Page 100 of The Black Witch

He twines his arms around me once more and brings his lips to mine. Lulled by the music, I let myself fall into his kiss, into the deep, warm pool of his caresses. As he kisses me, a strange, delicious tingle starts at the soles of my feet and dances around my ankles. I shift my weight, reveling in the sensation as Lukas pulls me closer. He smells wonderful—like pine boughs in deep forest, warm as midnight fire. I sigh and let myself fall deeper.

I run my fingers back through his hair. I can feel his smile on my lips as I lightly trace along the thick hair of his sideburns, the soft, bare skin just behind his ear. Lukas groans and kisses me harder.

Suddenly the sparking around my ankles pulls in tight, and the image of a tree made of dark lightning flashes through my mind, power arcing from the soles of my feet to the tips of my fingers in a fierce, branching wave of pleasure. I shudder and cry out, overwhelmed by the powerful sensation.

I push away from Lukas.

“What wasthat?” I gasp as a dark echo pulsates hot in my core, my legs now unsteady.

Lukas holds on to me, his eyes full of surprise. “I don’t know,” he says, his voice deep and ragged. “I’ve never felt anything like that before.” His expression shifts from shock to hunger.

He lunges at me, claiming my mouth, and pushes his body hard against mine.

I gasp as the image of the tree flames back to life, dark sinuous branches snaking through my body, his hands all over me.

But it’s too much. Too fast. Like being caught in the ocean’s undertow.

I try to move away from him, to push away from the black fire, but he tightens his hold on me. I wrench my mouth from his.

“Lukas,” I force out. “Stop.I want to go.”

He pulls back, just barely, and gives me a look so feral that it fills me with serious alarm.

My eyes dart nervously toward the exit.

Abruptly, Lukas steps away, eyes predatory. He holds up his hands in mock surrender as his mouth curls into a slow, dark grin. He bows to me and holds out his hand for me to take.

I hesitate, wary of him now. Wildly conflicted and acutely aware of my vulnerability.

I place my hand in his, unsure of what he’ll do. But he simply leads me, wordlessly, back out of the museum, past the young guard and out into the cool night air.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Unforgiving

Two Elves are waiting for me in the hallway outside my room when I return to the North Tower.

Wynter’s intimidating brother and the willowy Elfin lad who was with him this morning are leaning against the windowsill. They straighten as I enter, both of them armed with bows and well-stocked quivers.

“Elloren Gardner,” Wynter’s brother says, his face grave, his words heavily accented. “I am Cael Eirllyn, brother of Wynter Eirllyn, and this is my second, Rhys Thorim.” He makes a slight, reluctant bow before continuing. “I need to speak with you.”

My heart picks up speed. “You need to leave,” I insist as I glance nervously toward the door behind me. “It’s not appropriate for you to be here.”

Cael makes no move to comply. “My sister told me of the threats you have made against her,” he says, stepping forward. “I have come here to respectfully request that you leave my sister alone.”

He must be joking.

“Perhaps the Icarals should avoid attacking and abusing people if they wish to be left alone,” I counter, pointing an accusing finger at our room.

His eyes widen, incredulous. “My sister? She attacked you? Wynter has never attacked anyone in her entire life. In fact, I’ve never heard her utter so much as an unkind word, even against those who have treated her ill.”

I tense at the injustice of it all. “Ariel Haven attacked me my first night here,” I reply. “I cowered in a closet all night long, thinking I was about to bekilled,and your sister didn’t lift afingerto stop her.”

“My sister...” Cael tries again, softening his tone with what looks like great effort. “If you knew her...she is decent and good. TheDeargdul, or the Icarals, as you know them, they are as despised by the Elves as they are by the Gardnerians. Our holy book,The Elliontorin, speaks about the evil of the winged, demonic ones. Many of our people seek to see my sister exiled forever. Some would like to see her imprisoned...or worse. She is here because she has nowhere else to go. If you make trouble for her, if you decide to spread lies about her, no one will take her side, save myself and Rhys Thorim.”

I hesitate, momentarily conflicted. But then I remember where weakness got me. I can’t afford to be weak.

Dominate, or be dominated.I can almost hear Lukas whispering in my mind.

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