Faded Embers by Anne Wheeler

Author:Anne Wheeler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anne Wheeler

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Kern had been right about one thing—the sunsets at Windhaven were one of the most stunning things she’d ever seen. Magical, even. Clouds were building in the distance, clouds that spoke only of a small break from the heat instead of rain, and they shattered the normally solid orange into brilliant streaks of red and gold. It was unlike anything she’d seen on a dozen planets. This foreign, terrifying place was lovely—a realization almost impossible to wrap her mind around.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Chase hopped down the last small drop behind her and sank to the ground a respectful distance away.

Avery took a long sip of water and smiled at him. It was just like Chase to ignore the prior evening’s events like nothing had happened. If he was here, speaking to her like he was, that meant Kern hadn’t said a word to him about her activities—she was safe. And if she could smile at him like she had, that meant she’d survive an entire conversation without panicking. Yes, life was looking up.

“It’s like fire,” she said. “I wish Merritt could see it.”

He laughed. “Before you leave, I hope he’s able to pry himself away from work and explore like you’ve been able to.”

“One of us needs to be productive while you’ve got us stashed here.” She looked away. Her concern about Merritt’s strange actions with the tablet was probably written across her face, and Chase could read everything about her. He’d never let up until he found out a truth she didn’t know. “What about you? Have they not allowed you back to work?”

“We all need time off once in a while. I told them I was technically on a leave of absence from the embassy.” He licked his lips, his eyes dark in the shade of the mountain. “I’ll tell you . . . I need the break. The same problems will be waiting when I return. They always are.”

With the sun as high as it was, the night air hadn’t chilled at all, but she shivered anyway. No matter how kind he was to her, thinking of Chase’s professional problems would always have that effect. There wasn’t any way around it.

“Speaking of that, Brennin found a place for you. It’s a garrison outside of Laegih, and it’ll be safe. There’s no family housing there, but I didn’t want to take you somewhere that had it—it would be the first place Quen will look for you. The crew quarters there aren’t comfortable, but it’s temporary,” he added hastily. “Don’t forget it’s temporary.”

“I know. And you know I don’t need comfort.” Temporary or not, her hands shook at the thought. Chase knew all too well what kind of austerity she could survive. Had survived. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”

“You’re welcome. I’m happy to do it.” His attention turned to the darkness of the desert. “I’m afraid,” he said abruptly. “I don’t think I’ve ever said those words before.”

Chase, afraid?

“Of what?”

“That Owin won’t be able to hold on to power.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.