I’d been doing very well with that in other aspects when it came to Ruxnoth.
Besides, the way this was gonna go down—on my terms—no physical contact would actually be needed.
It would just be exhilarating for him if it happened that way. He’d get to briefly feel the full force of my power against his. For a power whore that was the ultimate rush.
Ruxnoth thrust his coat out behind him and Ansel rushed forward, all that bulk and muscle barely contained beneath his robe, his white buzz cut standing out against the dark blue. He gave Ruxnothheart-eyesand took his coat reverently, and as he slipped back into formation at the wall, he flashed me a death stare.
Death stare. To me. That was beyond ironic.
“Winter, see to it,” Ruxnoth ordered, pulling up short on stepping into the actual stream of power when he saw I was still fully clothed.
Hmm.
I stared at him as I shoved up the sleeves of my hoodie to just above my biceps.
Then left it at that.
His eyes narrowed.
“You want to finally do this, or not?” I rubbed my hands together, feigning excitement. “Personally, I can’t fucking wait. It’s gonna be a rush unlike any other.” I looked over at him, the confusion plaguing his features.Good.“Then we can finalizeour partnership, raising Sanctus carefully without harming or conquering, or wasting resources, yes?”
“Yes. As per our agreement.”
He had an ace poker face. I had to give him that.
“And why I gifted you with all that lovely healing of those nasty veins hurting you, hmm? That was one of the conditions I laid down, right?”
“Yes, Winter, I recall it very well.”
“Good. Then we’re on the same page going into this.” I pressed my hand over my heart. “Now that’s cleared up, I’m fully at peace doing this. That was my last little doubt. Now erased by your reassurances.”
He smiled, then stepped into the core, his own streaming power washing over him as he passed through and settled in the center of it, awaiting me to join him.
I called my shadows and wrapped them around me.
“What are you doing?” he demanded, startling.
“What you wish of me,” I answered, as I passed into the core, grinding my teeth when I instantly felt his extreme power pushing painfully down all around me, like a fucking building bearing down on my shadows.
His eyes widened when my Wraith frost started spreading all over my skin, my clothes—like glacial armor.
He grabbed my arm, but hissed at the contact and immediately drew back.
“Shh,” I crooned. “You’re getting what you want. I’m just going about it in a way that’s comfortable for me.”
“Winter—”
“Calm yourself, almighty one. I’m right here about to take all this awful weight off you.”
“Fine,” he muttered.
“Good. Now stop with any further commentary on every fucking thing I do. I need to concentrate.”
He growled, but did as I asked.
Jeez,the pressure of his power all over was beyond intense.
At least it wasn’t actually touching me.
