Forty-Four Cameron

I tilted my head back, the bitter liquor hitting the back of my throat with nothing more than a slight sting. It stopped burning a while ago.

The stars above shimmered through the silver energy that swirled through the sky.

I raised my bottle high in a salute. “That’s all that’s left of you now, isn’t it, buddy?” I said to the light show above. I stared at the remnants of Samkiel, and my heart clenched, my vision clouding with tears. I’d lost him, my family, and Xavier.

“Okay, hear me out.” My feet shuffled as I tried to keep up with him. His armored boots were stained with red dirt. I knew he’d just returned from whatever assignment Unir had given him, but I couldn’t wait to ask.

“Another ill request for permanent room service and your own castle on a hill?” Logan said, shaking his head, his armor filthy.

“That was one time!” I snapped back, drawing a laugh out of Samkiel’s most trusted. “This is about The Hand.”

Samkiel’s dark braid bounced against his back with each step, his dented helmet held under one arm. The sash with the three-headed beast strained around one biceps. He turned and came to a stop, his guards nearly stumbling as they came to an abrupt halt.

“Cameron, for the last time, I merely mentioned tryouts. I haven’t had time to breathe, let alone think of when they would start.”

I pointed a finger at him. “Well, first of all, that’s a lie. You seemed to be breathing fine with the few nymphs who ran out of your bedchamber last—”

Samkiel rubbed his hand across his face and nearly growled, “Cameron.”

“Oh, right, that’s a secret and not the point. The point is, I’ve been scouring around for the best, and I have a few I think would be amazing.”

“Is that so?” Samkiel asked, adjusting the armor helmet in his grip to fold his arms.

“Yes. I’ve become friends with one of Kryella’s yeyras.”

“Cameron.”

I held up my hands, and Logan snickered. “I know you two have a weird relationship, which is also not the point, but he’s fast, smart, and a hell of a blade wielder. Dual actually. Just give him a chance.”

Logan and Samkiel exchanged a look I couldn’t decipher before he turned back to me.

“Very well. I will be with my father for the next two moons on another prolonged damned council trip. When I return, we will have tryouts.”

“Yes.” I clenched my fist and punched the air in triumph.

A smile broke across Samkiel’s face. “For a price.”

“What do you want?”

“You have to try out, too.”

“Me?” I croaked. “Listen, I’m good being with Athos. She—”

“Lets you get away with anything?” He cocked a brow.

“Okay, fair.” I sighed, placing my hands on my hips. “I’ll try out. Just disqualify me early or whatever.”

Logan chuckled, and Samkiel looked at him. “Why are you laughing? You’re trying out, too.”

Logan’s face went slack. “Me? Why?”

Samkiel sighed and shook his head. “You two shouldn’t question your future king so much. It’s disrespectful.”

My eyes rolled so far back in my head that I swore I saw my brain. “Oh, gods, now I definitely don’t want to be under you.” Logan chuckled again. I turned to walk away, but I couldn’t resist and called back with a wave of my hand, “Unlike the nymphs.”

“Cameron!” I heard him snap, and the energy around him built. I picked up my pace and was safely away before it reached me.

I practically ran out of the palace, skipping past guards and celestials alike until I made it to the center of the city. Voices buzzed, and people laughed. Shops thrived, customers carrying bags ladened with goods. Children gathered before a stand selling tangy melted creams, shouting about a new flavor. I placed my hands behind my back, pretending I hadn’t run half a mile to get here, and pursed my lips. A small whistle floated through the air, a tune all its own. I stilled and waited for a response.

A sharp tune came from my right, and I turned to see Xavier leaning against a wooden post near a shop a few paces away.

“Well?” he asked as I walked toward him. “What did he say?”

“You know you can talk to him, right?” I asked, folding my arms. “He just looks really big and scary, but on the inside, he’s softer than the frozen cream they sell here in the market district.”

Xavier shook his head, making the dreads he wrapped in a topknot shake.

“He kind of scares me.”

“Why? He saved you.”

“Yeah, and did you see the planet after he left?”

I shrugged. “He was just making sure none of those damned creatures lived after . . .” My voice trailed off, seeing that haunted glaze fill his eyes. “But yes, I talked to him.”

I reached forward, placing my arm around his shoulders and pulling him close. We walked side by side through the market, heading for the frozen cream stall.

“He has one of those all-important godly meetings for the next two moons. When he’s back, tryouts begin.”

“Great.” Xavier all but beamed.

“And lucky you,” I said as we got in line behind the children. “He’s making me do it with you.”

“Really?” His growing excitement was nearly palpable, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re happy about that,” I said, bumping my shoulder against his.

“Only a little. You’re my only friend since the accident.”

He grew quiet again, and I cursed every damned ghost that haunted him.

“Well,” I slapped his back hard enough to bring him back to me. “You better love me for this because I hate following orders, and Samkiel has an ego the size of the sun, but I think I can get out of most of it if I get Imogen to join, too. That will distract him.”

“That’s your plan.”

“Gods above, yes. It’s always good to have a master one, buddy. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you.”

He tipped his head back and laughed as the line moved forward.

I was happy to get him a family, a new one, even if a part of me was doing it out of guilt.

Tears pricked my eyes, and I took another swig, gripping the railing. The city below did not sing or rejoice. They moved as if one wrong step could be their death. Once the sun set, only guards patrolled the streets below. Nismera was a tyrant, always had been, and now she owned the cosmos. Peace, love, and joy did not exist under her rule, and now I feared there was no hope.

“What am I supposed to do without you?” I whispered to the wind.