Page 59 of A Conduit of Light
Icould wait for her forever.
PartFour
Chapter29
Rev
Herchest roseand fell in a rhythmic balance thatRevtried to imitate with his own breathing.Herhead was tucked in close, one of her long legs, bare and lithe, she had draped over his hips at some point in their tangle of sleep together.
Karus.
Heshook his head again, in an involuntary way, unbelieving of what he held onto as the fire burned low.
Herface had been a beacon of light when she told him the name she had chosen for herself.Hereyes had glistened like fresh dew on a blade of grass, and everyone had accepted the name so well.
Ashe stroked her dark hair, he recalled that first night she had come to theFortressasAsh’Arahor “JustAsh” as she had snapped at him.
Gorgeous.
Enticing.
Shehad been radiating a defiance he had since learned to admire and adore.
Hergown had fit her perfectly in shape and detail—black beads creating a complex pattern across her chest and torso.Andthat deep green—it accented her eyes like the fabric was dyed with her in mind.
Thatwas one thing he was going to have to get better at.BaronHeimlenhad decades of practice choosing channelers with his rhyzolm, giving theOffering, and bringing them toFelgren, adorning them in gowns that fit their character—as was tradition.
Shehad despised him that night and next morning, unwilling to say even a single nice thing when she was in his presence…until he took her toViridis.She’dbeen in awe of the library, the impossible beauty of it clear on her face.Shehad glowed, stepping out of that portal, andRevhad noticed the magic slide down her fingers as he held her hand for the first time.Herloveliness had been a rival to the courtyard before her, and his attraction to her had only grown watching her light up in the glow of theViridissun.
Hehad hope then.Suppressinghis need to know her had been easier when she wanted nothing to do with him, but she had been kind—no quick retorts in viewingViridisfor the first time, no resentment for him on her lips.
Hehad waited, observing her carefully and keeping his distance as she fell in love withFelgreneach day, looking for any sign she was interested in getting to know him better.
Herface had been hot and flustered when she stumbled upon him in the lake.Heguessed he hadMoirato thank for that.
He’dfinally gotten to see her unbarred, and he took his chance, asking her to come with him that night, hoping she would finally let him in where he knew he belonged.
Revgrinned at the memories and kissed the top of her head, his arm having gone numb a while ago, but she was so serene when she slept, he didn’t want to wake her just yet.
BaronHeimlenstill needed as much care asRevichcould provide.Theend of his life was nearing, andRevwould do everything in his power to help ease his passing.Heimlenhad taken him from his loneliness and given him purpose, guiding him into his role as futureBaronand sole trainer of conduits for the isle.
Therewas so much to do.Somuch still to learn.
Butright then?
Inthat early morning?
Heallowed himself to stay.
Hetold himself all of it could wait just a little longer.Justas he told himself the previous morning and the one before that.
Heknew she’d be ravenous if she missed breakfast again.He’dhave to wake her soon.Sheneeded her strength.Hesaw whatCosensianMagictook from her.Andthough she was doing much better than eitherBaronhad expected,Revcould see her strength wane by evening each day.
He’dgladly moved her into his rooms.HehadPompeiibring everything she needed and she had gratefully accepted, looking forward to having very few stairs to climb each evening before rest.
Well, when they eventually rested.
Revpulled her closer to his chest thinking of her fervor each night those past weeks.Therewere moments of blissful clarity between them as well as times of wild passion that seemed to consume his soul and set it on fire.
