Page 142 of Huntress

“If it’s still giving you nightmares, it’s important enough to know,” he disagreed. “Don’t use your ethereal magic for my benefit again. I don’t want the guilt of knowing you’ve hurt yourself for me.”

“Okay.”

“Today made me realize there’s a lot about you I don’t know.”

“That’s part of building a relationship, Saint. There’s no need to dump info about our lives all in one day. Part of the fun and heartache of getting to know each other is discovering new facets of each other’s lives we didn’t know existed.” She settled a hand on his shoulder, thumb stroking the fabric of his shirt.

“Can you promise me something?”

“That depends on what it is.”

“Talk to me before making decisions that put us both in precarious situations. I listened to your reasons for trying to find Cornick’s facility, but I can’t justify it in my mind. Asking the monster who destroyed my entire family right in front of my eyes for help? That’s cruel, Mistress. Even for you.”

A sickly hollow opened wide in her stomach as the reality of what she’d done hit home. The position she’d put him in, and how thoughtless she’d been.

“I’ll go to Roz now.” She struggled to get up against his weight pinning her in place. “I’ll take back my request. Saint, I’m so sorry for disappointing you. You don’t have to hide your anger, I deserve it.”

He took her hand and pressed it over his chest, where the bond connected them. “Do I feel angry to you?” he asked gently. Elsie closed her eyes and focused, letting his emotions override her own.

“You’re hurt and afraid,” she murmured. “I’m sorry.”

“You can’t ask Roz to take it back. It’s been hours since you were in her office. It's too late. You’re right though, I am afraid. If you step into Cornick’s domain, he holds the power. There are too many factors outside of our control once you’re in his hands.”

“I’m sorry,” she repeated for the third time.

“Promise me, Elsie.”

“I’ll talk with you before making decisions that affect our lives.”

“One more promise.”

“What is it?”

“If he takes that seal off, we leave. No more waiting, and no more ingratiating yourself to these people. I get to kill him before we leave, and I do it however I choose.” He sat up, facing her, hand cupping her face.

She leaned into him. “I promise.”

Chapter twenty-eight

Chapter 28

Dodging to avoid a thorny bush, Elsie raced down an animal trail. Saint had a five-minute head start, and his trajectory swerved all over the place. He’d muted his magic, making it harder for her to find the path he’d taken, but he couldn’t hide it entirely.

The world sharpened as though a lens had slid over her eyes, then blinked back to normal a few seconds later. Breathing was a delight. The air was sweet on her tongue and cool in her lungs.

She gathered her muscles and leapt over a stream, a fierce joy making her heart leap with her. The breeze carried a familiar scent, and she slid to a stop, closing her eyes to breathe it in. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she caught the scent she’d been surrounded by each night for months.

Something possessive and primal demanded that she go claim the demon who watched her every move as if he needed her more than his next breath. Elsie rooted herself to the spot, fighting the urge as she always did, though the ache in her chest bordered on pain these days. Their bond wasn’t asking politely anymore; it demanded compliance she refused to grant.

Elsie kicked off her boots and peeled off her socks, wiggling her toes amongst the cool dirt under her bare feet. Her hips and braid swayed with each step as she padded silently down the trail, eyes lifted to the trees.

The world was brighter. Crisper. Dust and pollen particles floated in the breeze, highlighted by beams of sun breaking through the leaves above. Strength and energy infused her muscles, and she broke into an easy jog, stride lengthening until each footfall unfolded like a dancer leaping through the air with grace.

Faster and faster she ran, trying to find her limit, but the burning in her lungs didn’t come. With her next breath, the scent she chased transformed, and she tasted the air. The earthiness of the soil, the zest of a patch of herbs, and the bitterness of a thorn tree played across her taste buds.

Another breath and it was Saint on her tongue. The salty sweat on his skin. The citrusy pine of his shampoo and the contrasting chill and heat of his magics.

The predator under her skin shifted. The thrill of excitement every time she spotted another patch of his magic ceased being about catching her quarry. This excitement was far more primordial. Heat gathered at her core, and she had to resist calling out to him through their bond. Cheating would take the fun out of their game.