Makt.
When Aura looks down into the pit of the girl, curled on her side, she feels a pang of grief that she was innocent in all this. She didn’t deserve to be possessed by Makt or murdered by Calder.
But was his icy touch murder or mercy? Makt sent their souls to the Abyss before the Iss Drengr relieved them of their mortal bodies.
She kneels at the foot of the child’s grave, her palms turned upward.Hail to the earth that accepts this child's mortal body, and may your roots welcome them to your eternal slumber.
After covering their bodies using the earth elemental, she trudges to the dock, where she spots two faint disturbances along the ground. She deduces the ancient word for son in frosted runes and realizes she is looking at Calder’s child’s final resting place—the boy who would have been a couple of years younger than Aura.
Would they have met had this tragedy not occurred?
She shivers, unable to shake the horror that transpired in this village. Yet, she still holds the Jarl of Kaldrgataness in the highest esteem.
She has just perched along the edge of the pier when she hears his heavy boots thunk along the decking before he sits beside her, looking out on the Bay of Souls.
“Lavinia manipulated you. She and Makt punished your son because you told her no.” She whispers. “We will destroy her and Makt once and for all.”
Calder’s finger traces her jaw before gripping her chin. “You are an exceptional woman. Most see me as the Iss Drengr–a demon wrought from the Abyss. But when you look at me, I feel like myself for the first time in ages.”
She rests a hand on his thigh, searching his eyes and feeling only comfort and reassurance, for he has fully embraced her, in all her parts. His other hand gently caresses her cheek, sending a shock through her body as he pulls her face close to his.
Her breathing quickens as Calder’s beard brushes against her chin. He holds her tightly, and his lips find hers in a passion that ignites lightning within her core. She gasps, her lips parting as she inhales his tantalizing breath, savoring his intimacy. Her hands clutch his cuirass, yearning to offer all she can to him.
Yet, she still pulls away gently. “I shall not be the reason you lose control.”
He lifts her waist and settles her in his lap so she straddles him. With a growl that vibrates her entire body, he whispers, “I refuse to suffer another day in which you are beyond my touch.”
And then he devours her lips like a man starved.
24
CALDER
September 30th, Year 21, 10th Era
Kaldrgataness, Skalor
The way her lips felt against mine was utter perfection. Her taste transported me to the only place I have ever felt at home.
The dimming daylight of Skalor’s seemingly cursed early winter forces Calder and Aura to return to Kaldrgataness just as he was about to throw her back against the pier and finally ravage her body.
When I take her, it will not be after burying my ghosts.
Night has long fallen over the country as they ride into the quiet town. He pulls on the reins and peers around the deserted street.
“It is too quiet.” He dismounts and lifts the Princess off her horse.
Her shoulder brushes against his chest, and her gaze warily assesses their surroundings as they tread toward the longhouse.
“The shop owners should be closing up right now.” He inhales a deep breath and releases a low growl.
Every storefront and home is already closed off for the evening. Not even a stray cat or hound wanders along the dirt streets.
The air grows colder as the tension in him builds.
Calder's touch along her lower back moves to her side, hugging her against him as they approach the longhouse. He pauses at the entrance to press his ear against the intricate knots carved into the barn-style doors.
The sound of boots marching behind them draws their attention to a group of guards, adorned with a large snowflake emblazoned on their chests.
