Frost and Death: The Last of the Heirs by L.L. Riley

Author:L.L. Riley [Riley, L.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mythical Gems Media, LLC
Published: 2024-09-27T00:00:00+00:00

27

Wavering

Jperrick refused to let me roam beyond my chambers, claiming he did not want to witness me fainting again from my cycle. He brought me food trays every morning, stacked high with pastries, courtesy of Ophelia and Cordelia. He also ensured Dorit and Jonas checked on us periodically, visiting while helping bring and take books Jerrick requested while I rested.

And as annoying and embarrassing as his teasing was, I could not complain.

But when I fell asleep while reading on the second day, Jerrick tossed a pastry at my face. It startled me awake, and his laughter roared throughout the room.

I couldn’t even stay mad at him, my heart thawing at the sight and sound of him.

The richness and elegance of his laughter while tracking my breath is a tingling taunt.

I pinch my features tight, concentrating on understanding the magic begging to escape. Crackling and air drift in a flurry around my mind, wanting to drag me away.

I twitch from the sound, seeking mercy for myself only to struggle.

Hands hold mine, and Jerrick’s breath hovers near me. “Kindness, Frostbite.”

My gift flickers in response to Jerrick’s voice, soothing and sweet. I bite back my smile, fighting against the surge of desire spreading in my stomach from his touch.

I square my shoulders, coaxing and caressing the ice in my body to nurture it and harness the blizzard into a morsel of snow. The depth of power pulses around me, and creaks and cracks swirl.

I push through the disarray clouding my mind, which wishes to accept myself.

The magic eases as I drift back into my breathing.

My faith in succeeding today draws my eyes open, but when he pulls away, there is nothing. Disappointment lines my brows as I lower my hand in defeat.

Jerrick touches my upper arm. “Almost,” he chimes.

Almost is not good enough.

Jerrick offered me this small lesson, and I have made no improvements without his assistance.

I fold into myself, frustrated with the lack of progress.

Jerrick gathers a few books from a pile we have not touched this week, and when he turns to me, he shifts around uncomfortably. He seems beside himself, even as he approaches my bed, placing them on my table. He angles them toward me, and I read the titles.

The texts catch me off guard. Looking up at him in question, I am thrown off when he squats next to me.

Jerrick peels my hand from my torso, his comforting circles grazing over my knuckles as he inclines his head to the books. “These are what Palaena has on Aiyana. There are some of my ancestor’s journals as well that aided me when I was learning my gifts. I thought they would help you.”

“Wh-Why are you giving me these? We have not found anything regarding your curse.”

“You’ve been earning your right.” He smirks.

I don’t understand what I did to warrant this change of mind. “What, with all the food trays?” I joke, knowing he originally said I had to help break his curse in order to train.

Jerrick chuckles lightly. “It could have been that.

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