“I’m not frightened for the reasons you’re probably thinking. It’s just having someone else know what I’m feeling. It’s going to take some getting used to.”
“You can feel me, too.”
My eyes widen at his words. “I can?”
Maxon chuckles, dropping his hands, and I release his wrists. “Close your eyes.”
I do as he says. I sense his movements, but keep my eyes closed. Maxon moves around me, and his breath skates over my ear as he whispers, “What are you feeling right now?”
So many things.
Rolling my shoulders, I try to concentrate. I feel content in this moment, a little nervous, but something else; I follow that feeling and a purple thread opens up in my mind. It lights a path, and I follow it to another heartbeat. Maxon . . .
I feel an overwhelming rush of protectiveness.
Chapter twenty-five
Maxon
Ihelp Everly finish dressing and lift her into my arms. The warmth of her body against mine is intoxicating, as is her floral scent, a delicate blend of roses and jasmine. Her legs wrap around my waist, her soft hands cupping my jaw, and we share a kiss. I can’t get enough of her. Every moment with her is a sensory overload, an addictive blend of desire and connection.
Pulling apart, our foreheads rest together as we catch our breath. The sun’s descent has painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, adding to the beauty of the moment. As I lean back, my fingers glide over her jaw, reveling in the delicate touch of her skin. Enraptured by her enchanting presence, I slide my fingers through the silky strands of her radiant, sun-kissed hair, captivated by its golden hue. I find myself constantly reaching out to touch her, unable to control myself. It feels like my body and soul gravitate toward her, yearning to be near.
Letting her feet touch the ground, I take her hand, our fingers intertwining. A warm, electric sensation courses through me, bringing a heightened sense of awareness between us. Smiling down at her, I run my thumb gently over her cheek, enthralled by the inviting softness of her skin.
“We should make our way back to Storm,” I murmur.
“Okay,” she replies softly.
The air feels crisp as we walk hand in hand, surrounded by a forest that teems with the melodic chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. Rays of sunlight filter through the dense canopy, casting a warm glow upon our path. As we navigate through the labyrinth of towering trees, the soft rustling of leaves underfoot harmonizes with the whispers of the wind, as if nature itself is speaking in a language beyond our comprehension. My gaze sweeps across the forest, and I notice that it seems to part, creating a clear path, as if nature itself is guiding us back to Storm.
Storm is exactly where we left him, his excitement clear when he sees us emerge from the thick foliage.
“Storm,” Everly says affectionately as she approaches.
Dropping my hand, she reaches out and runs her hands over his cheeks before stepping closer and resting her forehead on his nose. My heart thumps hard at the affection they share. Storm never takes to anyone the way he has to Everly.
I lift her onto Storm’s back and hop on behind her, grabbing hold of the reins. We begin our journey back to the castle at a steady pace. The time spent with Everly this afternoon has exceeded all of my expectations. Now, I am certain that she possesses magic. The question is, what magic?
Everly leans her back against my chest, and I soak in the feeling of her warmth. We’ve been riding peacefully for just over half an hour, but a slight disturbance in the air catches my attention. The atmosphere crackles with unease, and Storm’s hooves pound against the ground in agitation. I reach down and pat his side, letting him know I feel it, too.
My magic awakens, pulsating with a heightened sense of awareness. A delightful tingling sensation electrifies my skin, causing tiny prickles to dance across its surface. In an instant, I descend to the ground, my feet not making a sound as they land in the soft dirt. Effortlessly, I rise to my full height, my senses reaching out.
My eyes sweep across the area, taking in the sight of the forest before me. The trees begin to thin out as we approach the Fey Glade, but there is still plenty of cover for a lurker to be watching.
The forest stands still, holding its breath. Even the wind through the trees ceases to exist, leaving only an eerie silence.
“Maxon?” Everly’s whisper reaches my ears, but before I can reply, a figure emerges from the midst of the trees. Familiarity washes over me, sending a jolt of recognition pulsing through my veins.
Without hesitation, I summon my sword. The obsidian blade materializes in my hand, the embodiment of my power. Its weight is familiar in my hand, a comforting extension of myself. When I channel my magic, it emanates an aura of darkness.
I cast a quick look up at Everly as she gasps, her hands instinctively flying to her mouth, her eyes wide. My heart swells with protectiveness, a fierce urge to shield her from any harm.
"Storm, take her to safety now," I command, my voice echoing with authority.
The urgency in my words is clear, mirroring the imminent danger that hangs over us. I don’t watch her leave. I keep my gaze locked on the figure.
“Wait!" she cries, her voice filled with a mix of fear and frustration, but Storm doesn't hesitate, racing back toward the castle with lightning speed.
