Page 84 of These Fractured Bonds

Leo was next; he drew her into a hug. “See ya in a bit.”

Yareli waddled up to her, clutching her cloak tightly as if it could ward off what was to come. She had thought of what she’d say to her, but nothing had felt appropriate. Bri was off to hunt a predator, and all she could do was believe in her. So she said, “Be safe.”

Cuidate.

Bri smiled, palming her cheek. “You, too.” Then, in a whisper, she added, “Remember you’re stronger than you think. You’ll win.”

Yareli’s throat tightened, and she nodded vigorously. Her voice was hoarse when she said, “Thanks.”

She shuffled away, kicking Erick’s foot as she passed him. He refused to meet her gaze, and she hissed, “Go.”

He pursed his lips, but he went, exchanging words with Bri. She didn’t hear what they said, but it must have been amiable enough because Bri didn’t look irritated. She left after that, giving them a short salute before transforming into a hawk and flying out of view.

Augrys and Erick were the first to leave; they had to attend a Water Court summons before they headed to the Fire Festival. Leo remained, silently standing guard over her. In the past week, they had fallen into a cordial rapport that mirrored their earlier friendship, but it was wracked with hesitation.

Leo’s voice startled her out of her reverie. “Would you like to eat breakfast together?”

His offer took her by surprise, but she readily agreed. She didn’t want to be alone.

Breakfast at Samire consisted of a trip to the mess hall. Many Fae greeted Leo, clapping his back and shaking his hand. He was all smiles, boisterous laughter, and open warmth. Yareli hung to the side, giving an occasional nod when her presence was acknowledged. Although her transformation was perfect, she was wary of getting too close.

She followed him to a table for two, setting her metal tray down with a plunk. Momentary silence ensued.

“I—”

“Listen—”

They spoke at the same time, startling each other. She met his stare, and they burst out laughing, breaking the lingering awkwardness. She relaxed.

“We’ve really made a mess of this, haven’t we?” Leo said.

“We?”

His head dropped, and he raised his hands. “Okay. Me. I mucked it up. I’m sorry.”

She pursed her lips, stabbing a piece of egg with her fork.

“Listen, Reli.” Leo took hold of her hand, stilling her movements. “I shouldn’t have bottled it up. Bri tells me all the time that I’m guilty of it. It’s not an excuse, but I’d like a second chance. Can we start over as friends, and see where it goes from there?”

She pretended to think it over, though she already knew her answer, had known it. “What about what you said—that I loved Augrys?”

He grimaced. “That… isn’t one of my best moments. I should have listened to you. If the current you has decided to give me a chance, then that’s that. The past isn’t of consequence.”

Except it was, a small voice in her head said. Every treacherous thought, every sharp intake of breath, every thrill down her spine when she met Augrys’s eyes. But love was also a choice, and she was choosing her budding feelings for Leo. He hadn’t lied to her as Augrys had.

She smiled broadly and nodded.

He returned her smile. Yareli took a bite of her food, appreciating the vegetables in their food today. Although meat was plentiful thanks to hunting and fishing, with winter coming, vegetables were going to get harder to find.

“How’s the farm coming along? These are delicious.”

“Wonderful! We perfected the irrigation last night, and I charged a couple of mentees with its upkeep while we’re at the Fire Court. Within a few weeks, we’ll have a functional, underground greenhouse.”

“Seems like you’re in your element here.”

He laughed, his shoulders shaking. “I really am.” His joy faded, eyebrows scrunched up. “It’s unfortunate that it is born of my brother’s crookedness and the death of my father and sister.”

She placed her hand on his. “We’ll get vengeance for them.”