Page 358 of Kingdoms of Night

He shrugged. “Like I said, I was selfish. I’d like this revelation that sea-folk have land legs to myself as long as I can. But, you lot need to be careful—more discreet.”

“Someone is hunting us. None of this was supposed to happen.”

“All the more reason for discretion.”

I lifted a brow as my eyes met his once again. “How did you do that with the sailor?”

The corner of his mouth tugged, and he leaned in with a whisper. “Its a secret.”

I drew my dagger, and touched the blade to his throat.

He stiffened.

I spoke through grit teeth. “Start talking, or I start stabbing.”

Elian smiled again. This time I didn’t trust it. Something was off.

“Why does the pretty sea maiden want to know the secrets of a necromancer?”

“Just for laughs,” I said, tilting my head. “Speak.”

Instead of replying, Elian studied my face. I could feel him studying my expression and weighing in on the weight of my words—on whether I was serious.

“It’s not all that complicated. I take a soul, I have power over the body for the duration of three days. I can sift through their memories, see through their eyes, feel what they feel, know what they know.”

I shuddered. That felt wrong.

He threw his arms open. “I know it isn’t pleasant. But, I was born with this gift, Siddhe. Why was I born with it, if not to use it?”

Shaking my head, I grimaced. “Why would you be born with such a gift? It’s horrible.”

He whispered in my ear, and the feel of his breath against my skin made me close my eyes and hold my breath.

“Some gods are cruel.”

Then, he surprised me and took my earlobe between his teeth.

A jolt of energy shot into my body and I nearly yelped. Then, I relaxed, but I refused to lower the dagger.

His hand wrapped around my waist, and I exhaled.

“Meeting like this isn’t by accident,” he said, kissing my neck. “It’s fate.”

“It’s not,” I said. “I won’t believe that.”

I nearly dropped the dagger as his mouth trailed down to my throat.

Why couldn’t I stop this? Why couldn’t I resist?

At least he didn’t kill my kin. But, he was still a monster.

Or was he? What would I do if I’d been born with his power? Was it possible to resist? My thoughts became blurry, and all I wanted was to kiss him again.

I’d never been so confused in my life.

I needed to taste him. I needed to release the aching between my legs.

I needed Elian.

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