Page 63 of Visions & Shadows

Giving him a curious look, I ask, “Do you have any other talents I don’t know about?”

The corner of his mouth lifts, and he climbs to his feet. Reaching a hand out to me, he says, “You’ll find out soon enough.”

When I take his hand, his fingers wrap around mine. He pulls me to my feet and doesn’t let go immediately but instead steps closer to me.

He lifts his other arm, and his fingers brush over the cut on my throat that’s healing much faster than it would’ve on Earth.

Something electric ignites between us, and it rushes through my body.

Oh wow.

All the emotions this man has made me feel since we first met flood my chest. Once again, I stand before him with a racing heart and fluttering stomach, trying my best not to fall in love.

It feels like I’m fighting a losing battle, and unable to hold back, I close the distance between us and wrap my arms around his waist. Hugging him might be overstepping, but I really need it right now.

Luckily, he doesn’t push me away but instead wraps me up in a tight embrace.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath of his scent.

He smells so good.

I wish I could just stay in his arms and forget about everyone and everything.

Raighne’s hand brushes up and down my back, and he presses a kiss to the top of my head. It feels like something a protective father would do and not a man who’s romantically interested in me.

Shoot.

Reluctantly, I pull back while trying to hide the disappointment I feel.

“I better get my butt to training,” I mutter, my tone sounding awkward.

He just nods, and when we start to walk, I say, “You don’t have to come with me. I can find the field on my own.”

“Where you go, I go,” he grumbles.

Glancing up, I see a frown on his forehead. He actually looks upset.

“Did I do something wrong?” I ask, wondering if hugging him was crossing a line.

He shakes his head but doesn’t meet my eyes.

When we near the field, I see two people standing beneath a canopy of trees.

The man looks different from the others I’ve seen, his light brown hair cut short, whereas Raighne and River wear theirs a bit longer. His eyes are so light they remind me of ice.

The woman is a different story altogether. She doesn’t look friendly at all as she practically gives me the evil eye.

She’s tall and built quite muscular and can probably kick my ass like Brenna did.

“Peace be, Princess Alchera.” Both voices pipe up at the same time. It sounds like a rehearsed phrase.

I try not to scowl at the princess part. “Morning, just call me Alchera.”

The guy is the first to smile, while the scowl remains on the girl’s face.

“I’m Storm, and this is Blair. Don’t mind her, she doesn’t speak much.”

Just then, I hear Roark call out, “Training will begin now.”

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