Whistling wind. He forgot all about Elowyn.
I’ll Never Let You Fall
Episode 60
“Elowynwillbeallright,” Arisanna says when a wild look of fear fills Cerian’s eyes. “Rominy won’t let anything happen to her.”
Swallowing, Cerian nods, and Arisanna sits up to give him room to join her at the edge of the bed in his little treehouse.
She hands him his knapsack and looks into his eyes. “This food is for you. I’ll be fine.”
“What?”
“We’re going to a Nunian city full of unfamiliar people and unfamiliar technology, Cerian.”
This will be a struggle for him. And the cloud that settles over his gaze only confirms it.
“You need to be at your best, or this will be even harder for you,” she continues. “I’ll be fine.”
He shakes his head. “There’s enough to share.”
“There isn’t, and you know it. You need your plant magic to get us out of the tree.” She trails her fingers down his warm cheek. He could probably climb down without magic if he were alone. But he’s not.
“Just eat a little?” he whispers. “For me?”
He looks so desperate, between his worry about Elowyn and his fear of returning to Feressa and his concern for her.How did she ever imagine he was hard and unlikable? He’s so full of fears that he hides behind these walls of his to protect his soft heart.
Their eyes lock, and eventually she nods. If it will help him survive this day, she’ll humor him. “Just a little.”
While he replaces his boots, she nibbles on the nuts and dried berries Cook sent—enough for him to see her eating something while she drops food into his mouth.
“That’s enough for now,” he says softly. “Thank you.”
Soon, they’re out on the platform, and he clears his throat. “I need to let off some heat. Before I...bind us together.”
His cheeks have taken on a pink tinge, and she holds back a smile. “You don’t need to be embarrassed, Cerian. I promise. You’re safe with me.”
Breathing out slowly, he nods, and she watches while he burns through his fire. So much fire. He must be running hot this morning. Not that it’s any wonder after their time in the hot springs. Even she heats at the memory of his hands on her back and his lips pressing kisses to her jaw and neck.
Eventually, his flames fade, and he steps toward her. “Ready?”
“To be tied up with my elven prince? I think I’ll manage.” She tries not to betray her terror at the flying-through-the-air part as she steps toward him.
“Closer,” he whispers, and she takes another step. “Closer.” His lips tilt up in a half smile as she presses herself against him. “Closer.”
“I can’t get any closer,” she laughs.
Then he presses his hand into her back, and every part of her melds against him.
Stars above. He’s solid.
“Ready?” he asks.
Gulping, she nods, and his magic vines reappear, lashing them together.
“You like this part, don’t you?” she says.
He only hesitates for a moment. “I want nothing between us, remember?”
