Page 46 of Lich's Mate

“You’ll see how strong they are for yourself, I think. I know you don’t see the point, but they have everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

I start heading back down the hallway, feeling satisfied with my discoveries.

I wonder if he’s changed his motivations since we met, or if he always felt this way in secret.

Could I have caused a change in him?

I feel myself growing excited at the thought.

18

KAVIAN

Ihave Meera meet me in my study. She takes a seat in a chair by my desk and it’s all I can do to keep my hands to myself. She’s stunning.

And the desire I feel to rip her clothes off her slender body and ravish her is slightly overwhelming at the moment. Instead, I clear my throat and tell her of my plans instead.

"I am journeying back to New Solas," I announce, my gaze fixed on the dark wood grain of my desk. It's too risky to hold her gaze, too dangerous to be swept up in the depths of her eyes.

Meera doesn't respond immediately. She draws in a breath, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as if stalling for time. When she speaks, her voice is poised and determined. "I'm going with you."

"No," I protest instantly, my head whipping towards her. She's gazing at me fiercely. I can see the fire in her eyes. It threatens to consume me if I'm not careful. "It's far too dangerous."

"And you think it's less so for you?" she retorts, standing from the chair and leaning over the desk that separates us. There's an edge to her words, an anger that stems from both worry and fear.

"It's different," I say, reaching across to grasp her hands in mine, the touch grounding me. "I've been trained for this."

"Then train me," she insists stubbornly, not withdrawing her hands from mine. Her pulse beats rapidly under my fingers, echoing my own racing heart.

"You don't understand..." I start to argue but Meera interrupts me with a shake of her head.

"I understand perfectly," she interjects sharply, "And I'm not letting you face Gorran alone."

I clench my jaw. I knew even before I told her of my plans that this would be an argument. But it’s far too dangerous to have her come along. However, I force myself to remain calm.

"You should stay here," I advise her, forcing myself to maintain eye contact. She deserved that much, at least.

"And do what? Sit here and knit while you risk your life? No," she says with an obstinate shake of her head, a certain fire dancing in her eyes, matching the one that's always been smoldering in the pit of my heart. The sheer will in her voice makes me waver.

"You don't have to be there physically to help," I counter, squeezing her hands tightly, hoping she can feel the sincerity of my words. "You can work on gathering information here."

But she cuts me off with a scoff, jerking her hands from mine. "You're underestimating me, Kavian," she chastises, her gaze hardening. The mention of my name is like a dagger to my heart—the way it rolls so naturally off her tongue.

"Meera," I say slowly, trying to keep the desperation from creeping into my voice. "I'm not underestimating you. I trust you more than anyone else but the dangers that await... They're not something I want you exposed to."

She huffs, crossing her arms as if shielding herself from my protective instinct. "You don't get to decide what I can or cannot handle."

"I know," I agree reluctantly. The fact that we're even having this conversation is proof enough of that.

She’s headstrong, independent, and undoubtedly my equal in every sense of the word. But I fear for her safety all the same.

"Promise me you'll stay safe," I finally mumble, surrendering to the inevitable defeat. Her lips twitch into a small smile—a victory smile—radiating a warmth that could soften even the hardest stone.

"I promise," she whispers, her gaze softening. She walks toward me, her hand cupping my cheek as I reach to grip her waist, drawing her in.

My lips press against hers and she moans into my mouth. Our lips move in sync, passion and desperation mixing. Heat radiates from our bodies as we get lost in the moment - lost in each other.

"Kavian," Meera murmurs against my lips, her voice a plea and a promise all rolled into one. I respond by deepening our connection, hoping to convey everything I feel for her without words.

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