There was one, however, that stood out above all others.
The tension in my face lifted as I came to a conclusion, a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth. With a breath, I closed my eyes and spread my palms open and to the sides, concentrating on the overwhelming joy I’d felt when Torin asked me to marry him. It was unexpected, but not unwanted, and I let that excitement fill me completely.
“That’s it, Ellowyn,” Lex said, voice more slurred than I’d ever heard. “Justlike that.”
I opened my eyes to see bright pools of gold in each of my palms, shining brighter than even the sun. A quick glance showed glazed looks and dopey smiles, my Pleasure Magic potent enough to put everyone present in a deep state of relaxation.
“Really good to be able to separate sexual pleasure from emotion, too,” Ilyas remarked with a large, dazed smile.
I giggled at their reactions, focusing on Torin, who wore the widest, most brilliant grin. His body was languid and relaxed, leaning against a fence post while his head rested on Peytor’s shoulder.
Slowly, I retracted my magic, rescinding the Pleasure I’d released into the air enough so everyone could function once more.
Torin let out a “whoop” once my power had faded completely, and a proud smile lifted the corners of my mouth.
“That,” Lex said, eyes connecting with mine once more. “Thatwas perfect.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Peytor
Igrumbled and growled the whole way from the training grounds, up the salt-weathered exterior stone steps, into the foyer, and up the interior staircase that led to mine and Folami’s room. Though this time, I added a heftyslamof my boot with each step.
I wasn’t stomping—I wasn’t a toddler—but my frustration and rapidly building insecurities were ruling my emotions more often than not lately, causing my actions to bleed more toward my basic instincts.
At Torin’s behest, I’d left the stables and joined him at the training grounds today to watch him and my sister train. The horses were my safe place right now, the calm in the storm of my riotous emotions, and dragging myself out of their nearly pristine stalls was a feat in and of itself.
But for my friend and sister, I figured I could muster enough courage and energy to show my support.
Little did I know that Lex, Ilyas,andFolami would also be joining.
Granted, nearly half of our army appeared at some point or another to watch Ellowyn and Torin wield their powers. Even I was in awe throughout their demonstrations, drawn by their absolute command and seemingly endless wells. As an unBonded Vessel, I doubted I’d ever know that kind of raw power. My well wasn’t very deep to begin with, and Air Vessels were the most common in Elyria.
Never mind the fact that I was hopelessly in love with a Pain Vessel and was developing unwanted feelings for a Pleasure Vessel andhim.
I growled again, slamming the door to our room with unnecessary force at just the thought of Lex.
There he was, charming as ever, cozying up to Ilyas and Folami, as if it was already a forgone conclusion that she would join his little harem.
Perhaps it was—maybe fighting the call of a True Bond was too difficult, maybe he’d won her over with his wit and compassionate nature.
Gods knew I was already halfway in love with him, and he wasn’t eventryingto seduce me.
And maybe that was my biggest problem with everything. It wasn’t that he was trying to take Folami from me—our bond was deeper than that, and I knew she’d nevertrulyleave me. She’d simply find a way to split herself into multiple parts, just to please the ones she loved.
No—maybe my problem was that Lex knew of Folami’s and my shared history. Knew without a shred of doubt that our relationship would continue despite her call as his True Bond and, despite that knowledge, he still only focused on her, leaving me without.
I’m being selfish, I admonished as I paced the bedroom floor, a second activity that I found myself participating in more often than not.
This wasn’t me—I wasn’t this crazed, jealous human. I had morals and scruples, I was compassionate and soft, not this ugly, twisted version of myself.
I need time away, time to think.
As soon as the thought came to me, it fled as the door opened, soft voices spilling in from the hallway as Folami said goodbye to Lex and Ilyas.
Instantly, my hackles rose again, that gnawing monster in my chest growing louder as I watched Folami’s face transform from one of pure bliss to one of caution.
Gods,Iput that expression there.Ichanged that for her.
