The Three Who Chose Me

Josie

The early light creeping through the curtains nudged me awake. My head throbbed dully, the kind of headache that came with too many emotions and too little sleep. I stirred under the covers, groaning quietly as I turned my head—and that was when I saw him.

Varen.

He was still standing by the window, arms folded across his chest, the faintest hint of concern carved into the sharp lines of his face. His gaze wasn’t on anything in particular—it just floated somewhere in the distance, lost in thought. The fact that he was still here, that he hadn’t left me alone through the night, made something warm twist in my chest.

I sighed, pushing the covers back slightly, trying to sit up despite the pulsing in my skull. My movement must have startled him because he turned instantly and rushed to my side, kneeling by the bed with his hand already reaching for my shoulder.

"Hey, easy," he murmured. "You’re awake. Are you okay? You need anything?"

I blinked at him through the sleepiness, my voice raspy as I said, "I can’t believe you actually stayed back... for me."

His hand stayed firm but gentle on my shoulder. "There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Josie. I love you that much. Everything’s going to be fine."

The sincerity in his voice broke something loose inside me. I couldn’t hold it back anymore. Tears slipped silently down my cheeks as I nuzzled closer to him, burying my face in the space between his neck and shoulder. He smelled like cedarwood and something darker, like firewood after the rain. Safe. Strong.

"Why can’t your brothers be like you?" I whispered into his skin, my words trembling. "You’re not faking it. You really care."

He pulled me tighter into his embrace. "I’m angry with Kiel too," he admitted quietly. "Trust me, I am. But... maybe when you’re calmer, you could try hearing him out. Just once. Not because he’s my brother, but because I know what you two had. I saw it. It was real, Josie. Don’t let it all die like this."

I stiffened slightly. I could feel him watching me as I slowly pulled away and looked up at him, my eyes still swimming.