Arianna’s eyes burned from crying. She’d done it all night. She’d tried to bid farewell to her sister, but Ellie had reverted back to her comatose state. Sive claimed she was awake, but her sister just … refused to move. It was like she was trapped in her mind all over again.
Arianna had hugged Talon. The two had stared at one another, both knowing in their hearts that it would be for the last time. Her father had clutched her tightly, making her promise to be careful despite the dangers he was about to face himself.
And Rion. She hadn’t seen Rion at all. She’d looked for him, but they’d run out of time.
Another tear rolled down her cheek. If Raevina hadn’t interrupted them, would Arianna have recovered her memories? Maybe she would still be standing here, still crying, but at least she’d have all the missing pieces of herself.
Maybe in the end it didn’t really matter.
A branch cracked and Arianna spun. Her magic burst out, lifting the water in several tendrils that hovered in the air, ready to strike out like vipers. They knew coming here was a risk, but—
Arianna met a pair of emerald eyes. A sob escaped her throat. Rion let his heavy pack slide from his shoulder and hit the ground.
“You’re not supposed to be here.”
“There’s time.” There wasn’t, but she wasn’t about to argue.
Rion approached, heart beating fast as he stepped into the water until it covered his entire lower body. She didn’t realize how much she’d been craving his presence until he was standing mere inches away. It was too far, but she didn’t know how to close the distance.
Vairik had stolen everything. Absolutely everything. And the male was about to take even more.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye.”
Arianna’s throat tightened all over again. Her lips trembled. “There’s really no hope, is there?”
“Not much I’m afraid.” In just a few hours, he’d fight on the battlefield. In just a few hours, he’d be nothing more than a corpse. They all would be.
Arianna folded her arms across her middle, as if she could hold in the heartache threatening to swallow her whole.
“This could be the last time I see you,” he started. “I want—I wish we had time. I wish I had the next century to court you, if you allowed it. I wish—I just wish we had time.”
“I’d let you,” she admitted, swiping at her eyes before glancing up. “Court me. Sounds a lot nicer than our current situation.”
He smiled slightly. “Book shops and tea houses?”
She laughed but choked on it. “Seems you already know me.”
“Not enough. Not nearly enough.” He stepped closer and with dripping fingers, brushed a strand of hair away from her face. That same electrical pulse buzzed beneath her skin. “Would you allow me to kiss you?” Her breath hitched. “I know it’s selfish, but,” he offered her a shy smile. “I’ve always been a bit selfish where you were concerned.”
Arianna didn’t answer. Her throat had closed up entirely. He leaned in, searching her eyes, waiting. “You’re in control,” he whispered. “You can tell me no.”
Arianna tentatively pressed her hand against his chest, right over his racing heart. The images didn’t matter anymore. This male loved her. He’d proven it time and time again. Not only was he willing to burn the world for her, but Rion would set himself on fire in an effort to save it.
For her.
It was all for her.
His head lowered, eyes half lidded. One hand glided to the back of her head while the other cupped her cheek. Then Rion kissed her. Deeply. Desperately. Her stomach fluttered, and she felt lighter than air, whisked away by some fairytale she’d forgotten ages ago.
His electrifying touch reminded Arianna of the joy she experienced when she leapt from Levea’s waterfalls. The brush of his lips on hers conjured moments spent in cozy blankets beside a warm fire while snow drifted from a gray sky. The way his hands tightened, pulling her impossibly closer felt so much like home.
It was sunsets and rainbows and cool summer rain. It was secrets and promises and tokens of affection.
It was everything.
Everything she’d ever dreamed of.
He let their lips part and Rion pulled her into a tight embrace, his body trembling. “Just for a moment,” he promised,voice cracking on the words. Her heart cracked with them, then she wrapped her arms around his back and held him close.
