Page 37 of The Last Aether

Atlas’s fingers closed around my elbow, tugging me to a stop. “Hey.”

Tears burned the backs of my eyes. I so badly wanted to let them free, but I knew if I started, I’d never stop. “It’s fine. I just can’t deal with that right now.”

He frowned down at me. “It’s not fine.”

“It’s the furthest thing from fine,” Kai echoed as he strode up behind Atlas, Phoenix in his wake.

Sparks danced around the prince of Ash. “I should blast his ass.”

“Don’t.” I shook my head in tiny, rapid movements. “If he wants to be with her, that’s his choice. I won’t force him into something.”

Kai scowled back at the dorm. “I don’t think he actually wants her. He just wants to keep from making waves with his dad.”

“He likes her.” I knew that much for sure. There was a softness he had with Eva that I never saw with anyone else.

Atlas wrapped his arms around me, kissing the top of my head. “That’s different from loving someone.”

“Can we just get some breakfast? I don’t have it in me to psychoanalyze Riven this morning.”

Phoenix snorted. “That would take years.”

I gave him a weak smile and then looked up at Atlas. “Feed me?”

He grinned. “Of course.”

“Do you think I could get something from you and Kai? A token?” I asked as I rubbed the spot over my heart that had burned.

“Shit,” Kai muttered. “I forgot about that.” He pulled one of the knives from his waistband and handed it to me.

My eyes flared. “Seriously?” I knew how much he hated being without at least three.

“It’s my best blade. It’ll tie you to me and give you a little extra protection.”

I brushed my lips against his. “Thank you.”

Atlas pulled a necklace from around his neck. It had been hiding beneath his shirt much the way Phoenix’s had. A ring glinted from a chain, delicate emeralds pressed into the band. He slipped it over my head. “It was my mother’s.”

“Atlas, no—”

He silenced me with a kiss. “I want you to have it.”

“Thank you,” I croaked.

Phoenix squeezed my shoulders. “Come on. Let’s get you fed.”

We started towards Winthrop Hall and food just as someone called my name. I turned to see Kerry hurrying up the path. She waved. Her smile faltered for the briefest of moments when she caught sight of Phoenix.

I muttered a curse under my breath. Seeing Phoenix doused in blood and going slightly psycho boy had to have scared her. I linked my fingers with his, trying to assure Kerry that he was good now.

Her smile grew more genuine. “Hey. I was worried I might not catch you. Did you hear they’re joining all our classes today?”

My brows lifted. “You mean I’ll actually have a friend when I face the bitch squad?”

Kerry laughed. “I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but at least you won’t be suffering alone.”

Kai sent a mock-glare in my direction. “Stop acting like we’re not your friends too. You have us in classes.”

Kerry let out a little squeak. “I think you’re a little different than friends.”