“Tonight’s magical.” Our eyes locked, and the intensity in his gaze stole my breath.
He spun me out, the skirt of my gown flaring like moonlight, before pulling me back into his embrace. His arm tightened around me, our bodies pressing close, and the steady beat of his heart against his chest matched my own as if they were destined to beat in sync forever.
“You're mine, Reyla,” The possessive edge in his voice sent a thrill flashing through me. “Every dance, every moment, every breath. Don’t forget.”
I looked up at him, my heart bruising against my ribs. His eyes held a promise, a future filled with emotion and passion. Itterrified me, this falling, this letting go. But it also exhilarated me, like I was jumping from a great height, trusting that he would catch me below.
“And you're mine.” I surrendered to the inevitable.
His lips curved into a smile, triumphant and tender all at once. “Neverforget.”
The dance ended, and we remained on the ballroom floor, waiting for the next song to begin. When the head of his guard caught his eye from the edge of the dance floor, Merrick gestured for him to approach. Leaning near, he nodded as he listened to what his guard had to say.
Merrick turned back to me, his expression serious, and his eyes softening with regret. “I'm sorry. I have to leave for a moment.” He leaned down, pressing a swift kiss to my mouth before turning and disappearing through a door on the right side of the ballroom along with his guards.
The music swelled again, and couples stepped out onto the smooth floor, soon swirling around me.
I drifted over to a table set up with light snacks and a bowl of punch. I took a glass from one of the staff, finding the drink too sweet for my palate. After taking a few sips, I handed it to a different staff member and turned to watch everyone dance.
As the moments stretched out, Merrick didn't return.
The crowd buzzed around me, their conversations a dull roar in my ears. I needed a break from the noise and the constant scrutiny of the court. Slipping away, I escaped out onto the balcony.
The sun had set, and moonlight filtered through wispy clouds, casting silvery beams on the flowerbeds below. Theforest beyond seemed to stretch forever, the trees swaying gently, their leaves whispering secrets I wished I could hear.
Far in the distance, a dragon flew. Or I thought it did. I could be mistaken.
I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes and letting the cool breeze glide over me.
Someone came up behind me, and I glanced back to see the familiar red tunic and silver raven mask.
“There you are.” I smiled at Merrick, extending my hand to him.
He took it and joined me, pressing his body against mine from behind, his arms wrapping around me, his hands meshing with mine holding the rail.
He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. “Will you also dance with me, Wildfire?”
A tremor ripped through my core, and my pulse fluttered with both anticipation and dismay.
I gaped up to find hunger blazing in Lore's eyes.
55
LORANT
Icraved Reyla like no other. This ache within me had turned into a relentless beast, clawing at my insides every moment she wasn't near. I hated that I couldn't be with her always. Hated even more that she was spending time with Merrick. It was his right, I knew that, but knowing didn’t make the burn any easier to bear.
Reyla trembled, but I could smell her desire, the sweet, intoxicating scent that had captured me from the moment I met her. Every bit of my body pressed against hers, and the tension between us churned, a storm waiting to break. It was all I could do not to turn her around and claim her mouth with mine. Claim whatever else she might offer.
“You’ve been avoiding me, Wildfire,” I snarled into her ear, my breath hot against her skin. “I waited for you the past few nights. Every damn night in that tower, and you did not come.”
She stiffened in my arms. “You sent word that you were busy.”
“I. Did. Not. I waited and waited and . . . “
And I’d despaired.
“Maybe I didn’t want to see you.” Her voice came out sharp, but I could hear the undertone of longing there, the same one that was snarling along my spine.
