“But not helpful?”Cass chuckled, making Daya laugh morosely as she shook her head.“Mmm.Well, maybe you’re leaving out something significant.Maybe he wants the same thing.Feels the same way you do.”
Could that be possible?Had she changed personas as well, becoming someone different to him?The shift was subtler than his, but she couldn’t deny it.
Determination came over her.He was leaving in the morning, for good.She would never again see the man she loved.Who under other circumstances, she was certain, would have melded with her as her soul-bound mate.Tomorrow, she would say goodbye.Tonight, she wanted to feel her heart beat in sync with his once more.
“Watch over everyone for me?”she asked.
“Absolutely,” Cass vowed.“Go.”
Unclasping her guardian robe, Daya placed on the altar behind her that still held the jars of herbs and other natural elements she’d used during the ceremony.Nodding her thanks to Cass, she moved around the dancers and came up behind Connor.
Looping her arms around his neck, she leaned over him.He looked up at her questioningly.“Raiden,” she said softly.
A spark lit his eyes as he tilted his head back for a kiss.She met him fiercely, dropping her stoicism to give him honesty.Her hand traced his jaw and throat gently as she urged him to deepen the kiss.
Too soon, he pulled back, but the fire emanating from him remained in his eyes.The same look he’d been giving her for months before things became so complex.He immediately passed her father’s lute to the young refugee boy, Holt, who’d been sitting with him.Standing, he took her hand and led her away from the others without even a glance.
Moving across the clearing, he headed toward the small grove of weeping trees that bordered one side of the lake.The large, sweeping boughs blocked out the sight of the guardian sanctum and the gleam of the fire they’d left behind.It was dark and hidden, giving them a moment of protection from the dawn and all that would come with it.
Resolve lit Connor’s features as he framed her face with strong hands, his features barely visible in the shadows.“I love you, Dayanara.I’m sorry.So sorry I can’t be what you need.Can’t stay with you forever.”
She pressed her fingers to his mouth to quiet him.“Not a word about what comes.Just give me you.One more night.”She was terrified saying the words that sang in her heart would tear her to pieces, so she held them back.
“One more night,” he promised.
His lips brushed her fingers with kisses before he pulled her into his arms.His warmth blanketed her as he began to show her how deeply he felt.Wrapping her arms around him, she let him lift her and press her back to a wide tree trunk.She arched forward to meet him, matching his desire with her own.
Sweet, heart-wrenching kisses interspersed those of deep passion, making her tremble with emotion.Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them away.She’d have years, centuries, to grieve the loss of her mate.Tonight, Raiden was here, and he was hers.
Chapter 21
Themorningrosebeautifulas it was devastating as Daya walked with Connor and Veda down to the far side of the lake.She’d felt almost intrusive to their time, but Connor had insisted they all take a walk together.
The group was set to leave before midday, having already lingered dangerously long with so many young mages.They didn’t know if any mercenaries remained in the area or might come searching for the crew they’d killed at the fortress.
Though she was elated that Veda had chosen to stay, she felt her heart breaking alongside Connor’s.He knelt before the girl now in the tall grass, smiling gently at her, emotion flooding his eyes.
Tears tracked down Veda’s cheeks as she threw her arms around Connor.“I don’t want you to go.”
“I know, sweetie.”He held her tightly and let her cry.
Daya’s heart broke as she watched them.Would Veda ever forgive her for Connor leaving?She turned away, hand pressed to her heart as she looked out over the tranquil lake.Inside, her emotions spun in turmoil.
“I need you to do something for me.”Connor’s soft voice drew her back.“After we’re gone, and you meet Neka, I need you to give her a hug for me and tell her I said goodbye.”
“Who is Neka?”Veda’s brows dipped in confusion as she pulled back and wiped her eyes.
“The best hide and seek partner ever.”Connor smiled, but his eyes remained solemn.“She’s one of Daya’s animal companions, but she’s been hiding because of all the people.I bet she’ll become your best friend.She was mine, while I was here.Hug her whenever you’re missing me.”
“Why can’t you stay?Or come back?”
“I’ll always come for you if you need me, Veda,” Connor’s tone made the words a decisive vow.“Send for me, and I’ll be here.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.Being your soul-guardian doesn’t end just because we’re far apart,” he assured her.“You’re going to be just fine with Daya, but my heart will always be with you.With both of you.”
“What are you going to do when you get home?”
