Page 37 of Between Realms

I cautiously stroll around his expansive suite. The space is three times the size of mine.

To the right is an office area with a desk and bookshelves lining the walls.

Jaden notices me staring at his library. “Pick out a few books to bring back to your suite.”

I nod happily at his suggestion. Yet, before I get lost in his books, I continue to wander, glancing through an open door. Beyond it is a large poster bed. Quickly, I spin around to face the other partitioned area, not wanting to seem overly interested in his bedroom. The open area is seems to be set up as a combat training space. Now, I am distracted by the arsenal of swords and daggers on the wall and thick mats on the floor. Without thinking, I’m drawn toward them, wishing to test the balance and inspect the detailed metalwork.

A thrill goes through me as I imagine practicing with my secretly forged swords. “Do you practice… in here?”

“Yes, sometimes, when the weather is too much for the prince. He can be fussy.”

I spin toward Jaden, my eyes widening. “Youtrain him?”

He smirks at my surprise, and I realize I should have guessed. “Yes, since he was a youngling.”

I furrow my eyebrows. I assumed the three males were around the same age. Which is silly, I know. “Oakes mentioned the prince was around sixty years old.” I press my lips together and then tilt my head. “I know it’s rude to ask—”

“I’m one hundred and fifty-three. Oakes is one hundred and forty-two. Still young and brash enough ourselves, I suppose.” Jaden scans the wall of weapons as he speaks, as if looking for a particular blade. “The Elven Mage chose us to guide Eldrin into his adulthood, which he is onlynowreaching. They selected Oakes for his compassion and patience.” Jaden snatches up a small dagger and marches up mere inches from me, and my heart races in response. “And they picked me for my valor and passion.”

As I stare up his body to meet his gaze, I catch a rebellious twinkle in his eyes.

I recognize it from my own rebellious streak.DoesJaden see my true nature?

He is so close. I gulp but refuse to back down and step away.

His passion seems to burn just under his skin, just like the coals I noted in his scent. The heat of his body radiates and caresses me all on its own. His black locks have fallen around his piercing violet eyes as he stares down at me. He towers over me—a full head taller and more.

I avert my eyes to gain control over my frenetic heart and stare at the dagger. “What’s that for?”

Jaden sniffs the air, so subtly that I wonder if he has. “Did you fear I would use it on you?”

“No,” I answer too quickly.

“Then why do I smell your unease?”

Doesn’t he know how gorgeous he is? Besides, he is dangerous, even without a knife in his hand. He could snap me in two without breaking a sweat.

I guess he might not know the effect he has on me since one would be hard-pressed to find an ugly elf. However, until recently, I have never been so drawn to anyone. And now, to be attracted to not only one but three elves?

“Wait…” I sputter. “You cansmellmy emotions?”

“Well, yes, and no. I have the magical gift of heightened senses, more than the already keen Elven abilities. One is smell. I can detect and memorize someone’s chemical and biological responses when I am focused and become familiar with their scents. Oakes says my sense of smell transcends mere scents but to extrapolate true emotional reactions. But I’m still training in that ability.”

My face heats, and I turn away. Does he know every time my body has a sexual response to them? Oh goodness. Hedoes. I close my eyes and try to think of ghoul-stench to settle my hormones down.

I hear him chuckle as if he knows what I am attempting to do.

“You don’t smell bad if it worries you.” Jaden grins and the entire realm drops away. “Quite the contrary.”

After a few deep breaths, I redirect my attention to the blade in his hand. Swords, I understand. Males, not so much. “Why the dagger?” I choke.

Jaden hands me the blade handle out so I can grab it safely. When I don’t immediately take it, he gestures again.

I accept gingerly, as if I don’t wish to touch it. Because I don’t, not in an elf’s presence. I’m uncertain what he expects from me now.

He nods and finally steps back, giving me space to breathe again. “What do you think of it?”

I hold out the blade so I can inspect its craftsmanship. I hum when I note its elegant, clean lines. Then something inside me takes over. I spin it around like an expert. Clasping onto the grip, I hold it in a defensive stance, but away from him, so he knows I’m not on the attack. I twist it around in my hand, flip it into the air, further testing its balance, and catch it gracefully. Then I hold the blade, offering it back to Jaden. “Excellent balance. Beautifully crafted. A worthy weapon.”

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