Page 165 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“Just like that?” I raise an eyebrow skeptically.

“I think it’s the fresh air. But also your presence,” he says, turning to me with a soft look in his eyes. “It’s like a healing balm to my heart, Minnie. And I have a feeling another kiss from you would ensure my ailment won’t come back for some time.”

“The mission?” I tap my foot impatiently.

“Just one more kiss. Think of it as charity,” he pleads, practically batting his eyelashes at me—Iused that technique first!

Smirking, I stop in front of him and rise up on my tiptoes. He closes his eyes expectantly, but instead of kissing him on thelips, I place a gentle kiss over his heart and hold it there for a moment.

“There. My charitable duty is done. Now let’s get going.”

He gives me a puppy look—he does that quite often, though I’m not sure why. It does make him endearing in an odd way, but he needs to learn that such blatant cuteness doesn’t easily sway me—well, maybe just a little.

After his heart is miraculously cured, we get back into the car and start driving toward the location of the portal. Mine unfurls a map in front of us and asks me to point out where the portal is located.

I focus on the energy of the pin, being careful not to use too much as I must conserve some for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise in Aperion. Since Mine is coming with me, and he is only human, it is my responsibility to protect him.

“Over there.” I point to a spot on the map.

“A field. Figures,” Mine mutters under his breath. “Luckily, it’s not too far from here. We should be able to reach it before nightfall.”

The sun begins to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the green fields and scattered trees. The roads are empty save for a couple of cars here and there. And as we make to exit the county, we come across a military checkpoint.

Mine flashes his credentials and we are quickly let through.

“We’re getting closer,” I tell him. The portal’s energy signature is becoming stronger.

Mine glances at the map and traces the location with his finger.

“We’ll need to stop the car here and continue on foot.” He points to where the main road meets the field.

As we get there, he parks the car by the side of the road and we start toward the field.

When the energy signature of the portal is at its strongest, I borrow some power from the pin and sprinkle it around us to reveal a dark blue swirl of light.

“And this will take us to Aperion?” Mine questions pensively.

“It can take you anywhere. But you’re lucky you’re with me since I can direct it to take us to our destination.”

“We just go inside?”

I nod.

“But before…” I trail off as I borrow a tiny bit of energy from the pin and tap his forehead. “This should help you understand the language of Aperion for a short period of time.”

He nods thoughtfully.

“Come.” I grab his hand and step into the portal.

He opens his mouth to say something, but I’m already pulling him inside. The blue light surrounds us and in a matter of seconds, we’re expelled on the other side of the portal.

I stumble around to find my footing, but Mine catches me in his arms.

“Huh,” I whisper. I’ve heard that mortals have a hard time when going through a portal for the first time, usually involving dizziness and nausea. But he seems perfectly fine.

His gaze is sharp as he looks around, taking in his surroundings.

“Where are we?” His voice is laced with disbelief as he surveys our surroundings.

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