Page 188 of Never Kiss a Fae
Titus clapped me on the back. “If you ever claim to have mated with Claire to save your brother again, I really will fry you.”
I met his burning gaze with a grin. “Don’t worry, Powerless Champion. Exos would kill me first.”
Chapter32
Exos
Claire’s vitality grew with every step, my spirit soaking her in and allowing it to fuel my being. That was the sustenance I needed. Not food. Not water. Justher. It brought my spirit to the forefront, dousing me in an energy that thrived through my veins.
I’d channeled so much into our bond these last few days, locking onto the frays of our connection and holding desperately to the ends. Now that she was nearing my position, I felt the link strengthening again, remembering the beauty of her presence.
It made me come alive in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.
As soon as she was close enough to touch, I would deepen my hold on her and encourage us to the third level so nothing like this could happen again. Oh, it could still shatter—Ophelia and Mortus had proven that in the harshest ways—but I wouldn’t have to fear time or space deteriorating our connection.
I agree, Claire whispered through my mind, her spirit so attuned to mine that it was as if we were one being now. Part of it stemmed from the energy I’d forced into our bond while begging my mate to find me, but a larger reason for our enhanced connection was Claire’s acceptance of her fae half.
She felt complete. I could sense it in her spirit, her contentment with grounding all her elements. She may not have meant to bond to the Earth Fae or Vox or Cyrus, but there wasn’t an ounce of regret within her. Not even her human half—the one gaping in horror at the idea offivemates—could overcome her fae mind now.
And I fucking loved it.
You’re close, I murmured, sensing her above me.
Yes.She went silent for a moment, her other elements taking over as she focused. My lips curled as the walls shook around me, Claire using her affinity for earth to manipulate the ancient tombs. A blast of energy—air—shook the foundation above.
Found the door, she said, a hint of pride in her tone.
I felt that.I smiled.Try not to collapse the roof over my head, princess.
Her amusement trickled through her spirit, as did Vox’s astonishment at her display in power. Having such a close connection to the Air Fae was a bit strange, but as a Spirit Fae, I often connected to the auras of others.
But the Earth Fae was very new to me.
Sol.
I only knew his name because of Claire. The power beneath his tough exterior rivaled some of the strongest fae in existence. This must be the fae Elana mentioned that Vox was tutoring in control. Interesting.
From a guardian standpoint, I approved. And I imagined Cyrus did as well, hence his presence in Claire’s life.
I ran a palm over my face, thinking of all the things I needed to discuss with my brother. He would want to know who knocked me out and put me down here, but I couldn’t remember. My memories were hidden beneath a thick wall of ink, one I hoped Cyrus could help me demolish. Because the answers were right there, at the back of my mind, hidden behind that mossy black substance. I’d prodded at it all week, trying futilely to demolish the block. Whoever had put it there was powerful in the darkest way.
Mortus seemed too likely a suspect, even though I sensed his presence all around this place.
No, I suspected something more sinister.
Someone had been using him as a puppet.
But the question remained:Who?
A gust of wind sailed through the room, blowing out the torches on the walls. I relit them with a wave of my fingers, the fire second nature. Claire’s presence hummed on the breeze, her eagerness thickening my blood.
“Exos?” she called, her voice the most beautiful sound in my existence.
“Over here, baby.” I clasped the iron bars, hoping she could at least see my hands from where she stood.
Her energy warmed my being as she approached.
So close.
