Page 52 of Light and Shadow
“You’re not making this easier with the thoughts going through that wonderful mind of yours.” It’s a scolding, but the passion in his eyes when he looks back at me shows that he wishes there was more time too.
I shrug without apology and pull my jeans on. It’s strange, but I feel remarkably good. The healing wound on my stomach is several shades lighter, and the bruises have gone away. I’m pulling on my t-shirt when Aaran runs his hand along my shoulder blade.
“This was much darker yesterday.” He caresses my skin with the softest touch until I pull the cotton down.
I run my hand over his shoulder, and his bruise is only a faint yellow mark now. “I’m feeling better.” I step into my elven shoes and tie the laces.
He dresses and rolls the blanket, letting his hand linger on the moss. “The fairy magic favors us.”
“Is that good?” I go to the stream, cup the cold water, and drink. The water is sweet and clean. Since arriving in Domhan nothing is familiar. In New Jersey, I never drank water straight from a source. Even when we camped when I was a kid, we brought bottled water for drinking and washed in the showers provided by the campgrounds. Everything since I left home is new for me.
Offering me his hand, he nods. “Fairy magic can be mischievous, but if you feel better, then the remnants of those who made this place feel you are worthy of healing.”
“And you?”
He rolls his shoulders. “I feel better too.”
Once we’re hand in hand, I look back at the little haven that kept us safe and allowed us to make a memory. The water shimmers in the light of the planet I can’t remember the name of. The lush blanket of moss reminds me of how welcoming this place was for lovers. I take a mental picture to savor for the rest of my life. “I don’t ever want to forget this place.”
“No. We won’t forget the hospitality of the fairies.” He squeezes my hand, and we step out of the fairy glen and into the high grass.
Someone clears his throat.
Aaran freezes and puts himself between me and the noise.
Fancor’s gruff voice cuts through the predawn. “I beg your pardon. Just keeping watch over you and the lady, Riordan.”
My face is on fire. Has he been hiding here all night?
Shaking his head, Aaran tucks my hand in his. “Is that Jax I hear stomping along to the north?”
“Oh, aye. He took a shift as well.” He falls in step beside us. “It’s a good sign having a fairy glen in our path.”
“Why?” I ask, despite my embarrassment that the entire camp likely knows we sneaked off to have sex.
“They are rare and full of magic. Most people consider them good luck.” Fancor has the courtesy not to ask about our luck within the glen, for which I’m grateful.
Jax is not as courteous. “At least some of our party was lucky.” With a snort, he storms into the camp where Cara and Dorian are already awake, stoking the fire back to life.
I’m sure my face is bright red, but I don’t bother to hide. It’s not my fault that I’m here, and my grandma always said you can’t choose who you love. I can’t be sorry for a few hours of passion with Aaran. It was beautiful, and nothing Jax says will sully the glen for me.
With a soft smile, Aaran kisses my cheek and goes to help wake the elves and ready them to travel.
I toss what little we have into the pack, then braid my hair before joining Cara.
She’s pulling the spines out of some leaves and feeding them into a pot on the fire. It reminds me of cooking chard or cabbage. Pulling some toward me, I watch, learn, and help. She smiles.
I have so many questions about Venora, but I suppose those answers will come in time. “Cara, did you have to heal the witch queen often?”
Dorian pours more water into the pot from a jug. “The witch queen required healing for herself, her whore, and those followers who are not shadows. The war of good and evil takes its toll and Venora threatened the lives of the slaves to gain Cara’s help. Much of the payment for the use of her healingwas to be tormented by those who are shadow demons. She has endured much.”
She gives him a sharp look.
“You’re right. We have all suffered at the hands of the witch queen,” Dorian says.
From the way he touches her face and the love in his eyes, I realize they are mates. I suppose I should have seen it before. “Perhaps Aaran’s mother can restore your voice.”
Cara smiles at Dorian.
