His mother narrowed her eyes, as Orion anticipated. “Is that the only reason you are staying?”
“There are no entertainments in Wiltshire, and my family is here.” Then he looked to his first cousin once removed. “Though I may reconsider. How much control do you have, Ianthe.” She was just coming into her powers, which could be quite disastrous for those who were in too close a proximity to her. “What chance do I have of you turning Pierce into a frog?”
Ianthe giggled. “I do not know how to do so,” her grin widened, and Ianthe’s eyes twinkled with merriment. “Yet!”
“It will be good to have you here,” Aunt Cassandra announced.
“Yes, all of us enjoying Nightshade Manor will be pleasant.” His mother studied him with an arched eyebrow.
He never could fool her, but now he must, because he had every intention of returning to the sacred grove and finding the red-headed lady.
This was the first time that Nina was unable to enjoy her book. She read every day, often finishing a book the same day she began it or the next day. It was the only way that she could experience the rest of the world.
Today was different because her mind was on Orion Drakos.
Oh, she knew that she should forget him, but she could not.
She had even dreamed of him last night. She held out her arms and called to him. He seemed to want to come to her, but he couldn’t, as if something was holding him back.
There was anguish in his brown eyes as he reached out. Still, she called, but he did not come and then she was awake.
What did it all mean?
Nina rarely had such vivid dreams, so it must mean something.
Did she want him, or did she want to be free? Maybe it was both, though it was foolish to entertain either possibility. He lived in his world, and she would always remain in the sacred grove.
Nina wasn’t certain what she wanted but a new friend would have been welcomed. A new friend that was an adult, that is, though she had enjoyed her conversations with Nephele.
It wasn’t that she was lonely, because Nina did have friends among the nereids and dryads, but she was different from them.
She glanced up as the trees began to rustle even though there was little wind today.
Were the dryads warning her?
Was there danger in the grove?
Slowly she stood and glanced around, doing a circle within the folly, looking in all directions, and then he stepped out from the path that she had fled down yesterday.
Orion Drakos had returned.
Her heart pounded with excitement and trepidation. He should not be here, but she wanted him to be.
“Where did you come from?” She would have seen him earlier if he had entered the grove in the same manner as he had yesterday.
“The grotto.”
How did he even know there was a path from the grotto?
Nina shook her head. It did not matter. “You are not supposed to be here.”
“So I have been told by you and my mother.”
“Then why are you here?” she demanded with forced bravado.
“I would like to ask you the same question.”
“It is my home.”
