Page 1 of Within the Flames
One
Macey paced back and forth outside the bedroom, wanting answers but so far having received none. The kelpie physician had been in with Flint for over an hour and she was starting to worry.
“He’ll be alright,” Jared assured her, rubbing his hand up and down her back.
“Sure,” she muttered. She was even more worried than she was trying to let on. Flint’s magic was gone. Which, on the surface, wasn’t that big of a deal, but it definitely was. It didn’t just mean that one of them had less of an ability to defend themselves, but it would mean the Warden magic itself wouldn’t be at full strength.
What worried her most was the lack of similar powers to Flint’s fire. If her or Izban were out of action, they could do their best to cover for each other. Same with the Air Warden inside of her; she could be replaced by Cam’s Wint magic. It’d be more difficult for Amber’s lightning or Jared’s earth, but Macey was sure both would be easier to compensate for than actual flames.
The door creaked and one of the kelpies emerged, a grim look on his face. “I don’t think there’s anything we can do, Your Highness.” He nodded his head in reverence, making Macey scowl. What was the point of her having a stupid title if it didn’t help her get things done?
“Thank you,” she acknowledged. Even if they hadn’t done quite what she wanted him to do.
“If you forgive me for being so bold, Your Highness, I believe you won’t find anyone who can help you here. Fire beings are rare, and there are none I’ve heard of in these isles.”
“Do you have any idea where I will find some?” She crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping he’d have at least some idea of what she should do.
Indecision crossed the physician’s face. “I’m not sure, but while I was a young kelpie, I travelled Europe. I heard tales of lampads while I was in Greece. I’m not even sure if the nymphs are real, but legend says they used torches to accompany the goddess, Hecate, on her travels.”
“The gods aren’t real,” Macey pointed out.
“Maybe not. But I’m sure you’re aware there’s some truth in every legend by now, Princess.”
“That is true,” she admitted, thinking over the various people assembled here and what she’d thought of them before they’d actually met.
“You might need to do some research first. Though the legend is Greek, I doubt that’s where they are now.”
“Thank you, Jerome. Your insights have been invaluable.”
“You’re welcome. I hope to see your husband back in full powers soon.” He dipped his head and left the room.
“Husband?” Jared raised his eyebrows.
“Yes. According to the kelpies, you’re all my husbands.”
“A little greedy, don’t you think?”
“You’re the ones who encouraged me to be with you all,” she countered.
“You didn’t have to go with it,” he murmured, leaning forward so their lips nearly touched. “But I’m glad you did. The sexual energy you let off could keep me sated for years.”
“I hope it doesn’t,” she teased.
Jared laughed softly, not breaking the intimacy of the moment. “I’m starting to think you’re insatiable, little kelpie.”
“Only when it comes to the four of you.”
“Unless you go and add another one to your collection.” He smirked, a glint in his eyes that had her questioning just how serious he was. Maybe he did want that after all.
“I think four is enough for me.”
“You said that about three.”
“And I meant it.” But she couldn’t feel bad when four had brought her Rónàn. Her selkie was just another compliment to their group, even if he wasn’t a Warden.
“Are you going to kiss me?”
Instead of answering, Jared pressed his lips against hers and kissed her chastely. It’d be a disappointment if she wasn’t aware of Flint lying in the next room.
