Page 98 of Her Dark Promise

The figure was shrouded in darkness, and tears blurred my vision further.

We were both panting when his voice finally registered, his hands raised in surrender as he said, “Your grace, it’s me… Soren.”

I blinked, wiping the tears away, finally seeing him when I shuddered out a breath that I didn’t know I was holding. The blade disappeared into thin air, and I slammed my fist against the wall next to his head. He didn’t move an inch. I rested my head against the crook of his neck, needing a moment to calm my erratic heart.

“What are you doing here?” I commanded.

What did he hear? What did he see? I was paranoid to say the least. Our faces were mere inches away from each other. I could smell him, like fresh soap and rosemary. It was oddly refreshing.

“I always went into our library when there was a storm. My library at home was the best place to hear it. Always calmed my nerves, especially since my mother died.”

“That is no longer your home.” His words struck something inside me that I didn’t like.

He didn't say anything. I was tired of the conversation anyway, and made my way off him when a loud crack of thunder sounded. I instinctively reached my arms around his neck, pulling my legs up around his waist, and squeezed like my life depended on it. Like he was my anchor to this world.

The thunder cracked for longer than normal, which made the windows rattle so hard that I thought they would surely break. I didn’t realize I was shaking until I heard Soren whispering a soothing lullaby, one hand behind my head and the other on my back holding me tightly.

I flew my magic out, pinning his hands above his head, and gritted out, “Do not touch me.”

He was panting, concern marred his beautiful face, and said, “You were scared, and I—”

“I was not scared!”

Of course, the thunder had to choose that moment to come back louder than ever. The magic disappeared, and it took a moment before I felt hands on me again. He continued the song as if I hadn’t interrupted him.

I wanted to scold him for disobeying a direct order, but another clap of thunder exploded and it went on and on and on. And as much as I didn’t want to admit it, Soren’s presence helped me not to be as scared of the thunder as before.

I would never admit this to him, but his embrace was comforting. It felt so good. We stayed like that for the entirenight, not saying a word, besides Soren’s soft voice singing to me.

His voice was so soothing that I hadn’t realized I had fallen asleep. I felt sturdy arms carrying me for a while before I was placed gently on a fluffy cloud, my tense body melting into it.

I heard him whisper, “You are a complicated creature,” and felt pressure on my forehead.

Then, complete darkness.

I jerked awake, feeling like my body was on fire. Burning. Circe rushed into the room, the sound of my screams still bouncing off the walls. She tightened the maroon robe around her body and sat on the bed beside me, reaching for my face.

“Wake, child, it’s only a dream.”

I leaned into her hands, breathless, soothed. I still felt like my skin was burning.

“The same one again?”

I nodded faintly.

“Tell me about it.”

I hesitated a moment, but found comfort in her face—so warm, eager to help me.

“I’m burning,” I finally told her. “I’m burning at the stake.”

She surveyed my face, and looked deep into my eyes. “Have you seen one of the burnings?”

I nodded meekly.

“Your father took you?”

“No, he didn’t know I was watching. I was too curious. It was horrifying.” My chest hurt thinking about it. “And I’ve read some of his books, the crimes that he’s burning those women for. He told me he just knows magic when he sees it, but how can that be true?” I knew I was speaking too freely of her, thatmy words were treasonous. “I’m sorry, please don’t tell anyone I said that. It’s just the dream getting to me.”

---