Page 6 of Embers to Flames

Hiswings.

White and feathery, shimmering like silk. They are folded against his back. Having seen him fly overhead of me, I knew the wingspan was long. But now having seen them up close—even tucked in—I can tell they are massive.

Lord Erhorn clears his throat and steps between us.

“Rosanhi, I would like you to meet my nephew. This is Theodas.”

I blink and bring my attention back to the room.

“Welcome to Kaladis… uh… Lord?” I’m not sure what his title is, and I can feel my cheeks flush even more from embarrassment for my lack of elegance.

“Just call me Theo. I’m not one for titles.”

He runs his fingers through his luscious pearl-colored hair. The light catching its shimmer as he extends his hand to greet me. I take it eagerly, feeling a spark of electricity shoot through my fingers at the touch. The static shock makes me flinch.

“Oof, sorry about that. It’s the wings. They sometimes… uh… build up too much energy after such a long flight,” he says with a coy grin.

A bashful smile graces my lips, and my eyelashes fluttered as I looked up at him. “It’s no problem—Theo.”

Lord Erhorn breaks up the awkwardness, “Well my boy, I’m sure you are drained after your trip. Rosanhi will show you to your bed chambers.”

Lenna and Ava are still standing in the background. Both holding lopsided grins on their faces. Lenna pulls in her lips to keep from snickering as we walk past her and towards the stairwell.

“Here you are.” I say as I open the door and glide into the large bedroom. I motion to the left of the room, “You have your own bathroom, and the sheets are fresh. Is there anything I can get you?”

With a flick of his hand, a tray of brightly colored fruit appears. Berries of various colors glisten as if they have just been freshly washed after picking. He chooses a plump redberry from the cluster and pops it into his mouth. His tongue running over his lips in satisfaction.

I don’t realize I am holding my breath at the sight of it. I’m not sure if my infatuation is with this sultry display of consumption or the fact that he justmadethe tray appear from nowhere.

“I think I’m all set.” He says and notices my unintentional gaze. “Would you like one?” He’s already picked another berry and is bringing it to my lips before I get a chance to decline.

I hesitate but then nod slightly. He gently presses the berry to my lips, and I part them, allowing him to place the fruit into my mouth. I close my eyes, savoring the flavor of it. It is as if I had never tasted berries before—even though I had—this berry is something different. This is quite literally the sweetest berry that has ever pleased my tastebuds. My eyes open slowly, and I peer up at Theo. He stares down at me for a moment and then slowly backs away.

“They’re from my city, Paeris. There is a small grove along the coastline that grows them.”

“How did you… I mean… did you just…” I can’t find my words.

He looks at me blankly, “Oh, the tray? Magic of course. Although I assume I wasn’t supposed to do that in front of you. Don’t worry. I didn’tconjureit from nowhere. I told you; they came from the grove near my city.”

“I thought Elves wanted to keep their… err…talents…asecret?”

“We’re supposed to. Something about you makes me forget my place I guess.”

My pulse quickens.

“I really should be going. I’ll need to get dinner started for Lord Erhorn. You should rest.”

My feet stumble over each other, my hands flail in a desperate attempt to catch myself as I lurch towards the door. In a blur of movement, his strong arms wrap around me and pull me back into an upright position, I steady myself and take a deep breath, grateful for his quick reflexes.

“Sorry… I’m… such a klutz, but um… I’ll see you at dinner.” I scramble to gather my bearings and scurry out the door, closing it behind me.

Holy shit.

I put my head in my hands and sigh deeply.

By the Gods, I haven’t felt anything like that in ages.

I let out a hushed giggle and try to relax as I make my way down the hallway towards the stairs.

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