A Ballad of Dark Embers: The Immortal Wars Cycle (Book 1) by Crow Madison P

Author:Crow, Madison P.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Ashelyn

Water trickles off the panes of an old and decrepit tavern nestled deep in the capital of High Borhne. In its cozy and tempered interior I sit bellied up to a bar. My eyes turned down to my glass as the steady hum of the nightlife drones on around me. The glasses crystal sides sweating whilst my fingers drum at the wooden bar beneath in silent contemplation.

I know this is a memory, but this one I don’t mind reliving despite the pain it harbors. Because this is where it had all started. A small smile works my mouth. The stool beside me scraping across the floor before a body plops down atop its leather surface with an exhausted huff.

I turn my eyes towards the stranger, over the lip of my glass, and take two whole seconds to study him.

His hair, a stunning shade of night, is sparkling with the rain drops from outside. Although small tendrils of hair snake down the sides of his temple and nape; as if they couldn’t possibly imagine being contained within the somewhat styled confines of his head. My gaze traveling back up to the strong jaw, the straight nose, sharp cheekbones, and then to the eyes beneath.

A captivating hue of glacier blue that reminds me of the ocean paintings of Liyrea in my mother’s old study. His Guardian leathers impressive against his lean body as he calls for the bartender.

My brow arches gently as I watch him knock back the entirety of his drink before plopping the mug back down on the counter. Waving down the barkeep again, who in turn doesn’t hesitate to top it off for a second time. As if this were some twisted game the pair had played before.

“It’s rude to stare.” He mutters – turning those clear eyes down to my own.

I flinch. Had I been so obvious?

“Wasn’t meaning to stare. Curious is all.” I murmur. What did I care if he had caught me? He, like any other, is just another pretty face in a city full of vipers and two-faced aristocrats. I had no doubt he’d be just like the rest of them.

“Hmmm…” Is all he replies. His attention turning back to the drink at hand. His long fingers tracing its rim as if lost in his own deep thoughts.

And gods damn me, I can’t help myself as I push forward. “Rough day?” I probe.

He sighs, finishes off a the glass, and purses his lips in thought. I find myself drawn to his movements, and I nearly smack myself for it.

“What gave you that impression?” He murmurs coolly, but I spy the small upwards crook of his mouth.

I’m not sure of his age, but it isn’t like I much cared anyways. He looked young enough – even if his eyes possess that glint that tells me he’s seen a lifetime of stories.

“You are old enough to be in this bar, right?” The stranger coos.

“I’m old enough.” I grin. “And your age, Guardian?”

"Positively ancient.” He purrs, and I realize he’s playing with me.

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