Letting his consciousness wrap around hers, he stroked them higher as he whispered to her intimately. She reciprocated, making every cell in his body come alive. Flames raged over him, a mix of heat, passion, and pure golden soul.
A shower of sparks lit up the dark space, raining down gloriously around Celina. Blue flames of his own joined her gold, the colors intensifying to a brilliant hue until they exploded like lightning in the darkness, joining them together in an ancient, primal way that fed the depths of his soul and inextricably tightened the weave of their bond.
Burying his head in her neck, he whispered her name over and over, like a talisman. His enchantress. His healing light. Connected through their soul-bond, he felt the promise of eternity singing in harmony between them, certain nothing would ever feel the same again.
Chapter 19
Villagesandfarmsdottedthe area as they headed toward the southeast border of Eldridge. By midday, rolling hills and thin wooded areas had transformed into large, draping trees and low-lying foliage. The air had thickened with unfamiliar green scents that teased his senses to distraction. Rodric breathed a sigh of relief as the small town of Stillwater came into view, a life-size version of the imagery on their map.
Hang on, Brenna, we’re coming.Pride swelled as he looked at his comrades. They were an unusual but very cohesive team. Sev and Cass had developed a strong bond since the battle, and Sev was clearly happy to be working with them, shadowing Cass as often as he rode beside Rodric.
For the first time, he was filled with a wave of confidence that they would indeed be able to accomplish the mission he’d set out on.We’re going to succeed.
Majestic mountains loomed in the distance to the south, heralding the even greater change in terrain in that direction. These were dark with green and wildlife, a hint of the wild jungles and rainforests that lay on the other side of the mountain range. The town was large enough to have a tiny inn, and they’d decided to take the opportunity to stay indoors.
“Let’s get settled at the inn, then split up and do some searching. Listen, be friendly, see if we can pick anything from the local gossip.” Cass drummed her fingers on her thigh, the only agitation she showed.
“Once we’re settled someplace quiet, I’ll seek Connor again.” Celina had been able to confirm they were continuing to head in the right direction each time she checked, her connection to her brother growing stronger the closer they got.
“No. You’re nearly falling over in your saddle.” Rodric reached over to touch her knee. “You can try after you’ve rested. Checking now or later won’t change anything. We’re staying overnight no matter what.”
“Alright. I admit, I’m looking forward to a real bed tonight.” Celina smiled, her eyes sparkling with a touch of heat despite the lines of exhaustion marring her beautiful face.
“Me too.” He was usually as comfortable out in the woods as he was in a real room with a bed, but he’d never before had a lover traveling with him.
Scattered thunderstorms in addition to the recent healing had her waking frequently during the night, startling from upsetting dreams and worries. While it hurt him to see her suffering, it had also deepened their bond, providing opportunities for them to trust and share, holding each other close through the cold nights.
She hadn’t let up on the magic either, insisting on giving him lessons each night. He was slowly adjusting to the shock of his new reality, but he was still far from comfortable with the changes to his life. To himself. Celina was unfailingly patient with him. So much so he’d seen Cass giving her reprimanding looks that insinuated her tactic should be more along the lines of knocking him upside the head.
Argumentative tones drew him out of his reverie, and he smirked, recognizing the increasingly common sound of Cass and Sev’s flirtatious banter. Celina gave him an amused look as they listened to their companions bicker upon their final approach to the town’s walls.
“Cassia, you can’t hide the fact that you’re a ferocious warrior. Let me do the talking.” Sev had been using her full name ever since he learned it and seemed to enjoy teasing the warrior until she growled at him. Cass was always smiling afterward though and seemed to be enjoying their new friendship.
“Preddari travel alone, not in groups. You stand out just as much as I do right now,Sevryn.”
“By all means,shimira,call me by my name anytime.”
“Did you just refer to me as a mythical female leopard?” Cass asked, incredulous.
“I did indeed.” Sev grinned. “You may be a Wolflumen, but you share many qualities with the leopardess of legend. It suits you.”
Cass eyed him as if she wasn’t sure whether she wanted to claw him or kiss him. Sniffing, she kicked her horse and veered in front of Sev just before the town’s entrance. Laughing, Sev drew up next to her, still grinning like a fool.
Celina turned to Rodric as they followed at a more sedate walk. “They’re ridiculous.”
“True. But on the plus side, no one is going to so much as glance at us with those two around.”
Stillwater Village, Realm of Eldridge
RodrickeptCelinacloseas they wandered the square, listening and searching for evidence of Connor passing through. Her arm wound around his waist, lips brushing against his neck under his ear whenever she wanted to tell him something. Each brush of her breath heated his skin. They were the perfect picture of a traveling couple to anyone watching, and it wasn’t even a ruse.
Market stalls were filled with necessities and colorful items from neighboring realms, as well as Eldridge. Vendors and families bustled about, eager to finish their business before the day’s end.
Supplies replenished and a dozen questions later, he was about ready to call it a night. After weeks traveling in the quiet of nature, the shock of noise and chaos around them grated on his nerves as it always did when he returned to civilization.
A soft sound of distress had him gripping Celina tightly. “That’s the second time you’ve stumbled. I’m calling it, we’re heading back before I have to carry you.” He kissed her temple. “Not that I’d mind, but we’re supposed to be keeping a low profile.”
Sighing, she gave in. “You’re probably right. I just wish we’d found something useful.”
