Page 5 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
My skin responds to his baritone again. He moves closer, taking a small sideways step. He towers over me. His large hand slides over the balcony railing as if reaching toward my waist, though it remains in place. This man certainly knows how to use his Goddess-given attributes to his advantage.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get a chance to enjoy him? However, given his uniform, it may not be an option. Has he already noticed my Scion pin and determined that a dalliance between us would be allowed? The pin marks me as an elite graduate from Aerie Academy, and therefore, a candidate for the Rite of Flight, so depending on his rank, our involvement could mean breaking all kinds of rules.
Before we get too far, I’d better find out. I will not endanger my chances of getting a dragon, no matter how delightful the morsel is. There’s already enough riding against me.
“Parties don’t bother me.” I wave my unblemished left hand in the air as if it’s all the same. “I came out for some fresh air, to relieve my anxiety over the upcoming ceremony.” I glance down at my chest to call attention to my Scion pin just to discover it’s missing.
Wyrm’s rot!Where did it go?!
No, no, no!
It must have come loose in the privy.
Oh, Goddess!If they find it, they’ll have no trouble figuring out who killed Cindergrasp. I need to get it back.
3
Rhea
Iclutch my breast, eyes going wide as panic sizzles in my veins.
Everett frowns, confused by my reaction.
I know I should pause to calm my nerves, but the irrational fear of being found out, caught, and thrown in a musty dungeon overrides all logic. Instead of acting collected and coming up with a plan to retrieve my pin, my gaze roves all around, hopelessly searching the dark balcony floor.
“Have you lost something?” Everett asks.
“No,” I blurt out. “Yes. Um… I don’t…”
Breathe, Rhea. Breathe!
Everett’s frown deepens.
He’s suspicious! No, don’t be stupid.
How could he suspect thebeautifulwoman he just met is a murderess?
He starts searching the floor, blue eyes roving around with quick efficiency.
I stand on shaky limbs, preparing to extricate myself. I need to get back to that privy and find my pin—the evidence that would condemn me as soon as the body is found and the other Rite of Flight candidates are able to produce their pins, while I fail to do so.
Everett’s cool eyes stop and narrow. He crouches and picks something up from the floor. Extending his hand, he presents it to me.
“Is this what you’re looking for? This… Scion pin?” he asks.
A gasp of relief escapes my lips, and without thinking, I snatch the pin from his hand. “Oh, yes! Thank you. I’m so relieved. I thought I’d lost it.”
With practiced efficiency, he straightens, shoulders squaring with his spine. His entire demeanor becomes stiff and austere. Slowly, he faces me fully, turning his left shoulder just enough so I can finally see his rank.
I bite my tongue to stifle another gasp, this one of surprise. This man is no mere Sky Order member.
This is Vaylen Stormsong, the High Prime, second only to Commander Voltguard.
The very man who features in my grand plans as the one I’m supposed to seduce even if it breaks all the rules in the world. Marrying a man like him would certainly help create the type of family I’m interested in.
“My apologies, Ms. Rhealyn.” He bows, heels clicking. “I believe I have made an error of judgment. I apologize for my earlier indiscretion. I trust you’ll forgive me and know that I won’t ever be so callous again.” He pauses, cold blue eyes meeting mine.
“No need to apologize.” I straighten too, holding his gaze without flinching. “No harm done,” I add, trying to lessen the effect of his starched reaction. I don’t want him to think I’m as stiff and proper as all of that—not when my ultimate goal is to make him mine, after all.
