Page 73 of Lore of the Wicked Wood
Everinne blinked, unable to break away from the intensity of his eyes. They reminded her of pools of liquid starlight. She sucked in a breath, inhaling the tempting scent of bourbon,vanilla, and clove. Her head spun, and she leaned into his embrace.
“You can create constellations?”
He grinned, easing back slightly. Releasing her hand, he cupped his palm between them.
“Now,” he whispered, “watch.”
Magic bloomed in his open hand, a subtle glow at first, then brighter as fiery orbs danced and swirled. Warmth spread through her as his magic illuminated the breath of space they shared, casting them both in a silvery glow. It was mesmerizing, the way he crafted stars from nothing more than a thought, the way he garnered control of something as vast as the night sky with barely a flick of his wrist. Everinne stared, awestruck, as iridescent stars bounced from the tips of his fingers to his wrist, before finally falling into place in the shape of a flower. Streaks of stardust connected each star to form the floral constellation, and then Lord Tovian did the unthinkable.
He plucked it out of the air, gently tucking it back behind her ear.
Sweet gods, this male was too much.
She looked up at him then, into those eyes of moonlight with flecks of shimmering blue, and a blade of panic pierced her.
Everinne stiffened.
She knewthatlook.
He was going to kiss her.
Lord Tovian lowered his head and again, she placed her hand upon the ridiculously hard wall of his chest, holding him back.
“I appreciate the thoughtful gift, my lord.” Her fingers reached up absently to touch the flower-like constellation tucked into her hair. “And I would love nothing more than to visit Aeramere with you. But I’m afraid…my plans have recently changed.”
“Changed?” His brow furrowed and he searched her face, looking for the answer she knew would break him. “How so?”
“I…” Everinne’s heart was thundering now, so loud, she swore he could hear it. She loosed a shaky breath and stepped away from him, shoving her clammy hands behind her back. The words spilled from her before she could stop them. “I’ve recently become engaged.”
She saw the exact moment his face fell, when understanding crashed into him. He shook his head to disguise the confusion and hurt, but it was too late.
“You…” Lord Tovian trailed off, and his brow pinched. His spine snapped straight, and he took a decided step back, the air between them cooling with his abrupt departure. “You are betrothed to another?”
Wonderful.
Now she sounded like a whore.
“I am, yes.” Everinne caught sight of someone barreling his way through the crowd, heading directly for them. She would recognize that arrogant stride anywhere. Streaks of blue light shone brightly against his wavy, dark blond hair, and a pair of green eyes glinting with shards of furious gold were focused on her.
Atlas was stalking toward her.
And he looked pissed.
Her stomach flipped. Oh, gods. This was not going to end well.
“To who?” Lord Tovian asked, snaring her attention once more, his crestfallen expression morphing into one of displeasure.
“Him.” Everinne’s voice pitched, her chest heaved, and violent waves of nausea rippled through her as she reached out and grabbed Atlas’s arm, pulling him toward her. She plastered afake, too-bright smile on her face, and her voice trembled as she said, “I’m marrying the Prince of Prava.”
She dared a quick look at Atlas, only to find him staring down at her, bewildered. He arched a brow.
Please,she begged silently, squeezing her eyes shut,please go along with it.
Without asking, Atlas slid an arm around her waist.
Her eyes flew open to find Lord Tovian watching her curiously. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Atlas again, but she could feel the weight of his gaze upon her. Questioning.
“I see.” Lord Tovian nodded once, and the flower constellation he’d tucked behind her ear crumbled into stardust, leaving a trail of pearlescent shimmering powder on her bare shoulder.
