Page 83 of Crimson Shadows
“Hungry?” I tease.
She looks up, a bit sheepish. “Starving, actually. I didn’t realise how much energy magick uses up.”
“It does take a lot out of you,” I agree, cutting into my own steak. “Especially when you’re just starting out. Your body’s not used to channelling that kind of power yet.”
Adelaide nods, swallowing a bite. “It’s like tapping into something ancient and powerful.”
“That’s exactly what you were doing,” I say, leaning forward slightly. “Magick is as old as the universe itself. When we use it, we’re connecting to that primordial force.”
She looks at me, her eyes wide with wonder. “It’s intense.”
“Very.”
We gaze into each other’s eyes, and I feel a slight ping that snaps against my soul. I half rise, my gaze still pinning hers, and I reach out to tilt her chin up. I press my lips to hers.
Adelaide gasps softly as our lips meet, her cool breath mingling with mine. For a moment, she’s frozen, but then she melts into the kiss, her hand coming up to tangle in my hair. The spark between us ignites into a roaring flame, and I have to concentrate hard not to burst into a pillar of fire.
The kiss deepens, and I can taste the faint metallic tang of blood on her tongue. It’s intoxicating. I pull her closer, my hand cupping her face gently.
Suddenly, Adelaide pulls away, her eyes wide and pupils dilated. She’s breathing heavily, and I can see a faint blush creeping up her neck.
“I’m sorry,” I say quickly, worried I’ve ruined everything. “I shouldn’t have?—”
“No,” she interrupts, her voice husky. “It’s not you…” She scowls and turns her head.
I turn too to see Asher and Lucian staring at us, flashes of triumph in their eyes. “Ah, fuck,” I mutter. “I’m guessing they are going to go straight to Corvus with this.”
“I wanted this kiss,” Addy says. “Don’t worry about them.”
“It’s not that. Corvus won’t care that I kissed you. He will care that Lucian and Asher are interfering, and they will also maybe spin this, so it looks bad on you.”
She sighs, and for a moment, it looks like she is going to vamp out and go on a rampage, but then she smiles. “Whatever they say about me, I’ve heard worse.”
My heart aches for her. She sounds so resigned, like she’s used to being hurt. I reach out and take her hand, squeezing it gently.
“Hey,” I say softly, “You don’t deserve that. No matter what they say, you’re amazing, Adelaide. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”
She gives me a small smile, but I can see the vulnerability in her eyes. “Thanks, Iggy. I’m still trying to figure out where I fit in all this.”
I nod, understanding. “It’s a lot to take in. But you’re not alone, okay? You’ve got me, and Corvus, and Zephyr, and Zaiah. We’re here for you.”
Adelaide’s smile grows a little brighter. “I know. It’s just complicated.”
“Life usually is,” I say with a wry grin. “Especially when you throw magick and vampires into the mix.”
She laughs, the sound lightening the mood. “You can say that again.”
We finish our meal, chatting about lighter topics, but as we’re leaving the dining hall, I notice Asher and Lucian still watching us, their gazes cold and their expressions calculating. Whatever they are planning, it’s not going to be pretty. Perhaps it’s time the four of us took the fight to them and fuck the consequences. Addy is more important, and right now, she is a bug under their microscope. No way this ends well for any of us.
36
CORVUS
The Blood Baris in half-light, the air thick with the scent of copper and iron. I slide onto a stool at the counter, my fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the polished wood. It’s been a long night, and all I want is a glass of the good stuff to take the edge off.
Grim, the bartender, approaches with his usual, well,grimexpression. He shakes his head, a flicker of apology crossing his features. “No human blood tonight. Staff did a sweep for the start of the term. It’s synthetic or nothing.”
I groan, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “You’re kidding me, right? Please tell me you’re kidding.”
