it was semi-dark outside, the sun set. there was a celebration today, the day that marked the deaths of your older brother and xadens father. it was cruel, and made you sick to think about xaden mourning alone while others partied. you weren’t able to stomach it, so you went to find xaden.

you’d gotten tipped off by his best friend where he was, and were told not to take anything personal. apparently xaden was even scarier on today, not enjoying being bothered as he sulked. you arrived at the parapet, the stone was just as deadly as it had been the first day.

you took a couple steps out, stretching your arms out for balance. you were halfway to him when a strong gust of wind blew, and you yelped, almost toppling over. his head snapped in your direction at the sound, eyes momentarily wide, his shadows wrapped around you swiftly to keep you upright.

once he was sure you wouldn’t fall, he stood and crossed the parapet with ease, stopping in front of you with narrowed eyes. “you do not risk your life to speak to me,” he said tightly, studying your expression, trying not to release the emotions he was feeling out onto you. you didn’t deserve that.