If things were different…maybe once this is dealt with things can be. He'll have his wish. He could live amongst them for a time before returning to the human world.
Once the Void is slain, the possibilities will be endless.
Reaching out a hand, she trails her fingers over his cheek and traces the strong planes of his jaw. His eyes glow anew as he releases a shuddering breath.
Full lips part, inciting a hunger in her she's never known. It demands that she devour him. To let him consume her in a similar fashion.
She wants him to see her as no male ever has. They haven’t known each other long, and yet her heart knows his.
The Fairy Queen had meant what she said. She doesn't want him to die. The only way to stop the Void and prevent their inevitable deaths is to use his power. With his raw magic still pulsing in her veins, she can help him guide it. Control it.
Without it, the Void will consume them both, and her realm will fall to the rot.
She's already lost her parents—her betrothed. She'll be damned if she lets the Void claim Finn too. Even if he hates her for it, at least he'll be alive. She'd rather risk his ire than watch his beautiful soul fester in the Deadlands.
His kernel of magic flickers against her heart, and her decision is made.
"This is how we defeat it," she whispers, thumb skimming over the rough stubble of his cheek. "Together."
14
FINN
With my shirt returned, I peek at the large scar across my chest.
I can still feel Arden's fingers on my face. The quiet determination kindling her verdant eyes. She glowed like a star towering above me. With her to guide my magic, it had been a thing of wonder.
It had strengthened her and cleared away the danger.
She possesses tendrils of it as we travel deep into the Deadlands. Golden fire eats away at the Void's rot, clearing us a safe path. The terrain is more manageable thanks to my magic. Arden expertly eradicates any obstacle that sprouts.
She burns away a poll of boiling goo with a hiss.
I like that a part of me is inside her. Not the part I'd prefer but a piece of me nonetheless.
I'm not a religious man, but I pray that a fragment of my soul will remain with her. To be her strength, to help her when I’m fully human, and my great and terrible power is purged from this world.
She is welcome to as much of my magic as she needs. All of it, in fact. I'd gladly give it to her if she wished.
We continue our journey quietly. The weight of what lurks ahead sours the tenderness of the moment. Arden glances at me from the corner of her eye, and I return her stare, needing to look at her.
I don't know how many chances I have left to bask in her beauty.
While my power may be vast, the Void is unlike any foe I've ever come across. My magic may not be enough to make a difference. The thought of using my ability makes me sick, but I promised Arden I'd save her realm. I have my wish to earn, but more than anything, I have Arden to protect.
She loves her kingdom, her subjects, and I love?—
"This used to be the Sun Palace."
Her soft voice cuts through my dangerous thoughts. My boots pause in the fresh grass. I breathe in deep, savoring the sweet scent of roses and night air. Wispy fog clings to the ground.
Up ahead, I can make out the towering series of obsidian structures between the trees.
They are much larger than any we have come across. Black oil and goo spill down their sides into deep pools of decay. Green steam curls over the lips of the wriggling puddles.
Oppressive power presses against my magic. The golden flames flicker but hold fast. They will protect us as long as we remain inside their circle.
Obsidian glimmers in the darkness. Their tops are erected high into the sky. There must be at least fifty towering peaks. Oily leaves drip from gnarled branches ofdeadtreesthat overlap like broken fingers. The stars and moon can’t penetrate the darkness.
