“No, I . . . I just wanted to see you again.” He snapped his mouth shut.
He wanted to see me again? All I’d done was punch him in the nose and accuse him of treason.
Ferris cleared his throat. “But if you want to be rescued, consider me your knight in shining armor.”
Releasing the window, I glanced at the door and lowered my voice. “Are you any good at thievery?”
“I could manage.” He tilted his head. “Why?”
“I need my sword. And if you manage to get it, I’ll forgive you for throwing me into a bar fight.”
“You looked like you enjoyed it, though.” Ferris saw the glare in my eye and changed his tune. “Right. Where is it?”
“On the mantle. Don’t get caught.”
“You’re awfully trusting.” Ferris flicked his wrist. An emerald light gathered over my bed. “Luckily for you, I won’t even need to set foot inside.”
The light pulsed, growing in strength. Feathery wings emerged from the core, and a draconic head took shape from crackling lightning.
I stared at the dragon floating over my bed and looked at Ferris for an explanation.
He smirked. “After you, my lady. The wind shall catch your fall.”
I knewcatalysts could take various shapes, but I’d never imagined a dragon. Crouching behind a snow-covered bush, I watched the frosted living room windows, waiting for the little green creature to return.
Ferris knelt beside me, eyes closed. He could see through its eyes, apparently.
Ducking back behind cover, I glanced down at his outstretched hand, flexed in concentration. My hand moved of its own accord, reaching to touch his wrist.
When we’d collided back in the bar, something otherworldly had happened. I couldn’t recall the details, only that the world itself had faded away, leaving only the two of us.
What had that been?
My reckless impulses got the better of me. I pulled my glove off and grabbed his wrist.
Everything changed. The gray snow clouds darkened, and the manor vanished—water spread beneath our feet, melting away the snow and the leaves. Charged air crackled in my lungs and thunder rumbled overhead.
Ferris’ eyes shot open. He stared at me, silent. I was silent, too.
Something about this place felt right. Calming. Like I could close my eyes and drift away.
Tilting my head, I stared into the depths of Ferris' emerald eyes, seeking answers. Why did the spark of our touch create another world, where only we existed?
His eyes searched mine in return.
Ferris leaned forward, nose brushing mine. And then he kissed me.
I'd been kissed once before. Ishida had grabbed me one evening and pressed his lips to mine. They'd tasted of alcohol and felt like teeth.
This was soft, inviting, waiting for me to reciprocate.
Feeling around for a weapon, my fingers closed around a twig.
I slammed it into his shoulder.
“Ah!” Ferris dropped my hand and jerked back. The water hardened into ice and snow, and the storm clouds dissipated. “What are you doing?”
“What areyoudoing?” I brandished the twig at him. “Back off.”
