Page 39 of An Archer's Reckoning

What are you dreaming?

“Given how you just tried to shove your whole body into him, I would wager he’s dreaming about your massive sword.”

I lost my composure, and my ensuing laugh bounced around the cave. Ayden’s eyes fluttered open.

“Hey.” He smiled up at me. My whole world tilted as love poured out of his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

He scooched up and kissed me. “What’s funny?”

“Órla was just guessing at your dreams.”

His brows rose. “Really now?”

“Giant sword. Powerful Ranger. Tight sheath. You know, that sort of thing.”

Ayden’s head fell onto my chest as he laughed.

“I take it you heard that?” he asked.

I grinned and nodded.

“Can Órla hear me? I mean, I know you two can talk, but can she hear my thoughts or voice?”

“No, I don’t think so. She can speak into your mind, but unless you have the Gift of Telepathy, you wouldn’t be able to respond in kind.”

“All right. In that case, can you send her a message for me?”

I kissed his forehead. “I’m scared, but go on.”

“Tell her that Rangers rarely carry swords. We use bows, and our arrows are quite thin. Her analogy is flawed.”

“Are you trying to start something with an ageless spiritual being with more knowledge and wisdom than all of humanity combined?”

“By the Phoenix, you finally recognized my true greatness. Ayden, mark down this day.”

Ayden coughed through laughter. “I keep forgetting she can hear when you speak. This may take some getting used to.”

“I’ve had her in my head for . . . for a while now. I’m still not used to it.”

“Never will be. I will forever be too fabulous for you both.”

By the time Ayden rose to sit up, he had dribbled spittle all over my chest. Tears streaked his face, and he struggled to breathe through snorts.

“Ew,” I said, grabbing my shirt and wiping my chest.

“After what you just shoved up inside me, that makes you grouse?”

“Fair point. So, how is your . . . um . . . sheathe? Sore?”

He grinned. “Maybe, but I refuse to stroke your ego. It is already almost as large as your hair.”

I feigned offense. “My hair is—”

“A tangled mess that even I wouldn’t nest in.”

Ayden completely lost it, doubling over and laughing so hard I thought he might piss all over the cavern floor.

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