Page 135 of Kingdoms of Night

Naatos had accused her of being willing to change everything about herself to be loved because she hadn’t known what she wanted. As much as it had stung, it was true. Now though, well, she did know what she wanted. For once, it wasn’t to be the jaguar.

Stone crumbled, the sound of Feron’s footsteps.

“If you—if you were to choose someone,” he asked, with a soft grunt as he probably lifted a rock, “what would you look for? A shifter like your friend?”

“No. I guess I just had a type I used to fall for.”

“A type you used to like?” A wisp of a laugh followed.

“Honest. Focused. Generally a little angry. More than a little, actually. But I don’t think I want that now aside from the honesty. Honesty is always good. Essential even.”

“Ah.” A long pause followed, then his hand curled over hers gently. “What do you want, then?”

She had to take a moment to steady herself as he drew her along. “When it’s time, someone kind, compassionate, calm. Obviously intelligent. Intelligence is very important. Even more important, though, a friend who loves and supports and challenges all at once. Someone who likes animals and children, of course.” Someone who sounded a lot like him…

“Watch out for this rock,” he said, his voice flat. “We’re going to take two big steps to the right.” He drew in a deep slow breath. “Maybe four of your steps,” he added with a slight lilt. “We’ll count in the right order this time.”

Though he spoke more quietly, her heart beat even faster. His dedication to finding Anette, how gentle and kind he was with the wolves. How much the wolves loved him, too. He was a good man. A kind man. And so clever. He’d realized that they’d had to get to that little room so that she could make her plan work. He’d supported her.

She turned her face down toward her chest in case he could see her expression. Who knew what her eyes said in this dark place?

“Little bit of a turn here,” he said.

“You must be an excellent dancer, no matter what you said before.”

“What? No, no, not at all.” He must have ducked his head because his voice suddenly seemed closer and some of his hair brushed her cheek.

“Maybe you just needed the right partner.”

“Maybe.” His voice went lower, sending prickles of pleasure and goosebumps along her arms.

She shivered. Ahead, a shaft of light glowed. “Wait! I see some light. It’s—purple?”

“Not the color I was expecting.”

As they drew closer to the light, it was easier to see shapes and forms. Her breath sharpened as she saw him again, his magnificent profile and his striking contours. When the Creator had fashioned him, He had spared no indulgence. The urge to plant ferocious kisses up and down the lines of his throat and chest and beyond nearly overwhelmed her.

And he didn’t know—couldn’t know. He spoke so calmly, so smoothly, as if she were just some lost soul he led through the cavern’s maze to safety. So sweet and pure, so generous and kind. Her heart beat faster at just the slight huffing laughter as he joked about purple light and Puck’s flair for the dramatic. The smile that pulled at her own mouth could not be resisted.

He didn’t let go of her hand as he drew her along toward the light. Then he laughed, the sound startling her with its lightness.

“They’re mushrooms. Look!” He pulled her farther in around the bend and pointed.

Purple mushrooms grew along the walls of the cave, delicate as flowers and elegant as sconces. She brought her hand just close enough to cup it near the mushroom without touching it. Touching it might damage its delicate cap and gills, but now that she was closer, she could feel that gentle pulse.

A smile pulled at her lips. “I’ve never seen mushrooms like this.”

“They glow,” Feron said incredulously.

“Bioluminescence. Yes. That I’ve seen. But these, there’s something special about them.”

“Bio...” He nodded, frowning.

“Bioluminescence. It’s what makes them glow.” She frowned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say they could talk if you knew how to listen. I just...I don’t know how.” But right now it felt as if she was on the verge. As if something waited to unlock within her mind.

“If anyone could figure it out, it’s you.”

Did he mean to be such a sweet talker?

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