Page 89 of Beauty's Beast

“Good. Come, take my hand. You, too, Erik.”

“I thought we were leaving.”

“We are.” He smiled benignly. “Did you think we would go by horse or carriage?” He shook his head. “Mortal travel is far too slow and too tiresome for these old bones.”

“I can’t leave Misty,” Kristine said.

“No need to worry. Your mare and the stallion are already at Hawksbridge.” He extended his arms. “Come, we must away.”

“Have you done this before?” Kristine asked as she placed her hand in the wizard’s.

“Many times.” The wizard grasped their hands in his. “Now, you two must also join hands.”

Kristine’s gaze met Erik’s as their fingers entwined. “I love you,” she whispered.

“And I you.”

“Ready?” Caddaric asked.

Kristine nodded, her hand tightening on Erik’s as she felt the wizard’s power flow into the room like the breath of a warm summer wind. There was a rushing sound, like the beating of mighty wings, an eerie sensation of being caught up in the middle of a storm. Breathless, she closed her eyes, her heart thundering in her breast, certain they were heading for destruction.

There was a whooshing sound, followed by a sudden calm, and when she opened her eyes again, they were in Erik’s chamber.

“Oh my,” Kristine murmured. “Oh my.”

“Kristine?” Erik placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyes worried as he studied her face. “Are you all right?”

She nodded. “I guess so.”

“That’s my girl. Why don’t you go tell my mother we’ve returned. And ask Mrs. Grainger to prepare a room for Caddaric.”

“Aren’t you coming down?”

“No.”

“Erik … ”

“Not now, Kristine. Caddaric, is there anything you need?”

“No. Will there be a problem if I wander around the estate?”

“No. Please, make my home yours.”

With a nod, Caddaric took his leave.

“Erik, why won’t you come downstairs with me? I know your mother is anxious to see you.”

He shook his head. “I shall see her later. I have no wish to see anyone else. When you see Mrs. Grainger, tell her to send Chilton for my solicitor.”

“Your solicitor?”

“Please, Kristine, just do as I ask.”

It was rising between them again, that invisible wall that he hid behind when he wanted to distance himself from her.

“You remember your promise, Erik?”

“I remember.”

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