Page 141 of Emperor of Rage

How are you? Neck deep in work? Feels like forever since we chatted.

I smile as I type a reply.

Me

Lol. Actually, not work…

I hesitate. Part of me wants to spill everything—to tell her about the storm, the wild night, how Mal makes me feel like I’m both invincible and on the edge of falling in the most amazing way.

But that’s not really my style, and besides, how do you even explain something like that? It’s too raw, too... private.

Cain

This sounds juicy

Me

Lol. Let’s just say I had a great night. Did something reckless that ended up being super fun.

Cain

Ooo, cryptic! Love it! Reckless how?

I smile at the curiosity behind her words but decide to keep my answer vague. I mean, spilling personal things to Annika is onething. She’s like a sister. Cain, much as I have come to like her, is not.

Me

It involved water, wind, and a serious adrenaline rush.

There’s a pause. I picture Cain sitting at her laptop, working on some obscure project or hacking into a system just for fun. A moment later, her reply pops up.

Cain

Riding the wave of chaos, huh? Gotta respect that energy.

It’s followed by a wave emoji.

Me

You have no idea how accurate that is right now.

Cain

Wait seriously?? You actually went surfing??!

Me

Girl, I thought I was going to DROWN. But it was soooo much fun.

Cain

So cool! I’ve always wanted to try. Too scared though, lol!

Me

That was me! But I got convinced. Guess I’m living recklessly these days.

Cain