Born of Blood and Ash

“You don’t, but you have been building an army and taking the necessary steps,” I pointed out. “You were probably preparing for war before I was born. I haven’t been. I haven’t been preparing for any of this.” I swept my arm out. “And I just did what I thought was right—”

“I don’t think what you did was wrong.”

“Yeah, you said that before, but I don’t think that’s the case.”

“It is.” His eyes met mine again. “And I’m sorry if I’ve given you the opposite impression. It’s just…”

I watched him, waiting. “What?”

He looked away, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “It’s almost like you trust him.”

My mouth dropped open. “I do not trust him.”

“Okay. That was the wrong word choice. It’s more like you’re giving him credit he does not deserve.” Ash placed his drink down and pushed off the desk. He came to me and took my hand. Lifting it, he pressed a kiss to my palm—on the marriage imprint. “I know you believe he doesn’t want war.”

“But?” I whispered.

“As long as I’ve known Kolis, he’s only wanted two things: Sotoria and to rule. His fear of harming you while taking the embers of life only held him back. Slowed him down. His plans never changed.” Eather streaked across Ash’s eyes. “His love for Sotoria, as twisted as it is, is powerful, but not as much as his thirst for power and search for retribution against those he believes wronged him.”

I lowered my gaze. “I hope you’re wrong.”

“As do I.” Mindful of the glass I held, he pulled me into his arms. “Because the Kolis I know would choose to see the realms burn before he relinquished control, and we should prepare for that.”