She leans her forehead against his. Breathes in his scent. Remembers the feeling of his skin pressing against hers before she fell asleep curled up in his arms in the real world.
“You know what I think?” she asks softly.
“I have not yet mastered the ability to read your mind. Unfortunately.”
“You did pretty well reading my mind last night.”
“I find it humorous that you believe I was reading your mind. It definitely wasn’t your mind I was reading.” He steals a kiss as his words send a flush to her cheeks. “What do you think, my human princess?”
“You’ve scattered my thoughts. I have no idea what I was planning to say.”
His lips stretch into a smile. He clearly doesn’t mind having that effect on her.
But what was she about to tell him?
“Oh! I remember. I think you should grow us a hideaway suite at Darlei where we can retreat when we need some space. Something a little closer than your treehouse.”
“You do, huh?” He kisses her again. “I like that idea.”
Before she can respond, the train slows as the brakes squeal, and Cerian’s hold on her waist tightens.
“I was hoping it wouldn’t stop this time,” Cerian whispers, and she laughs.
“Ready for another adventure?”
“Once again, you seem to have me confused with Elowyn.”
“Don’t try to convince me you didn’t enjoy our last two adventures.”
His lips threaten a smile, but he holds it back. Barely.
“Trust the heartlanding?” he says, and she nods.
“Trust the heartlanding.”
With one of his adorable exaggerated sighs, he helps her stand before wrapping his warm arm around her shoulders as they meander to the back of the train.
She frowns. “You aren’t catching fire, my fire wielder.”
“It’s getting easier to control. More or less. I’m still growing warm.”
“Delightfully warm.”
He takes a slow breath beside her as they turn toward the door.
But it’s just their moonlit lake in the woods.
“I was not expecting that,” Cerian says.
“Neither was I.” She looks around warily. This seems too easy.
“Are you ready?” he asks as he drops his arm to offer her his hand.
“I suppose so.”
He steps down first, and just as his feet hit the forest floor, her hand closes around empty air, and she nearly tumbles from the train.
Stars above. He’s gone.
