Page 55 of Of Blooming Embers
My jaw ticked, and I braced one hand above her head, hoping to steady the energy buzzing through every limb.
Here you’ll find me,
In the withering mist between trees.
Among shattered
Hopes and phantom breeze.
“Not particularly. It’s from here.” There wasn’t much heat in my words, the melancholy lilt of the song wrapping around us, binding us.
Her eyes drifted closed. Muted words, suspended on the melody that had captivated her in Surrelia, flitted around us.
There, I’ll find you,
In the blooming embers of your dreams.
Fated promises,
Sealed in moonbeams.
It seemed a lifetime ago when I’d gone to Seryn at the ball, drawn to her then like a faraway dream.
I’d watched all these turns as if she were a mirage I could never really touch. Had to stand by as others touched her. As mybrothertouched her. I loved him, and I didn’t want him to suffer the heartbreak, but she was never his. Not really. Bitterness scratched deep within my throat as I forced the thought of Kaden away.
Our prolonged separation had gnawed at my resolve, and I was at the precipice of my patience. I couldn’t tell her all I yearned to, but I could show her. My lips tucked between my teeth. Keeping her at arm’s length wouldn’t keep her safe any longer. And she was so damn strong.
Fierce.
Magnificent.
And I didn’t just want her to be a dream any longer.
Because I wasn’t fucking dreaming, and no one was going to touch her like I would for the rest of our days.
She wasmine.
I leaned into her. My nose brushed her temple, and her rapid breaths fluttered against the base of my throat, errant curls tickling my skin at the open V of my tunic.
I wrapped my other hand below her jaw and around the side of her neck. Her skin was hot against mine. Her energy prickling under my touch.
“Ask me again,” I demanded.
“The song?”
A low, frustrated sound resonated in my chest. She whimpered, grabbing my wrist. Radiance sparked under my tattoo.
I shifted, putting my face above hers, and I slid my hand along her jaw, cradling her chin between my thumb and forefinger.
Her lips parted, eyes searching mine.
My cock strained against my breeches. I was at the end of my restraint.
Her dress glittered like the fallen star she was.
My fallen star.
Mine.
