Page 63 of Queen of Legends and Lies
Sterling gives me a long look, that wicked gleam still in his eyes, then nods. “All right. One more time.”
We gather our magic and square off yet again. I’ll make this work. I have to. Too much depends on it. I meet Sterling’s eyes, pouring every ounce of determination and will into forging that vital link.
And at last, just the faintest trickle of power flows between us before guttering out.
His eyes spark with satisfaction. “You felt it too.”
Hope kindles in my chest.
Progress.
We’re one step closer. And I won’t rest until we master this, no matter what.
The dragons and guards observe with rapt interest as we stubbornly begin again. We can do this. Wemustdo this.
He steps closer, lowering his voice. “The dream, Lark. Remember how it felt when we merged?”
How could I forget? That soul-deep alignment, power flowing unchecked between us in a dizzying rush. Heat courses through me.
Sterling quirks a brow, no doubt noting my reaction. Bastard. “But it wasn’t physical. Not entirely. It was intense. Emotional.”
“The emotions!” I catch on quickly. “They were the key. We have to find a way to tap into that again.”
“By manufacturing feelings?” Sterling appears torn between amusement and disbelief. “This should be good.”
I roll my eyes. “You have a better idea?” When he stays silent, I give him a smug smile. “Didn’t think so. Come on, let’s…I don’t know. Think of something that really affects us. Something powerful.”
We stand there like a pair of uncomfortable statues, guards shifting and dragons huffing smoke in the background. I want to say our shared love should be enough. But I always have love for Sterling, and it’s not happening, so clearly that won’t suffice.
If he really is on to something, and I have to have wild, hot, passionate sex every time I want to merge…
No. There has to be another way. Because sex in a field full of onlookers? Hard pass.
My mind races, struggling to conjure up a shared memory that might spark a strong enough surge of emotion.
Finally, Sterling clears his throat. “The night Blair died? We were together for that.”
An icy fist clenches around my heart at the memory. “I remember.”
It had been a lovely dinner together. Much like the ones we have now. Bastian, Leesa, Agnar, and Blair joined us in Sterling’s apartments. Then, out of nowhere, Leesa revealed hercorruption by picking up her knife and slashing Blair’s throat. Our friend’s blood had painted the room, splattering on the table, the food, even my face.
It was our first time seeing how the drachen corrupted. No one could predict or prevent it.
He reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Focus on that. Remember how you felt. Use it.”
I close my eyes, allowing the emotions to wash over me. Across from me, Sterling does the same, tension lining his features. And slowly, fitfully, I search for the first gossamer threads of our entwined magic.
Fragile, but undeniably present.
A spark flares, there and gone in a flash.
This is almost what I felt the first time. And for sure it’s what I felt with Agnar when we fought the corrupted army.
My eyes fly open to meet Sterling’s stunned gaze. Had I managed to merge my magic with Agnar as well?
“Again.” Sterling braces his feet, ready for another round. “Stronger this time.”
I nod, mind already rifling through every intense experience I can dredge up. The sorrow and horror of watching Blair die and knowing Leesa was the one responsible. The fury that shot through me at the sight of her black eyes.
