Page 598 - Fourth Wing

sun before reaching for the blankets.

Drawing back the covers, I untie the robe covering the short nightdress I
changed her into that first evening and slowly lift the hem above the silken

skin of her hip, preparing myself for the black tendrils that discolored her

veins during the flight but receded slowly since we arrived. There’s nothing.
Just a thin silver line an inch above her hipbone. Air gushes from my lungs

in relief. “Miraculous.”

“What’s miraculous?” she croaks, looking down at her new scar.
Shit. I would be a horrible healer. “Water.” My hand shakes with

exhaustion, or relief, I don’t even care which, as I pour a glass from the

pitcher on my bedside table. “You must be parched.”
She pushes herself to sit, then takes the glass, drinking the entire thing

down. “Thanks.”
“You are.” I set the empty glass on the nightstand and then turn back to

her, gazing into the hazel eyes that have haunted me since Parapet. “You are

miraculous,” I finish in a whisper. “I was fucking terrified, Violet. There
aren’t adequate words.”

“I’m fine, Xaden,” she says softly, her hand rising to rest above my
pounding heart.

“I thought I was going to lose you.” The confession comes out strangled,

and maybe it’s pushing my luck after all I’ve put her through, but I can’t
keep from leaning forward and brushing my lips over her forehead, then her

temple. Gods, I’d kiss her forever if I thought it would keep the coming

argument at bay, keep us in this one pristine moment where I can actually
believe that everything might be all right between us, that I haven’t

irrevocably fucked up the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

“You aren’t going to lose me.” She gives me a puzzled look, smiling like
I’ve said something peculiar. Then she leans in and kisses me.

She still wants me. The revelation makes my heart fucking soar. I take
the kiss deeper, swiping my tongue over her soft lower lip and gently