“But the humans died out nine-hundred years ago…” Raef seems determined to work all of this out.
“Maybe just the pureblooded ones,” I say. “We don’t know how many species mixed with them and survived. Other features are usually more prominent. A syloc’s hooves, a Skeldaryn’s…. size.”
“Wait… so what exactly was your mom? No way the king hooked up with a… large Skeldaryn. No offense,” Raef rambles.
“Just human and Skeldaryn, I think. She was normal-sized. Though she lied to him and told him she was a witch. I think that’s where she messed up. He must have wanted to use her for something. Perhaps he thought she’d know more about the curse… I don’t know. She hurt his pride so badly when she escaped from him that he had her hunted down and murdered.”
Everyone seems to think that over, but no one has a response.
“I’m sorry, Rhy,” Raef tells her.
“He’ll get what’s coming to him.”
Raef gives her a look of approval and unwavering support. “So you don’t wield any elemental powers? Are you sure you’re not a witch?” Raef scratches at his chin.
“No. And… what?” It’s Rhydra’s turn to look confused.
“You could still have witch ancestors. Maybe your mom wasn’t lying. Maybe that would explain your smaller size. Not human. Or maybe even Dothronite. The small and the large balanced themselves out.”
“No witch blood runs in my veins. I’d feel it. I’d know. As for Dothronite…” she tilts her head, contemplating that. As if she’d never considered it before. “Well, I have no idea. I suppose anything is possible.”
“Yeah.” Raef stands and stretches. “Especially if you already have some elf in you. Now that’s what should be impossible. Those snobs don’t mix with anyone.” He looks at me. “Sorry. No offense, Sand.”
I laugh. He doesn’t look sorry at all. “It’s okay. You’re right, and I thought my father believed that more than anyone, but apparently only he’s allowed to do that for his nefarious intentions. And anyways, I bet there are more out there. They probably keep quiet so the king doesn’t hear about it and imprison them for being inbred or something.”
“Yeah, probably,” Raef says with a grunt while he stretches his arms above his head.
“Okay.” Daegan also stands, making his way to the door. He opens it and looks back at the room. “We only have a few hours left before we walk straight back into enemy territory. I’d like some time alone with Elysande.”
“You’re kicking us out?” Raef’s mouth drops in mock offense.
“Yes. Goodbye.”
Rhydra is already on her way out, and Daegan pushes Raef along faster as he takes his time strutting out of the room. Daegan shuts the door, then glances at me, rubbing his hand along his jaw.
“How does your wound feel?”
“Fine.” I poke at it just to prove it to him, since he’s been so stubborn about it. It’s nearly healed now. We realized a day or two in that I’m healing faster than I normally would, and the only reason we could come up with is that Kezra’s magical bond that’s flowing through me has quickened my healing abilities. She didn’t confirm or deny that our suspicions were correct until tonight, only said another nonsensical thing about not knowing everything.
His heated gaze travels along my body, and my breathing hitches, realizing what that look means.
“Good. Because I can’t take another fucking night of sleeping beside you and not having all of you. I’ll try to be gentle, but I can’t make any promises.”
My smile is all the permission he needs. He crosses the room in two powerful strides.
Chapter 65
Daegan lifts me into his arms, his rough hands squeezing my ass as his fingers dig into my skin.
“Finally,” I breathe into his mouth as he lays claim to mine at last. The kiss isn’t gentle, nor is it patient. It’s a frenzy of love, lust, a hint of the hate that used to exist between us, and a lot of desperation. Everything I had suppressed in the time we were separated is coming to the surface, pouring out of me through my hands, my mouth, my entire body.
I whisper his name against his lips, causing him to groan into my mouth as he swipes his tongue inside, reminding me just what he can do with that tongue.
Then he pulls back, giving me a surprisingly tender look, and he lays me down on the bed gently, running his fingers through my hair as he studies me. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
My cheeks warm and my stomach flutters as I look up at him. Mine. All mine.
He reaches up my dress and between my legs as he holds eye contact, then groans in satisfaction at how ready he finds me. Then we’re both moving with such desperation, like today might be our only chance to do this. He starts to move lower down my body, but I shake my head. “No.”
