Page 103 of Light and Shadow
All the members of the oracle stand in a half circle around us. She says, “The oracle seeks meaning to the prophecy. It alludes to a merging of worlds.”
“The human world is not ready for elves and dwarves or any other beings to start walking the streets of our cities. They would see it as an invasion.” The thought of it is horrifying. Humanity can’t even get along with each other, let alone other species of sentient beings.
“We are aware. But there are some, like the fisherman and you, who think differently.”
I nod in agreement. “If we survive the gate and the war, I would consider staying to be with Aaran.” My cheeks are so hot that I have to force myself not to fan at them. “I would need to be able to see my mother from time to time. There are a lot of details to work out.”
Aaran slips his fingers through mine. “If living in Domhan cannot make Harper happy, I will live in the human world to remain with her.”
“What?” Brion raises his voice beyond what feels acceptable. “You can’t leave here.”
Turning to his father, he says, “Once Domhan is safe, I will do whatever is necessary so that Harper and I can be together, Father.”
Brion’s jaw ticks. “We will discuss it.”
“No. We won’t.” Aaran turns back to the oracle. “My duty is to Domhan, but also to the woman I love. If we were not meant, I would not love her, nor she me.”
The oracle’s voice sounds like many again. “Look out over this world and what you risk your lives for. Do what must be done. Give hope where none exists, then live in your love with our blessing. Hope is all we have until the other two Riordans bring forth the prophesized. There must be six.”
If Aaran’s brothers fail, all of this could have been for nothing. She said six, so it’s not just three human women, the brothers have to survive as well. If they go through half of what we did to get here, there are no guarantees any of Domhan will survive.
Beyond the veranda, the scene brightens as if all the world were put into Photoshop and the colors enhanced. The image stays with me as everything goes black and the four of usare suddenly standing at the gateway, back at the base of the mountains.
Standing in front of a full-length mirror in my bedroom, I stare at my reflection and wonder who that woman is. Hair curled and left loose, eyes bright with both excitement and exhaustion, and in a pale-green gown made of silk.
An hour ago, I stood in the dungeon and talked to Cormac and the others. They are comfortable and well treated. They don’t deny that they serve the witch queen, but they also claim they gave her no aid in finding us during the journey.
Now I look like some kind of princess in a gown. The borrowed necklace dips almost as low as the gown’s scooping neckline. Touching the dark emeralds and gold, I pray I don’t lose the thing.
I feel Aaran before the door opens. It’s gratifying when he stares agape at me.
“You’re even more beautiful, which seems impossible.” He kisses my cheek.
I brush the deep blue of his lapel. “You look very handsome. Is this formal dining a nightly thing?”
“Tonight is a celebration of our return.” He leans in and presses his lips to the curve of my neck. He breathes deep as if I’m a rose in bloom. “Most nights are family dinners, and we do generally dress for them, but not in gowns and suits.”
“Can we just eat in the kitchen and not dress for dinner?” The idea of it every single night sounds as if it will get old very quickly.
Looking into my eyes, he runs his knuckles along my jaw. “We can break every tradition, as long as you promise to be by my side,mo chroi.”
“The firstborn son of Riordan is going to break the rules?” Arms on his shoulders, I step close and thread my fingers through his hair.
“You don’t even know how many I’ve broken already. My father would have brought you here directly and not given those slaves a second thought. My brother Liam might have done the same. They’re soldiers. They only care about the mission.” His expression dims as some internal battle rages.
Staring until I capture his gaze again, I say, “I don’t think that’s true. Your father spent most of the day healing those freed elves, which I’m guessing is not in his normal job description. Perhaps you are just being hard on yourself.” I kiss his chin, along his jaw, and let my breath tickle his ear.
“If you keep doing that, we’ll break another rule tonight and be late for our own party.” He grabs my ass and drags me against his growing shaft.
“I like the sound of that. Do that magic thing where you vanish all our clothes.”
Longing and duty war in his bright blue eyes.
With a sigh, I save him. “We’ll go to the party and leave far earlier than is customary. Then you can do all the things to make up for making me wait.” It’s not even right how naughty this idea feels.
His smile and sexy thoughts slide through me. “It’s going to be a long night.”
Hand in hand, we turn toward the door. I say, “It’s going to be fun teasing you all night until you bring me back here.”
