Page 101 of Shadow and Smite

Ayla had never confessed her parentage, only vaguely referencing her life on Valterra. I hadn’t told Eleanor anything contrary to the image Ayla portrayed. If anybody recognized her as Valterra’s bastard princess, they kept it to themselves.

Ninti bounded forward, nuzzling her head against the tapestry in Eleanor’s lap. Eleanor scratched the Firewolf fondly, whispering something in her ears. A true smile split her lips.

Next, she turned to me. We gripped forearms in farewell and shared a severe nod. The last time we had parted, she had been a would-be Shade. That day, I began my dangerous quest. Thanks to Ayla, I survived.

Today, we parted ways anew. Our mission was determined. This time, Ayla would be by my side by choice—or at least as much choice as our unspoken tether gave us.

“Stay safe while we’re gone,” I instructed my sister.

She motioned we should come closer. “I have a gift.”

She reached into a pocket and pulled forth several embroidered handkerchiefs. “For you. And your crew,” my twin said, unfolding them.

A crow, a wave, a flame, and the symbol of a musical note. Eleanor thought of us all. “They’ll protect you, to the best of my ability. Stay safe and take care of each other.”

Ayla

Zayne’s hands pinched at my hips, and by Teyr, did I hunger. Cedar and amber clung to him, cleansed by the rebirth of rain.

I longed for the day when I could overcome my body’s resistance. My core ached. My desire had been tainted when the Brand tried to trap me.

If Zayne ran a hand under my clothes, I froze.

Our kisses were still warm. The night we met, I had lusted for his lips—back when he had played at the part of a cocky prince and I pretended to be meek. Even through his disguise and mine, I always wanted him.

I darted for his lips as he rushed to mine. Our tongues thrusted, racing toward embrace. My core warmed and thighs clenched. I ran my fingers through his hair, finding the place at the base of his horns that made him swoon.

Zayne nibbled at my lip, stroking his tongue against mine. Thrusting and exploring. I wished he could do that to my insides. I was frustrated, but I didn’t dare ask for more.

Even safe in his embrace, a wandering hand could unleash my memories, pulling me inward and away from him.

For his part, Zayne showed patience. As soon as I could explain what was happening, he promised he would take it slow. He waited—he was better at waiting than me.

I hungered for him.

He assured me I could be patient too.

One day, I would show him my fire. When our day came, it would be hot as hell. We worked on it together, slowly exploring. For now, we kissed. And I wanted every damn kiss I could take.

Panting, I pulled away. “Soon,” I whispered.

“Soon,” he promised too.

Our heated kisses slowed, becoming suave and sweet. We cuddled on theUmbral Star’ssingle bed, waiting for our lust to cool.

“Excuse me!” Vanessa’s voice boomed through the cabin. She giggled. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything, but we’re about to leave Gloom. Thought you’d like to know.”

Straightening our clothes, we stepped onto the deck. Vanessa steered toward Mer, and we neared Gloom’s threshold. Ninti sat near the bow. Zayne stood behind me, arms wrapped around my waist. I leaned against his chest.

Gloom thinned as we left her foggy depths. A breeze tickled my neck, raising goosebumps. Fresh air filled my lungs. I gasped. It had been too long since I’d taken a proper breath.

My new magic moved through me, renewed beyond Gloom’s stagnant depths. My powers seemed to be a healing magic, and beyond Gloom, my power revitalized. I had grown my antlers, and as we left stagnation, I felt whole.

The sun was barely visible, low on the horizon. With each second, it dipped lower and out of sight. The sky turned dark purple where Gloom consumed the western horizon. Stars weren’t visible; they wouldn’t be for hours.

The mood wasalmostperfect. We needed music.

I turned on the phonograph, and music played, tinny and soft, from the enchanted horn.

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