"Why do you want to know that? Are you planning to kill me?" he replied, a teasing smile crossing his lips.
I found myself unable to turn away from his eyes. I finally shook my head. "I’ve never considered killing anyone before. I just wanted to understand what it means to be half immortal and powerful"
"Is that your way of saying that you wouldn't want any harm to come to me?"
I looked at him with a blank expression. "It's my way of saying you're avoiding my question," I replied, aware that I was avoiding his too.
"Then let's not talk about killing," he said, stepping closer.
"There are far more interesting things to discuss."
I began to feel at ease, as though he’d somehow wrapped me in a veil of warmth. But I was sceptical and I knew better than to trust him.
A streak of brilliant red caught my eye. A stunning, ruby-plumed bird swept toward a nearby tree and began singing an enchanting melody.
"How beautiful!" I said, lost in its gentle serenade.
"That's the minstrel bird," Cillian said, standing so close that I could feel the warmth of his body. "It's said whoever hears his song will be lucky in love."
I turned to him with an amused expression.
"Is that true or did you just make that up?"
He gazed into my eyes. I felt a moment of disorientation.
"It's true."
Without another word, he wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me effortlessly into the air. It happened so quickly, I barely had time to react. He raised me until I gazed down at his face. I felt lightheaded again, as though his touch had drained the strength from my body, and I hung there limply, like a rag doll.
"What—what are you doing?" I asked, my voice laced with panic.
Cillian’s eyes locked on mine, his gaze intense and mesmerising. My face was so close to his that I could feel his breath brushing my skin. I lost myself in the depth of his eyes, captivating me in shifting pools of amber, green, and melted honey. His voice lowered to a low, sensual whisper.
"I've waited a decade to see you, to know if you really existed.” He said, his voice a seductive whisper. His words seemed sincere, but I knew better than to trust appearances.
It was strange how my fear and anxiety dissipated whenever I was near him. There was something compelling about his voice, which soothed yet excited me. I felt my body ease into the strengthof his grip, and his energy coursed through me like the pleasant warmth of the sun.
I had to snap myself out of it and regain control of my thoughts, something I had done so well recently when I heard the whispers in the company of others. I inhaled sharply.
"You can let me go now," I said, trying to force myself not to fall further under his spell.
"I can't let you go, Tilly." His tone was
mischievous
My eyes widened. "Why not?" I asked, my voice rising with frustration.
His smile widened to that of a mischievous little boy caught in his own little secret.
"Don’t you realise I’m not holding you anymore?"
I looked down quickly and gasped. His arms were at his sides, and my feet were hovering several centimetres above the balcony floor. As soon as he spoke, I gently descended back onto solid ground. I felt my heart race, unsure of what he was capable of. This wasn’t just levitation; this was mind control.
“How did you do that?" I asked, stepping forward on the balcony to make sure it was solid beneath my feet.
He watched me with an amused knowing smile.
"You wanted to know what other powers I have. Now you know. I merely provided you with a demonstration. Showing is better than telling, don't you think?"
