Changed by Fire (Phoenix Rising #6) - Harper Wylde Page 0,18

shore up our strongholds, move our headquarters when needed, and extract groups of defecting shifters. We know the Council is gathering their militias. We’ve threatened them, and they’re feeling the pressure. It’s kept Nix safe,” Theo argued pointedly, holding Damien’s gaze.

“I’m not so sure pressuring them is a good thing,” I remarked, worried about the Council’s next move. For the last two months, I’d been ready and waiting for their retaliation over my outburst after Raphael’s and Celine’s executions. Killing Councilman Khan had been treason, but so far there had been no backlash. Partly because we’d left immediately, sparing barely any time to grab the essentials and our loved ones, and partly because we now had an army of rebels at our backs. But like a coiled snake, I was just waiting for them to strike.

Damien closed his eyes and swallowed. I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he gathered himself, keeping his own thoughts locked away where none of us had access to them. He was worried just like I was, the losses we’d already sustained open, gaping wounds that were slow to heal.

Sensing the tension in Damien, Theo changed the subject. “Come on. We can’t solve everything on an empty stomach. Let’s head to the kitchen. Are you cooking this morning, Damien?”

“Shit.” The Gargoyle quickly glanced at the clock on the wall and jumped up, gently placing me on my feet. I hissed from the cold floor, immediately warming myself. If there was one thing I hated, it was cold feet. I rifled around in my suitcase for some fuzzy socks while Damien hurriedly got dressed. “I’m on kitchen duty this morning. I’ll meet you after breakfast.” Leaning in, he swooped me into a warm hug, and I enjoyed the hard planes of his chest and the sound of his heartbeat for the few seconds he held me close. Tipping my chin up, he planted a sweet kiss on my lips, quickly got ready, and then dashed for the door, darting past Theo who’d barely moved out of the way in time.

I shook my head as I watched him leave. Since we’d arrived on the rebels’ doorstep, my Gargoyle had applied himself to the rebellion with a fevered ferocity that shocked me. Damien had always been a hard worker, protective, and strong, but he was pushing himself to the brink to support the rebellion in all ways, engaging in the smallest of grunt work all the way up to assisting the faction leaders. Deep down, I believed his dedication was his way of keeping us safe while supporting a cause that would enact justice on those who’d wronged him, those who’d stolen his parents from him, but he’d barely let himself catch his breath in the whirlwind that had taken place since that fateful Thanksgiving.

“You think he’s really okay?” I asked Theo, because Joshua wasn’t the only one I worried about every single day.

“As well as he can be.” Theo rubbed the back of his neck as he watched the door swing shut after his friend. “Though I’m not sure if he’s truly given himself time to grieve.”

He must have seen the deepening crease between my eyebrows, because he stepped over to me and pulled me into his arms, lending me some of his strength as he dipped his chin and kissed the top of my head. I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on tight, breathing in the scent of ocean mist that always clung to my Kraken.

“That’s what I’m worried about.” I bit my lower lip, abusing the soft flesh, and embraced Theo tighter while anxiousness squeezed my heart like a vise.

I was afraid for so many reasons, however, it wasn’t the threats from afar that had fear shooting through my chest, but rather the slow, silent killers—guilt, devastation, and regret. If Damien didn’t slow down and let himself face his demons, they’d surely destroy him.

And as the glue that held us all together, I wasn’t sure we were ready for the downfall.

“Everything is going to be alright, Nix,” Theo stated quietly, as I clung to him.

I truly hoped he was right.

Four

Nix

“Nix!” Rini’s tinkling, feminine voice cut through the low chatter in the hotel’s ballroom. The rebellion had since repurposed it, setting out long tables and transforming the space into a dining room. I smiled at her exuberance this early in the morning and headed in her direction, weaving through tables as I dragged Theo after me with Hiro trailing behind us. The fresh