Page 53 of White Charms and Dark Secrets

“What the hell was that?” I demand, looking around to gauge all of the guys’ reactions. They’re all looking a little shocked into silence.Or maybe Solas flicked his hand at them again when I wasn’t looking to make them mute?

“That was the ritual. I now have a nice slice of witch magic stirring around inside of me,” Solas answers flippantly.

“Did the ritual require the use of your tongue?” Rhydian questions loudly, answering my own question of whether their silence was caused by shock or magic.

“It said to kiss, so we kissed. I’m wondering if she’ll have any issues with kissing any of you?” the demon drawls, slowly dragging his gaze across all of us. “I mean, you’ve already kissed two of them right?” he asks me with a raised brow.

I swallow thickly.All of them. I’ve kissed all of them.

“All three of them?” he guesses again from reading my expression. “Well, then this should be a walk in the park for you.”

Again, I look around for their reactions and find myself cringing internally. Darren’s facial expression hasn’t changed, but his eyes have, I swear I can see the sadness, anger and disappointment flashing through them. Rhydian doesn’t look surprised about Darren, for obvious reasons, but he does give Kier an incredulous look. As if the idea of me kissing him is beyond belief.

“Hurry up, this one first,” Solas says, rushing me, as he points at Darren. Without much choice in the matter I awkwardly walk towards him and pause just a step away.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper quietly, hoping that only Darren hears it. He jerks his head slightly in response. I creep closer, feeling uncomfortable kissing Darren in this situation, especially after he heard that.

“Just get it over with,” he whispers back. His voice may be quiet, but his words stab me right in my chest.

“Okay,” I murmur back, before closing the distance and pressing my lips to his. We kiss slowly, it’s almost like going through the motions of a kiss without actually kissing. The feeling makes me want to crawl into a hole and hide. I step back when we’re done, wishing I’d spoken to him first, before doing this.

“The arrogant prince next, little witch,” Solas directs, either unaware or uncaring of my current inner turmoil.

I’m unable to meet Darren’s eyes as I step away from him towards Rhydian, I do however notice the jerk in his upper body from the corner of my gaze. I look away. We’d talk after this, and then hopefully I can make everything right. Rhydian gives me a cheeky grin.

“I knew you’d want more,” he teases lightly. Despite myself and the situation, I smile a little. Closing the distance quickly between us, I tilt my head up towards his. Rhydian doesn’t waste a second, and this kiss is anything but going through the motions. His hands grip my hair tightly, as he holds me closely, kissing me like we’re alone. When a second of sense slips in, I pull away, a little dazed and confused at my own feelings. Rhydian is too good a kisser. Good kissing confuses brain function, I decide.

“The blonde one next,” Solas instructs without waiting. “Mind his fangs.”

“I feel like maybe you’re enjoying this just a little too much,” I snap.

“I’m enjoying this just enough, little witch,” he replies confidently. “And so are they, much as they’d like to deny it.”

“No denial over here,” Rhydian mutters. A flutter flips in my stomach.

“I promise to be careful,” Kier says, giving me a small smile.

“I know you will be.”

We lock our lips together, sharing a short kiss. Warmer than the kiss Darren just gave me, but not as heated as the way Rhydian caressed my lips. I move away, returning Kier’s earlier smile with one of my own. He made the situation as easy as possible for me with what limited controls he had in it. The warmth that spreads through me in appreciation makes it hard to think that our kiss then will be our last.

“So, how do I know if that worked?” I ask, turning back to Solas and refocusing on the situation at hand.

“Just wait,” he replies, beginning to look bored.

“Wait? For how—“ My words cut off as I choke. My hands then seem to leap to my neck of their own accord, holding on as if their grip could possibly bring back the air. I collapse to the floor, shaking erratically on the ground as I struggle to breathe, and begin to feel little shocks all over my body.

“Kayla!” I hear voices shout, but my eyes are tightly shut, as I feel my body continue to tremble and starve for oxygen.

“Calm down, she’ll be fine in… three seconds?” Solas’ voice muses. As suddenly as the feeling came on, it disappears. I open my eyes and sit up, looking around at everyone.

“Are you okay?” Kier inquires gently.

“I’m fine, I think. The pain just all went away.” I take a moment to assess and see if there’s any damage, but there’s nothing that feels wrong with me. “What the hell was that?” I demand, looking at the smug-looking demon.

“Just the curse inside of you starving and dying from the lack of it’s food source—your magic. Should we test it?” he offers, pulling out a coin from nowhere. I almost want to laugh at the little trick, but figure it’s probably not an appropriate laughter moment. He holds up the coin showing me both sides.

“Fine. Heads,” I mutter, rolling my eyes as he flips the coin into the air. He catches it on the back of his hand and holds it out to me showing me which way it landed.

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