Deep inside her, she knew there was much more to their relationship than just kinship.
He’s lying.
She couldn’t shake that inner voice or feeling. His presence slithered over her skin and made her cringe.
“Now come inside before you face another storm. One you’re not prepared to deal with.”
Don’t trust him.
Every part of her screamed that out loud. He wasn’t what he seemed and his emotions weren’t sincere. Yet even so, she had no reason to deny him. So, she allowed Belial to take her hand and lead her back inside.
Hours later, Ariel sat inside her chambers, listening to the raging storm. Each hour that passed, she was certain Valteri would return. Yet each one came and went while she waited, until she knew he had no intention of joining her.
I’m married and alone.
That reality haunted her.
More than that, it made her heart ache. And it gave her just a smidgeon of what Valteri must deal with every single day.
How did he stand it?
People weren’t meant to be alone. They needed each other. An image of two parents came to her mind. Yet it left her hollow.
Then she saw a man.…
Unbelievably tall, with dark hair. Silvery, swirling eyes and a crooked smile.
Thatmemory filled her with warmth. It felt real, even though she had no idea who he was. He seemed like family.
Not Belial and not the people she kept seeing as her returned memories.
“Why can’t I figure this out?”
Why had he touched her if he was so opposed to marriage? To being tied down by a single woman?
Nothing made sense.
Cecile stretched beneath her touch. Ariel smiled at the small kitten and continued to stroke Cecile’s soft underbelly.
As she lay on the bed, her mind replayed haunting images of the night before. Of Valteri taking her in his arms, his hard body sliding against hers, his hands seeking out the most intimate parts of her body.
Yet something inside didn’t quite accept the reality she remembered. Instead of crystal clarity, the images were as blurry as the rushlight in the puddle.
The only real feeling was the need she had to find him and be by his side. To comfort him.
But with that desire came a tiny voice that warned against seeking Valteri and claiming him the way she wanted.
Why? What was wrong with seeking one’s husband? She belonged to him and he to her.
Still, the voice persisted.
Ariel shook her head in an effort to clear it. Maybe she was insane.
Go to him.
Startled by the unexpected voice, she glanced to Cecile as if the strange sound could have come from the tiny animal. “I have lost my mind.”
Placing her goblet on the bedside table, Ariel snuggled down into the fur-lined covers. She closed her eyes, determined to think no more on the matter. It was late and past time for her to sleep.
