Page 51 of Kiss of Magic

“You’ll make them mad.”

“Well, that’s just fucking great.” He put the gun away and held up his fists instead. “Let’s do this the hard way then, boys.”

He’d known the barrier spell wouldn’t protect him from their blows, but he was mildly encouraged when he managed to avoid the first few swings. He was right, theywereslow.

He was just starting to think he might have a chance after all when a single lucky punch took him out. He landed on his back so hard that his vision blurred.

The last thing he saw was Dani being shoved, kicking and screaming, into a waiting van. And then the blackness crowded in.

Twenty Three

Nurhan

Raya and Shade lay in their favourite spot, high in the hills above Nurhan where very few people could venture. It was beautiful but remote, accessible only to those with the power of flight.

Raya rested her head on her husband’s shoulder, idly plucking a flower from the meadow and holding it to her nose.

“Has it struck you that training more fae to fly will mean more chance of meeting others up here?” she asked. Shade frowned.

“If they dare trespass here, I will tear the wings from their bodies and hurl them back down into the valley.”

“So glad you haven’t lost your sense of proportion.”

“How is the training coming?”

“Aelah can manifest wings quite easily, as can one or two of the other Vulcani. But it’s a question of adaptation. Most can shape fireballs and suchlike, but making appendages that actually work – that’s a different kettle of fish.”

Shade was bemused.

“What have fish got to do with it?”

“It’s a human saying. I’m sure you get the gist.”

Shade tightened his arm around her.

“Sometimes I forget you spent most of your life in the mortal realm.”

“Sometimes I do too.”

“Do you ever miss it?”

“What, being locked up in a mental institution?” Raya gave a short laugh. “Nope. You busting down the doors like some supernatural Rambo was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“Rambo. Is he an earth hero?”

“More of an anti-hero. Dark, grumpy, misunderstood. Just how I like them.”

She slid her hand under his shirt and ran her fingernails down his chest. Shade rumbled in contentment.

He loved his wife unequivocally. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. Which is probably why he said the stupidest thing possible.

“I was thinking, halfling. Perhaps you should return to the human realm for a while. Just until the seal is restored.”

Raya’s hand stilled.

“What?”

“The demonicus spirits are unable to pass through the Gates. The human world will be quite safe from them. And you have not visited since I brought you here. Would you not like to see your childhood home?”

---