usually jovial officer tried to walk away from me. I grabbed his arm. “Ryn. Tell me, please...tell me you didn’t manipulate what I just saw.”
He turned to me. “No, you raging ass. You know I can’t manipulate that reaction. She desiresyou.And judging from how quickly I shifted...it isn’t some dalliance or crush, you lucky bastard. Now, instead of berating me, go after her before you botch your second chance at happiness.”
She wantedme.
I squeezed his shoulders and said, “Thank you.”
He rolled his eyes with a renewed smile and nodded toward where she’d fled. My boots hit the ground, and I sprinted toward the trail up to the city.
