Page 10 of Bound By Stardust
He’d leave, and I’d resume the normality of my daily life, except that’s not what I wanted. Was it possible that even without his blessing, I’d be chosen?
“I’m leaving today,” Drazhan announced without turning around, an odd note in his voice.
I swallowed my retort.
He continued. “Will you be fine without me?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
He faced me. “A red dawn spells foul omens for all.”
I didn’t like this side of him, for his warnings left me with the sense that the future held something menacing. “Will you not relent and allow me to become one of the chosen?”
He frowned, a deep disappointment in his tone when he spoke. “Asira, I’ve told you, the Masters are not the kind gods you believe in. Going to their kingdom will be your undoing, and I will have no part in it, especially after what you’ve done for me. If, by some miraculous reason, you are chosen, you must stay calm and never, ever eat or drink anything they give you.”
I grimaced. “Why not?”
All the mischief was gone from Drazhan’s face as he approached me, tangling his fingers in my curls he tilted my head up. In stunned surprise, I had no recourse but to stare at him. Why did my chest feel tight, and my breath come so fast? I wanted nothing to do with this immortal Master, and yet he was so close, I smelled the headiness of his scent, masculine and woody.
Drazhan’s assumption about my lack of a husband had been correct.
A few shy lads had asked, and I’d scorned them by tossing their words back in their faces.
Marriage. Why?
To be burdened with a man, forced to have his babies, provide food for his belly, and keep the cottage respectable? I’d end up working myself to the bone all for a union I cared nothing for.
Throughout the seven days Drazhan had spent with me, he asked for nothing. In fact, he was helpful, keen on ensuring I didn’t work too hard. I hadn’t been lonely at all, and he’d given me a glimpse of what it would be like to have a relationship that benefited both of us.
“Hear me, Asira,” he said, voice low and dangerous. “You will not be chosen for the tithe, and I have unfinished business in the floating kingdom above. I vow that when I am done, I will return to you and ensure you have what your heart desires.”
Then, he kissed me.
I assumed I knew what it meant to be kissed: wet, sloppy lips against mine that I’d wipe away in disgust, or a bloom of terrible breath clouding my senses.
Drazhan’s kiss was none of those.
His lips were firm, and underneath his masculine scent was the tang of stardust and magic.
A tingling rushed through my lower belly, and my arms went slack, as though my entire body would melt into him.
My lips parted, tasting him, welcoming his caress.
Thiswas what kissing felt like?
No wonder. I parted my lips for more, wanting to drown myself in the moment, but Drazhan pulled back before I could fully reciprocate, his golden eyes blazing with…need?
He brushed his thumb over my lips, and awareness flooded my body. “I have wanted to kiss you since the day I met you.”
I couldn’t have responded even if I’d known what words to say. Something had happened to me. I couldn’t think or breathe; in fact, my entire body felt boneless.
The corner of Drazhan’s mouth quirked up, and suddenly, he was at the door again. “Farewell, Asira. We shall meet again.”
Just as suddenly as he’d appeared in my life, he was gone.
I stood frozen in shock just a moment longer, then lifted my shaking fingers to my mouth and wiped his kiss away. It meant nothing, and I would not think about the kiss or the fact that he’d left without giving me a boon for healing him.
Giving myself a shake, I tugged on my boots, slammed the door, and followed the trail through the woods to the ceremony.
