Page 135 of The Shadow Wand

It stings to hear this.Which is absurd, I chastise myself. He’s been clear that he’s experienced.

He must sense that this rattles me as his brow tightens. “I’ve never been with another Mage, for what it’s worth.”

I try to shrug off the ridiculous hurt that’s strong enough to cut through the wine’s lull. “That’s surprising,” I say.

He barks out a laugh. “I don’t interfere with the Gardnerian cult of virginity.” He swirls the wine in his glass, reflective. “Our whole society is touchy about it.”

I bristle at the remaining options. “So, Urisk serving girls?” I ask him warily, thinking of how Silvern went after Sparrow.

Lukas throws me an incredulous look. “No, Elloren. I don’t approve of that.”

Confusion mounts. “Please tell me you’ve never been with a Selkie.”

“Of course not. I’ve told you that before.”

I furrow my brow at him. “If you haven’t been with Selkies or serving girls, then who?” I know I’m being intrusive, but this entire situation is intrusive.

Lukas lets out a long sigh. “Is this really important for you to know, Elloren?”

No, it’s probably best I don’t know,I think. But still, I don’t think I can be with you if you’ve been abusive in the past.

“Yes,” I tell him. “I need to know.”

He tips his glass, watching the play of light on it. “There were new Vu Trin soldiers at their Verpacian base every year. Far away from home. Quite lonely. And they have a different moral viewpoint regarding...” He gestures loosely toward the bed with his glass. “There were two instances where a soldier of similar rank to mine felt a mutual attraction. And we pursued it.”

I gape at him.

He laughs. “Don’t ask questions you don’t want answered, Elloren.”

I narrow my eyes. “You have a very complicated love life.”

He sighs and gives me a slow once-over. “Yes. I do.”

“Vu Trin soldiers?” I can’t quite get my mind around it. “With their killing stars and rune swords and blades?”

He gives a short laugh. “I like dangerous women.” He raises his glass to me in a slight toast. “Obviously.”

“Well, that’s good,” I wryly comment, “since you might be risking your life tonight. Seeing as how my power bests yours in almost every way.”

“I’m ready for you this time,” Lukas returns, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “And your power’s tamped down since it’s shielded.” He sets down his glass and moves to open the second bottle, flashing me a sultry smile that sends a ripple of warmth through my lines. “I have another one for you to taste.”

I look Lukas over as he pours a small amount of the scarlet wine into our glasses. Fully noticing him as my fireline rouses. Imagining the shape of his body under his tunic. Taking in his smooth, muscular movements. His deep–forest green eyes.

He picks up his own glass and hands me mine.

I take a sip. “Mmm.” I slide my tongue decadently over my lips. “It tastes like...smoked cherries. And...oh, it’soak.” I close my eyes and breathe in deeply as the dark branched tree unfurls itself for me, my earthlines curling around its every limb. I open my eyes and smile at Lukas.

He leans forward, pressing his knees lightly against mine. “I want to kiss your lips with the taste of this wine on them.”

My eyes widen, my face growing warmer as my fireline gives a strong flare.

Lukas slides his gaze down my body then up to meet my eyes. “We should enjoy fine things while we can, Elloren. We’ve a difficult road ahead of us. With few luxuries.” He sighs, as if resigned. “After tonight, our bed is likely to be the ground for some time.”

I consider this as we both grow quiet, sipping the wine together in companionable silence, the burning firewood crackling softly, the lushness of the wine further soothing my lines.He’s being so careful with me, I realize. Keeping his fire pressed firmly back. But I also know I don’t want to stall all night.

I take a deep breath, stand up, and turn my back, then look at him over my shoulder. “I’ll need help with the laces,” I tell him, my heartbeat quickening as my magic reaches out to shimmer through his.

Lukas’s fire gives an intense flare that sparks against then feeds into mine, the flames in our lines rapidly surging and licking around each other’s.

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