Oscar:
The air smelled of rain even though the sky was clear. Dusk lingered softly, painting the backyard in the kind of fading gold that made everything look half-dream, half-truth.
I ran my thumb along the edge of the wooden staff I carried, watching her stretch near the training circle.
Eva.
Light fabric clung to her frame in a way that didn't help my focus at all. She tied her hair back, a few strands slipping loose to brush against her neck. I had seen her train before, but tonight was different. River was gone, and the responsibility was mine.
And curse my brother for knowing exactly what that would do to me.
"Don't go easy on her," River had said before leaving. "Make her earn it."
Yeah. As if I could ever go easy on her.
She turned, meeting my gaze with those amber eyes that could knock the breath out of any man, and smiled faintly. "You are late," she said, crossing her arms.
