His expression went slack, then he nodded. “I understand. It must have been difficult to keep your magic a secret.”
“It was. Yes. Especially after my parents died.”
“I'm sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.”
“Ember.” He took my hand. “I need to thankyou.”
“For what?”
“You helped me today. No one who isn't a Wraith Lord has ever helped me in battle, and you did so against the Corrupter. That was incredibly brave.”
I shrugged. “I thought it was my destiny.”
“What?”
“I know it sounds stupid, but my mother used to say I'm destined for greatness. When I saw you fighting the Corrupter, my magic rose, and I knew you were about to die.”
“What?!”
I drew my hand out of his grip and held both hands up. “It was just something I sensed. I was probably wrong, but it motivated me. I moved without thinking, just acted on instinct. But as I did, I thought that it was what I was meant to do. That perhaps I'd been given magic to save you.”
Rath blinked. “You expected to die.”
I shrugged. “You're a Wraith Lord. Your life is more important than mine.”
His hand went to my face and cupped my cheek. I looked up and our stares locked. When I said Rath was even more handsome up close, I meant it. His eyes had been striking from a distance, but with him right before me, I could see that the lavender was striped with silver and a dark purple line ringed his irises. His pupils expanded. My breath caught.
“I think your life may be very important, Ember,” Rath said. “Your mother was right. You're destined for greatness. That greatness will probably outshine mine someday.” He bent his head and brought his forehead to mine. “But thank you for saving my life.”
I could barely breathe so it took me a few tries to form words, “You're welcome.”
“Hey, are you done yet?” Nex asked as he entered the bedroom. “Oh. Right. I'll just wait outside.”
Rath stepped back, his lips twitching, and took my pack. After hooking it over his shoulder, he held his hand out to me. “Let's get you somewhere safe, little spark.”
Feeling as if I were in a dream, I took the Wraith Lord's hand and let him lead me outside.
Chapter Three
“You're gonna what?!” I let go of Rath's hand and backed away.
“How did you think we were going to take you to the Emperor?” Nex asked.
“Ididn'tthink about it.”
“Ember, it's not painful,” Rath said. “Just close your eyes. I promise you won't feel much.”
“You sound like my last lover,” I joked.
Nex burst out laughing.
Rath's lips twitched as well. “I was going to add, it will be over in a few seconds, but that doesn't seem appropriate now.”
Nex's laughter increased in volume before Rath finished.
“What exactly happens when you guys wraith-out?” I asked.
