Eleven
Of course we didn’t land back into our bodies. That would be far too easy. We were right back where we started, trapped underground.
“Did you mean to do this?” Rowan asked.
“Yes,” I snapped. “I love it here, trapped underground.”
The Lord chuckled. “Sorry. I just assumed we’d land back in our bodies.”
“Again, fate adores me. It’s a whole schtick we have going on. I do something normal, the universe intervenes and screws everything up.”
Rowan, still holding onto me, laughed against my hair. “How do we get back up?”
“Technically, we’re already there. This,” I said, waving a hand at our bodies, “is similar to an astral projection.” I sighed and laid my head back against his chest. “I’m exhausted, Rowan. I may not be able to get us back up there for a while.”
“No problem,” he said. “Want to take a nap?”
I really, really did.
“I’m serious.” His voice rumbled against my back. “We don’t have anywhere else to be. You’re tired. I’m tired, though understandably less than you. Let’s take a nap.”
I thought about it. Until I was powered back up, we were stuck here. “Usually, I pass out after using too much magic. Today, I’m just tired. It’s kind of nice, actually.”
“Did you siphon enough?”
I flexed my magic and felt the pull of exhaustion but not a burnout. The well was still there, but it was almost empty. “I did.” My eyes grew heavy. “A short nap. That’s all. I promise.”
“A short nap,” he agreed.
“Mmm,” I said and sank into Rowan.
I awokein a cocoon of roses and thick and twisted bramble, the heady scent of roses tickling my nose. Something warm wrapped around me. I blinked the sleep away and shoved my hair out of my eyes.
A few things quickly became evident.
We were back in our bodies.
My clothes were gone.
The something warm wrapped around me was very male, very naked, and very Rowan.
I froze. Next time I did this, I was going in alone. If I kept waking up naked with men, I was going to get a reputation.
Rowan stirred, the heavy arm locked around my waist tightening for a moment. I knew the second he came to awareness.
“Evie?” his voice rumbled against my ear.
“Yes. Don’t panic. We’re safe. This is…somewhat normal.”
“If this is normal, I’d like to do this every single day.”
A surprised laugh bubbled from me. “Rogue.”
He made no move to let go of me. “How long until this thing opens up?”
“Soon. There’s no real way to tell.”
“We’re trapped in here?”
