Page 219 of A Dance of Water

The moon hid behind the clouds. She was jealous of it—being able to tuck itself away.

The forest had opened up as they walked, trees growing scarcer and farther in between until eventually, the land was once more made up of rolling hills and large rocks.

A yell pierced the night. Echoed by a loud crack of thunder.

"W-what was that?" Luella’s voice trembled.

"Keep moving," Bastian said from right behind her.

She had no choice but to carry on, but her mouth was dry, and her temples pounded.

A whimper fell from her lips. Stumbling, the tip of her boot caught over a rock, and she couldn’t stop herself from tripping forward.

With barely a sigh, she crumpled to the ground. Az’s stronghands kept her steady as he held her up. "Lu, come on, angel. Stand up. Please."

But she couldn’t. Her legs were like a newborn fawn’s trembling limbs.

Half-crouched over her, Az placed a hand on her cheek, his other arm wrapped tightly around her waist to keep her from falling fully onto the ground.

Frigid air tickled her skin. She shivered, worsening the pounding in her head.

"I just n-need to rest." Barely lucid, she didn’t realize her words were a declaration of defeat. She rested her cheek against Az’s chest, eyes fluttering shut. "Only for a bit…" she whispered.

"Vale," Az growled, chest rumbling under her. There was a pause, and she didn’t lift her head, but she imagined the King staring at her weak self. "Please," her demon begged for her.

She tipped her face up, lashes tickling her cheeks as her eyes fluttered. If only it would rain.

But because she yearned for it, the water seemed to tease her, dancing just out of reach.

Her lips parted, and the damp air that kissed her tongue did nothing to assuage the dry ache of thirst in her mouth.

Boots crunched over pebbles and splashed in puddles of standing water. Though it was night, a shadow still seemed to be cast onto the ground—he was so powerful that even the night did not abide by the rules of the elements.

"Princess Luella, look at me."

The Binding mark fizzled softly on her chest, and her head was forced up, her half-lidded eyes meeting Vale’s green gaze.

"You’re not on your horse," she said, dazed.

He did not respond, merely took her with firm hands gripping her elbows as he tugged her to stand. She looked to Az, who nodded, as Vale led her to his steed. The horse nickered lowly, and Vale opened his saddlebag. From within, Vale pulled out a leather waterskin. She swallowed, her tongue thick.

"We must be quick," said Vale. And before she could blink, she found herself tucked between him and his steed. The King wasbefore her, shielding her body with his frame, one hand resting on the saddle behind her as he caged her in.

"What are you d-doing?" she stammered.

With one hand, he uncapped the waterskin. He paused, head tilting to the side as if in deep thought. "You need to drink," he commanded.

The horse’s fur coat prickled on the backs of her arms, and Vale’s heat enveloped her.

He was giving her water? What had changed?

Vale bent down, hiding her fully in the shadow of his large body. He cupped a hand and tipped the waterskin, pouring a small amount of clear liquid into his palm. She stared, transfixed, at the water.

Slowly, holding Luella’s gaze, Vale raised his cupped hand to her lips, a few droplets dribbling from between his fingers.

His cupped hand brushed against her chin. "Drink," he urged, voice low and heavy with possessiveness.

Her thirst outweighed her pride, as scant as it was, and she lowered her head to his raised hand, lips parted as she drank from his palm. The liquid was warmed by his body temperature, and it soothed her tongue and slipped down her parched throat. She moaned at the feel.

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