Page 56 of Cruelest Kiss and Fairest Blood
“No.”
“Yes.” Shadows wrap around my ankles and wrists, halting my protests. Harrow’s grin is dangerously mischievous. “Let’s finish what you started.”
Chapter 19
Harrow
Dealing with the dead is so damned dreary. Still, I vowed to take better care of my domain after the last cursed spirit broke free from the river. I have held myself to that vow. Not to mention I have Mytha breathing down my neck every time I step a toe out of line. It pains me to leave Lenore, but my responsibilities cannot be ignored. Balance. That’s what I’m working toward.
The memory of Lenore soaking the sheets while I used the feather to tease her into a state of dribbling delirium keeps me warm on my monotonous flight. Gliding through the Underworld sky, I complete one final pass of my lands. The river is full, its waters as turbulent and strong as ever. My sparkling gardens are quiet and secure. All is as it should be. The stars glimmer above. They aren’t really stars, not in the same sense as the ones in the mortal world. These are souls, brilliant,iridescent. Lenore has seen them. She’s been here. What I would give to have found her in that moment.
There must be a way to bring her here that doesn’t compromise my realm. My mind is filled with thoughts of my little raven. Looking around, I ensure everything is as it should be. Knowing my kingdom is safe, I give myself permission to visit Lenore.
Shooting toward the sea of soul stars above, I seek out the dark opening that grants me access to the mortal world. Breeching its surface, I find that it’s midmorning. The sun is out in full force. I have to shield my eyes as they adjust. This world is more beautiful every time I visit. Maybe it’s the fact I can relax knowing my lands are safe below. Adopting a more responsible persona has been good for me. I’m becoming more sensible.
Lenore’s light laugh draws me into the courtyard. My newfound sensibilities evaporate when I spot her speaking with Prince Cassius in front of the rose trellis. I would have thought smashing his limp mortal body into the wall to prove a point would have made Lenore reconsider his company. I watch them for a few minutes, scrutinizing his every movement. He stands tall and proud. I could have sworn I heard a bone crack on impact. Disappointment has me baring my teeth. I was hoping he would be hunched over, hobbling about with remnants of pain, or at least walking with a limp. Instead, he appears the embodiment of perfect health. I must be losing my touch.
The image of them kissing, their bodies pressed so closely against one another, has fangs sliding through my gums. Lenore must be in need of another reminder. The message must be clearer this time.The closer she gets to Cassius, the more unsafe it is for him.
Shadowing past, I adopt my physical form directly behind the prince. Lenore stops mid-sentence, eyes popping wide at the sight of me. Raising a finger to my lips, I silence her before shecan give anything away. Cassius picks up the conversation after she trails off. I have no idea what he’s saying. My energy is entirely focused on Lenore and the way she’s watching me as I release my monster.
Her gaze rises to follow my growing height. Cassius remains blissfully unaware. What a moron. My taloned feet brush up against the backs of his ankles. He shivers, peering over his shoulder.
Lenore sucks in a breath. She needn’t fear. I’m but a chilling sensation to her mortal prince. He can’t see me. I’m surprised he can feel me. I thought he’d be too thick-skulled for that. My wings spread wide, sweeping a light gust of wind past the two. My mouth stretches, allowing space for my extended teeth. Lenore’s eyes are on mine. She watches from where I tower several feet above Cassius.
Stretching my already grotesquely wide mouth, I unhinge my jaw and lean over Cassius. Inch by inch, I lower, until the top of his head is just within my open mouth. Flicking my gaze down, I make direct eye contact with Lenore.
She’s breathing quickly, her eyes boring into mine. I quirk a dark brow, as if to say, ‘Should I gobble him up or have you learned your lesson?’
Lenore’s wide-mouthed expression narrows to a scowl.
She gives a subtle shake of her head. I lower my mouth until I’m hovering just above his eyebrows. My stare holds hers, daring her to say or do something.Come on, little raven. It’s your choice.
“Cassius, I’ve just remembered I’m late for a lesson. Will you please excuse me?” She curtsies low and then hurries off in a direction that tells me she’s only pretending to return to the castle. Wise choice. Cassius makes to follow her. I stop him with a shadow, tugging him backward by the waist. He looks down at the invisible force, then back the way Lenore went. Despitethe eeriness I know he must be feeling, he follows her path. It doesn’t matter. By now, my clever little raven has ducked away and disappeared to one of her happy places.
Stalking behind the prince for the next ten minutes, I ensure he leaves their meeting with the ominous feeling of being watched pressing in around him. Looming over his large human stature is highly satisfying. Each time he looks warily over one shoulder, a thrill races through me.
After unsuccessfully tracking Lenore, the prince heads back indoors. Satisfied, I take my human form again and seek her out myself.
The gentle humming of her sweet voice reaches me as I enter the forest. She’s seated on the edge of the woods where the tree line meets the meadow. A crowd of animals fight for her favor, rubbing up against her and climbing into her lap. They haven’t noticed me yet. It’s nice to watch from afar. Everyone looks so peaceful and content. The moment I draw nearer, the energy will shift toward caution. I wish it didn’t. But I can’t change who I am or how the animals feel about me.
“Jealousy looks pretty cute on you.” She turns to me wearing a mischievous smirk. I’ve ditched my armor, settling on a casual look. Brown trousers, a white loose-fitting shirt. I like feeling informal, comfortable, or I supposeoff dutywhen I’m around her. My amulet still swings from my neck. The green stone glows when I’m near Lenore. I didn’t notice it at first. Mytha actually pointed it out.
Despite her annoyance with my distractedness while courting Lenore, Mytha has grown to understand my connection is more than obsession. That, or she came to accept that speaking ill of Lenore or my relationship comes with very negative repercussions.
Bending, I tilt her chin up. My lips brush across hers. “What is it I’m to be jealous of?You are mine. It is he who should be jealous of me.”
“I’m yours, am I?”
“I thought I proved that to you last night.”
Lenore seems to be at a loss for words. I smile, having found myself back on top in this little power game of ours. She shifts and winces. I’m sure she’s sore. Sending a handful of shadows forward, I shape them into a cushion that slides beneath her.
Lenore’s head drops back in relief. “That’s a neat trick.”
“How fares your army of beasts?” The animals tense as I make eye contact. Several duck behind her.
“I fear you may be the beast here. Terrifying poor Cassius with your monster.” She strokes a chipmunk who has its face buried beneath her hem.
