Page 56 of Eclipse of Fate
“What the hell?” I groan, rolling my shoulders back, trying to release some tension, as I think about how Cano is in the infirmary with Ginny and Claire fussing over him. I need a minute to process what I am allowing, and I wonder what Dax and Raelle will think when they return. The library doors bang open with the force I push on them, and I stride across the room to the liquor cabinet against the far wall. My movements are jerky as I pull a crystal tumbler off the shelf, fill it with a jigger of whiskey, and knock it back. The liquid burns as it goes down, warming my stomach and calming my nerves.
I let out a heavy sigh as I move to pour another shot. I have to be better than Cano. Even though everything in me is screaming to kill him where he lays. I want to be an honorable man. Melani doesn't deserve vengeance in such a foul way, stainingher name. Bringing the glass to my lips I shoot the alcohol down before slamming the glass back on the counter and closing my eyes.
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing.” Ambriel’s voice cuts through the fog in my head, and slowly I open my eyes as her hand comes up to cover mine on the counter.
“I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to keep my emotions locked down and keep my temper from exploding, especially when it comes to Cano. How am I going to be Lord of Ravendene if I can’t show control?”
“I think you’re not giving yourself credit. You have allowed Cano into the castle and have given him the care he requires. Something we all know he doesn’t deserve with all that he’s done. It shows your character, your honor.” She pulls my hand out to turn my body so we stand face to face and even though I tower over her, in this moment, she makes me feel small. “It takes a certain kind of man to be able to do what you’ve done, Trent. My opinion may not mean much, but I think you are doing the right thing.”
“Thank you, but I think that your opinion is starting to mean more than you might think.” Her cheeks flush as she steps closer into my space. Our breath becomes one as I lean in and wrap my hands on her hips. My face only inches from hers.
“He’s awake, and he’s asking to speak with you.” She says, tilting her head back and my eyes drop to her mouth.
“I can’t.” I shake my head, but she stops it, bracing my face in her hands, she pulls me down toward her.
“You can. You need to.” Her lips brush mine as she speaks into them, and I know she’s right. I close my eyes and the little distance there is between our mouths. I bring my fingers up to tangle in her hair and tilt her head back more before I sink my tongue between her delicious lips. The whiskey may have burned my throat earlier,but it has nothing on the warmth that's spread through me with Ambriel in my arms. She brings something out in me I've never felt before, and as much as it scares the shit out of me, it’s also something I never want to be without.
“Thank you,” I tell her, looking into her honey eyes. She’s breathing heavily, and her tongue comes out to wet her bottom lip, like she's tasting the lingering kiss. “You're right. It's time I go talk to Cano.”
“It's about time you admit I'm right.” She grins, and I can't help but laugh as I take her smart mouth to mine again.
Chapter forty-six
Pine-green eyes watch withtrepidation as I lay down on the cave floor. I try to reassure her by smiling, but I know better than to think a mere smile will mollify my mate. Her heart is too large, and her brain is too smart for such a simple reassurance. We both know how dangerous this could be. Alaric was right to question this, but it has to be the only way. It’s the only thing that makes sense.
“Promise me,” Raelle takes my hand in hers and brings it to her lips, kissing the back and holding it near her heart. Her hands are trembling, and her heart is racing. “Promise me that you’ll come back to me.”
“I would bring the realm to its knees for you. I would do anything to ensure I have you back in my arms, Raelle. Will you promise me something, too?” My throat bobs as I swallow, mytongue thick in my mouth as I wait for her answer. I want to make certain that whatever happens next—she is safe. It’s the only thing that truly matters.
“Anything.”
“Promise me that if anything happens, you get away. You keep yourself safe—” I attempt to say before she interrupts.
“Don’t make me promise to leave you, Dax. Please, don’t make me keep that promise.”
“I want to know that regardless of what happens to me, you will be safe…” I plead.
“Nothing is going to happen to you. You are going to come back to me. To all of us. You gave me your word, Dax Fornax-Ravendene.” Her grip tightens on my hand, like the connection is our only lifeline. Her eyes bore into mine, and the contact of our skin feels as though it’s the only thing keeping us anchored in our own bubble of temporary reverie. We both are silent for a long moment. Each of us knowing that this conversation is fruitless. We both want something we have no way of truly giving. I roll my lips and blink slowly before looking back into her eyes.
“I will always be with you, one way or another. I love you, my queen.”
“I love you.” She drops over me, locking her lips to mine and staining my cheeks with her silent tears. The kiss feels like a goodbye that is more promising than any I’ve ever felt. I taste her tears on her lips. Wrapping my hand around the back of her neck, I hold her close so she can’t back away once the kiss ends.
“I’m doing this for all of Aldramani. Whatever is in this cave is important. I feel it, and I know you do too. If I am to be a king worthy of his queen and of this land, I have to do this.” She nods her head as tears stream down her pink cheeks. She’s beautiful,even when she’s a sobbing mess. I wipe my thumb through the line of emotion and kiss her nose. It brings a choked giggle to her, and it’s like music to my ears. Smiling, I let her go. The moment her face is no longer in my hold, my chest tightens, but I do everything I can to show her I have no questions about what I am doing. I wish it were true.
My eyes meet Alaric’s over Raelle’s shoulder, and he dips his chin. A silent conversation, a request I know he sees in my eyes. He pledged himself as her shield. I have to believe that if anything were to happen to me, she at least has that sort of protection. The bond they share has to be enough. I nod back, and Kait comes into view.
“Get your shadowy ass out there then,” She chides, and I scoff at her, shaking my head. I fold my hands over my stomach and look at Raelle one last time before I close my eyes and allow my magic to take hold of my soul.
I haven’t been outright successful in projections when I’ve tried. It seems like the only time I’ve been able to do it, it’s been subconscious. The only time it was possible was when the darkness had been limitless. Trying while awake was like chasing a dream duringthe daylight with your eyes wide open. Impossible. I don’t know what I was expecting this time, but everything in me says it wasn’t this.
The air around me pulses before I fade into nothing. Like I’m seeing what is happening through someone else’s eyes. I look down on myownbody and then over to Raelle, Alaric, and Kait as they watch my motionless form.
I’m not sure how much time has passed, but none of them are where they were when I closed my eyes. Raelle is pacing. Alaric sits with his back against the cave wall, his head hanging low, and Kait stands stoic near the back of the cave. Moisture has begun to collect from the storm outside. Dripping along the cave walls and puddling in one corner. They are all silent, but the drip from the water echoes in my mind. I stand right next to Raelle, where she stops her pacing for only a moment to look down at my body, which lies at our feet. She turns her head like she senses me there, but begins her back and forth again, saying nothing.
I did it.
I’ve projected.
