Page 141 of Rising Out of the Darkness
I bit my lip, a dire attempt to distract myself. A low groan murmured from him. I couldn’t help the twitch of my lips as Declan drained the whiskey from his glass.
An all-too-familiar voice from home filled my ears, causing my body to freeze. “Looks like you’re still capable of knocking men on their asses, Lena. Still damn breathtaking.” Will took a deep swig from his own wine glass.
Cloudy blue eyes were full of fire, directed to the man standing across from him, dressed head to toe in black. A man who was currently looking at him like he could kill him with just one snap of his finger.
“Let’s dance.” Will shoved his wine goblet into Adara’s hand and tugged me into the middle of the dance floor.
He twirled me around in a circle, then spun me back hard so I slammed back into his chest. He intertwined his fingers with mine, but his other hand gripped my waist with a bruising grip. Leaning in close, he whispered into my ear. “You look incredible tonight, Elena.”
As he pulled away, his eyes assessed my body in a leisurely way that made me feel uncomfortable. His reddened face moved closer to mine, and I could smell the sweet and sour stench of wine upon his breath. “Have you made your decision?” He swayed me back and forth, his grip around me tightening around me in a possessive way that made me worry he might never let go.
Nerves tangled my stomach in knots, but I knew he deserved to hear the truth. “Will…” His eyes widened, and our bodies stilled. “I won’t be going back to the City of Ash with you. I’m sorry,” I whispered, taking the opportunity to push myself out of his hold.
Will’s lip curled as he stepped forward, grasping for me, but was only met with Declan’s arm.
“It’s my turn to take Lady Elena for a spin around the room,” Declan rumbled before he spun us away. “Dare to dance with me, Wildfire?”
Without waiting for a reply, he pulled me closer to his warmth, and I couldn’t resist the pull of his gaze. When his fingers brushed against the bare skin of the small of my back, it sparked a burn to kindle down my lower abdomen.
His stubble brushed against my cheek, and my toes curled inside my heels.
“I was a fool,” he whispered against my cheek. “You’ve made me feel alive again. Elena, you’ve become the reason I wake up in the morning, and you’re the last person I think of when I go to sleep. You’ve become the pulse of my heart, love, and without you I fear it will just stop beating entirely. I’m so sorry for running away. That was the last time I will make that mistake.”
“Are you sure?” I arched my brow.
“Well…unless you toss another one of those damn spoons at my forehead again. Only then might I quiver in my boots.” A sly grin split his lips as I slapped his shoulder.
Grabbing his collar, I pulled him down until our mouths hovered dangerously close. “Try to run from me again, and I might just use a fork.” I used all my restraint to push him back upright before we made a scene in the middle of the dance floor.
Declan’s eyes sparkled with mirth as he brought my palm up and pressed his lips against it.
“You have a deal, love.”
Chapter 56
Elena
“Let’s get this over with, then you and I need to have a long chat.”
“Yes, my lady.” His hand pressed against the small of my back, and he escorted me towards the powerful men near the dais of the room.
“Now that we are all here”—I motioned between Will and I— “perhaps it’s time for the main event? I’m sure we all have more important things to attend to this evening.” I feigned boredom as I crossed my arms in front of me.
Delighted, I watched all the feathers I ruffled ripple around the circle. Lord Alastor snarled with disgust. Creases formed between the king’s brows, his eyes narrowed in slits. If a look could kill, his just might tonight. Edan rolled his eyes and took a long sip of his wine.
Adara strolled over towards Declan, and my palms curled into tight fists. Placing both hands on his shoulders, she rose on her tiptoes and caressed his cheek with her lips, then whispered against his ear before lowering herself back down and strolling away, giving me a wink as she passed.
Just like Will, she was making a last-ditch effort to hold onto something that was never hers to begin with.
Clara rubbed a soothing hand against my back, and I couldn’t help but steal a quick glance in Declan’s direction. His eyes were wide, pleading with mine to be unaffected by the display. I silently gestured that I was fine.Shocked and disgusted…but fine.His lips twitched ever so slightly, and he tilted his head, giving me a questioning look, as I winced.
Did I say that out loud?
Obviously over our shenanigans, the king bellowed out for the attention of the room. The music silenced, while conversations lulled. He stalked towards the throne and stepped up onto the dais before turning to address the room.
“Tonight, we all will witness history in the making. Yet again, the gods have blessed Ehora and gifted us with two powerful weapons. Warriors of light against the darkness of those who choose to rebel against us.” His deep voice boomed against the walls.
Inwardly, I rolled my eyes. Those who rebelled? He wanted to use us against the only group of people in Ehora who were trying to actually help.
