That can’t be what he wants. Can’t be what the book is about. If it is, then I’m damn sure not ready to have that conversation with Zander.
“You’ll need to be ready,” he responds quietly, “and soon.”
“Stop reading my fucking thoughts!” I throw my arms up in frustration, hating those golden eyes and the way they seem to see right through me. I hate the way they stare at me in curiosity and amusement, still alluding to the fact that he knows more about me than I do myself.
Keane!
I call to the Prince internally, wanting to see a different set of eyes- playful brown ones. I need him here with me. Need him to stand next to me and this powerful Ancient with his cool and commanding presence.
I push everything I have against that feeling of want and need in my stomach, trying to mimic the tug that Keane so often does to me. It’s abroken desire, as I can’t summon, but one that still gives me hope that he will feel it.
“Your King will not come,” Hirovale shakes his head quietly.
Keane!
I push his name through that gut feeling again.
The Ancient takes a step towards me, his eyes turning serious now.
“Don’t you want to know more onwhyI want to wake my brothers and sisters, Alex?WhyI want to restore magic to the Old World?”
No,I glare at him silently,I’ve heard enough.
Hirovale tsks, his eyes narrowing when I start to reach down for the blade in my boot.
“I thought I told you no weapons, Alex.”
I scowl as yet another tendril of mist wraps around my hand. My fingers immediately still, the binding much harder this time as the Ancient continues to look at me in amusement.
“Release me, Hirovale,” I glare at him.
“Will you promise not to go for your dagger?”
“Yes,” I lie, pushing as hard as I can against the force holding my hand. The mist falters for the briefest of moments and allows my fingers to grip around the hilt of my dagger.
I smile in triumph, even though I can’t move my hand any further.
Hirovale looks at my grin in confusion and then glances down at my fingers now trying to leave my boot. His eyes widen ever so slightly before he starts to laugh in pure joy.
“Youareinteresting, Human Reborn.”
“Alexis!” Keane yells from the forest beyond.
My heart pounds in relief at the sound of his voice. I open my mouth to yell out to him but Hirovale is quickly on me, his tall frame towering over mine as his hand comes my mouth. His other reaches down for my fingers on the blade and squeezes tight until I drop the dagger on the ground.
“This isn’t how I envisioned our first meeting going, Lady,” he chuckles quietly. He presses his chest against mine, that cool feeling of contact rushing through my body again. I ignore the sensation and angle my knee straight between his legs, cursing into Hirovale’s hand when he quickly stops my movement with another laugh.
“Attacking an Ancient, Alex?” he taunts, “are you sure that’s smart?”
He grips my knee and pushes it back down, eyes dancing over mine in delight.
“Alexis!” Keane yells again, this time closer.
I push that feeling of need through my stomach with all I have.
“Askwhy, Lady. Why would I want to bring back magic to the Old World?”
“I’m human,” I mumble into his palm.
