His hands, raised. His expression, pleading. Well, as much as his handsome, rugged facecanlook pleading. There’s an edge in his eyes, something harsh and desperate, the same look he gave me when I left him in the Middle.
His crimson gaze locks with mine, as if he can see me even through the spell, and I’m rooted in place. That’s impossible, though. He can’t see through this spell.
At least, I don’t think he can.
“How did you—”
“Look down.”
Beneath our feet, the ground is littered with plant matter and dead vines.
“An impressive bit of magick,” Callum murmurs. “But it didn’t account for the way your feet would move the earth.”
I kick my foot out slightly, watching the way the detritus moves with it.
Damn it. He’s right.
Still…
For him to have noticed that at all, he’d have to have been observant as hell.
Or maybe he’s just feeling what I’m feeling.
A stirring of magick. A tug in the center of the chest. A tether drawing us closer to each other.
It probably led him straight to me.
“Can you drop the spell?”
Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt, considering that the jig is up. Besides, most of the hunters have either passed through the Veil or are heading into the wilds of Faerie to start their search. We’re mostly alone here, and I’ve got a sneaking suspicion Callum would put himself between me and anyone who tried anything, anyway.
Another shot of… something, in the bottom of my belly, the center of my chest. Something warm and swimmy, something that might not mind seeing all those muscles and the ridiculously large sword at his hip put to use defending me.
Goddess, I need to get a handle on myself.
I drop the spell.
As soon as I do, Callum’s expression relaxes. His shoulders loosen and his crimson eyes go softer, somehow, more molten fire than cold rubies. Behind him, his long black tail twitches, loosens, shifts from side to side and scatters leaves in its wake.
“Hello,” he says, and his voice is different, too.
Warmer, content, like just seeing me has soothed something in him.
I don’t return the greeting.
“Fair day in Faerie, isn’t it?” he asks, and I snort a laugh.
“Really?” A pointed glance at the awful red of the sky. “You stopped me to talk about the weather?”
“No. I stopped you because the last time we parted, you left me paralyzed by your magick.”
“You survived.”
“Aye. I did.” The corner of his mouth quirks up into a wry smile. “Any more binding spells I should know about? Or perhaps one that would knock me senseless so you could make another bold escape?”
My hand twitches toward my pocket, and Callum’s keen eyes take notice immediately.
He tenses.
