The Burning of Sana Lightbourne

Chapter 75

Kaladin actually did it.

Ember watched in quiet agony as her best friend and the man she secretly loved gave his heart to Ragna.

She supposed it was to be expected. Ragna was the Erius and Kaladin was the mightiest of the Barshaa. It wasn't uncommon for him to do such a thing, but it hurt so deeply that she finally knew he didn't share the same feelings as her.

It also hurt that Ragna acknowledged his declaration of unwavering loyalty, but didn't choose to fully bind her heart to his because she didn't love him like that.

The only solace Ember had from this upsetting celebration was that Ragna was honored to have his heart, so at least she respected his choice.

"You haven't lost him, Ember," Ivis said, as he stood beside her watching the moving display. "He'll always be your best friend."

Ember nodded. "I know," she said as her eyes fell on Zivana, Ivis' wife, caring for their young child who'd just found her dragon wings and a wave of sadness washed over her. "But why do I feel so alone now?"

"You're not alone. You have a whole coven and clan who loves you and," he said, nodding to her parents who were toasting the occasion with their visiting brothers and sisters from the Poccanam covens. "Zayan has come all this way to court you, but you haven't even given him a chance."

Ember glanced over at the dark skinned phoenix with his vibrant green eyes, thick curly black hair and beautiful red wings tipped with deep blue. "That's because he didn't come here for me." She chuckled. "He only has eyes for Ragna and I think they would make a lovely couple."

Her astute observations of Ragna and Zayan were punctuated by the two joining each other in a dance around the great fire and the way they gazed at each other made Ember's heart churn with envy. Not that she had any feelings for Zayan. She just wished she could have the abundance of love offered to Ragna–specifically the love she'd garnered from Kaladin, but that would never come to pass.

Once a dragon bound his or her heart to another, it was almost like a true mate bond except the only thing that could break it was death and even then, the bond still lingered, but it didn't follow them to their next life like a true mate.

"You may be right about Ragna and Zayan," Ivis murmured. "But you're wrong about Kaladin. His heart may belong to Ragna now, but he still loves you in his own way."

Ember's heart thumped as Kaladin neared them with a brilliant smile gracing his lips, his golden red hued eyes glimmering with glee and his deep tawny arms held out to her. "Ember, my fiery songbird," he said, bowing to her. "Would you do me the honor of joining me for a dance to celebrate my pledge?"

She loved and hated the way he made her heart melt for him. "Of course I will." A smile graced her lips as she took his hands. "And I'm so happy for you," she said, squeezing his hands while her heart broke to say those words.

"Congratulations, Kaladin," Ivis said, patting a hand on his back. "May your heart serve to protect Ragna well."

"Thank you, Ivis." Kaladin beamed with pride. "I hope you don't mind me stealing Ember for a dance?"

"No, no. You two enjoy yourselves," Ivis chuckled, waving them off. "I need to give Zivana a break from our little spitfire, anyway."

Ember laughed at the little dragon spewing fire over her plate of meat and giggling as it shriveled into ash. "Aw, bless her. She takes after you."

"Yeah," Ivis said, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. "That's what I'm worried about."

"She'll be alright," Kaladin said, laughing. "Ivara will be a mighty dragon like you and Zivana."