Free Set In Sparks (Morningstars Book 2) by Sam Destiny

left of Maya to bury but the clothes she had worn and pure fury because life had taken from him what he loved most, but most of all anger towards his twin for not having made it right.
    “Good,” Lex whispered and Jaden still heard it. “Now imagine saving your brother’s Origin, bonding with her the way you are bonded with Maya, even while she constantly tells you that she’s choosing your brother. Can you see yourself wanting your brother to be alive and happy so much that you step back and live with your own pain? Watch those two together all the time, watch their love bloom because you loved them both so much and you figured two people happy was better than none? That is what Kaden is going through.”
    Jaden roared in anger. He hated people that talked logic and he hated that Lex was privy to his thoughts because there was no lying to either of them that way. “Why didn’t she pick Kaden then?” It was probably the only thing he really wanted to know. He couldn’t afford to be mad at everyone for knowing their secret because he needed friends, or at least people he could trust.
    “Maybe you should go and ask her about that,” Lex suggested and Jaden felt pain piercing him, not sure if it was himself or Maya’s feelings. As it was, he wanted to draw her up against his body and never let go again, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to handle the rejection.
    “Oh boy, you really don’t know Maya at all,” Lex groaned from where he stood and Jaden turned back to him.
    “She misses you. When I say your name, her emotions spike. She used to trust you. I need you to…” Jaden shrugged, not knowing how to end that sentence. He just wanted someone to be with her in case Kaden checked out again.
    A dark chuckle made its way past his lips as he realized that without Kaden’s little problem, he might still not know. “Life sucks sometimes,” he mumbled and Lex nodded, worry written all over his warrior brother’s face. There was so much Jaden should be telling the others, plans they should make to find out what was wrong with Kaden, but for one night the world had to wait, he decided.
    “Go. Eternity doesn’t end tonight,” Lex agreed and Jaden shrugged. Sadly it doesn’t , he thought darkly, knowing deep down that he didn’t really mean it.

    Ryder made sure to keep his hands in his pockets so no one could see how he fisted them in anger. If he wouldn’t know it better, he’d say Cany’s mother was afraid of her own daughter. The fire he so enjoyed in Cany was almost extinguished and Ryder had a mind to grab the girl and kiss her until fury made her return to her own self.
    “At the Queen's behest, I have come to personally deliver your invitation to the Royal Masquerade. I would be most happy to convey your response to Her Majesty. Of course, you may wish to first consult your calendar of engagements to ensure your availability. Still, we would be delighted to welcome you in the mansion that night. It is still some months in the future, but I know you prefer to be notified far enough in advance to make adequate preparations.” The little courtier sat straight, as if she suddenly had a stick up her ass and even though she usually was a stiff, Ryder had noticed how she let lose more often. Cany had stopped wearing dresses every day and she smiled a lot more. He was even sure he had heard her curse. Her happiness made him smile as well.
    “Can your guard please sit down?” Cany’s mother asked and Ryder wondered if he had missed it, then he realized that Cany’s mother never even had the decency to introduce herself.
    “Ryder, remember?” he growled. He had told her his name the moment he had stood behind Cany on the steps leading to the door. He’d been furious because no child should bow to their mother. Ever.
    Cany stiffened at the tone of his voice and Ryder moved closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. He had meant to be reassuring. Instead, he felt how she tensed even more, making him worry