Page 82 of Sophie's Ruin
“Congratulations,” the witch said with a warm smile.
“Thank you,” both Henry and I replied.
“And thank you for helping me with my magic,” I added.
Celeste nodded.
“You’re welcome. Keep working on it even after you leave. The demon was right about one thing—your magic is strong. Your power will only grow, and with proper care, you can accomplish great things.”
“Speaking of Damien…has he shown himself yet?” I asked her, and held my breath. I hoped he hadn’t found another susceptible soul to corrupt in the White Witches settlement.
“Not that I’m aware,” Celeste replied, drawing her mouth into a straight line. “I’m tired of waiting for him to reveal himself. Since searching for him hasn’t worked, I’m going to try to summon him instead. Demons are drawn to power, and I have it in spades. Perhaps if I offer myself to him, he won’t be able to resist.”
My blood chilled in my veins at her words.
I glanced at Henry before I said, “When are you going to do it? If you can wait until tomorrow night, I’ll help you. There isn’t much I can do, but I still think you shouldn’t do it alone.”
The witch stared at me for a moment as if trying to decide if she wanted to take me up on my offer. I hoped she would—I couldn’t leave without helping her. I couldn’t let her battle the darkness alone.
“I will,” she finally said. “We will try summoning him tomorrow night.”
The cold feeling in my limbs hadn’t lifted. If anything, it seemed to grow and spread, but I refused to let it. I knew that Damien needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. We’d already waited too long. But I was delaying it, trying to prolong the moment of peace, much like Henry had done after I’d defeated the Dark Witches. One night. Our wedding night. We deserved that much. Fighting the darkness could wait, if only for a few more hours.
After Celeste had left our side, I turned to Henry.
“We can’t leave until I help her,” I told him, hoping he would understand.
The look he gave me told me that he did, and truly, I hadn’t expected anything less from him.I waited for him to say something about what tomorrow night might bring, but he didn’t.
“Dance with me?” he asked instead, gently squeezing the hand he hadn’t released after we’d exchanged our vows. In that moment, I knew that we wouldn’t talk about tomorrow night. There would be no dread or uncertainty tonight; there would only be peace and joy.
“Of course. I would never deny you, remember?” I teased with a hint of a smile.
“I hope you remember that promise later tonight,” he teased back, one side of his mouth turning up.
My blood heated at his words, and a wave of desire rolled through me. Dark lust flashed in Henry’s eyes, but he quickly reined it in. We handed our champagne glasses back to the servant before Henry hauled me to him for a dance. The world faded away again, but this time, we didn’t go to the meadow. We remained by the arch, the sweet scent of flowers wafting through the air around us. Still, I wasn’t seeing the ballroom and the guests, just as I wasn’t hearing the music. All I could see was him, and all I could hear was the steadfast rhythm of hisheart, which beat in unison with mine. Time seemed to crawl as we danced, without saying a word, completely immersed in each other. We didn’t need to speak. There was an understanding between us, a quiet confidence that came with knowing that I was his and he was mine, and nothing could ever come between us.
38
Iwasn’t sure how long our dance lasted. It could’ve been minutes or hours. I didn’t care as long as I was in Henry’s arms, swimming in the deep-blue waters of his eyes. They didn’t stay blue for long, as his features became harsh with stark lust. He pulled me to him, flush with his powerful body, before he kissed me…deeply, hungrily. The scrape of his fangs on my lips was a demand, and I knew the time for revelry was over. He wanted me to himself, and I was more than happy to comply. Because I wanted him to myself, too.
In the back of my mind, I knew it was too early for us to leave our own celebration. Our guests expected a speech or at least a chance to congratulate us, but it was hard to care as Henry’s mouth moved over mine. The guests, the party…it was all secondary. It occurred to me that even if Henry and I were the only ones left in this world, just the two of us, I would still have everything I needed. He was enough. Before, the thought would have terrified me, but now Celeste’s words floated up in my mind,Love is a weapon, not a weakness.
My love for Henry was a weapon, a shield against the dangers of the world.
“Are you ready to go?” he murmured against my swollen lips.
His hold on me tightened, and he pressed my body more fully to him so that I could feel him,allof him, letting me know how ready he was to have me all to himself. The answering pulse between my thighs made my breath hitch, and Henry’s nostrils flared as a low, rough sound rumbled from deep within his throat.
“Yes,” I breathed, clutching his arms.
I didn’t want to run upstairs to his bedroom. Even with our supernatural speed, it wouldn’t be fast enough. I couldn’t wait another second to be in his arms, skin to skin, with nothing between us. So, I called upon my magic, feeling it light up my veins along with my growing arousal.
“Sophie—” Henry sucked in a sharp breath.
“Trust me,” I whispered against his lips.
“Always,” he said without hesitation.
