Page 59 of The Dark Mage
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Their eyes remained locked as she leaned in a fraction more, her head tilting.
“More wine?”the bored serving girl asked, shattering the moment.
Ren’wyn jumped back in her chair.What was she doing?
Fael’s eyes widened as he leaned backtoo.
“No, thank you,” Ren’wyn said, rising abruptly.“I really should get tobed.”
“Of course.”Fael pressed the rest of the strawberry slowly into his mouth, his grin wicked as Ren’wyn shivered.He rose with her.“Let me walkyou.”
He offered her his arm.How could she touch him when all she could think about was the taste of that strawberry—and how his mouth would taste now?Still, she slipped her hand through his elbow, and he guided her upstairs.
As her arm rested against his, she wondered if he could feel her frantic heartbeat.She fought to control the desperate heat curling in her stomach as they climbed.His touch seared her, sending swirls of warmth through every inch of herbody.
At the landing, Fael’s hand rested gently at her hip—and her control wavered.
He guided her to her door, right next to his.When she reached for the handle, his hand coveredhers.
He was so close, she could feel his breath on her neck.Slowly, she turned to facehim.
Fael’s arm rested against her hip as he grasped the doorknob.When her breath hitched at the heat of him, her rising chest brushed against his.Ren’wyn looked into his eyes—green, brown, and gold flickering like tongues of flame.
She licked her parted lips as she tilted her chin up, still tasting the last of the strawberry.The sweetness only tightened the clench in her stomach.His gaze was just as intense as when he’d leaned in with the berry.
He’d stared at her this way so many times: in the Dark Forest after the dead army fell, at the apothecary in Delmor, after the regiment’s attack.And she remembered the banks of the Farro River that first night—when her heart had whispered:home.
How long had she been falling?Months and months of shared days—secrets, laughter, magic.Supporting each other when they faltered.Lending strength when they broke.
She was sinking into warm, deep water, afraid she would never surface for air.Did she even want to breathe again?
Fael dipped his head, leaning closer—so close to her mouth.Ren’wyn rose onto her toes, and pressed her lips gently againsthis.
An electric, fiery pulse shot through her, spreading from her stomach to every part of her body.She dragged her hands up his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heart—beating as wildly as hers.His skin burned through his shirt, and she wanted him to burn her, to set her alight with his magic until nothing of her remained.
A stair creaked.
Fael jerked back.No one could see them here, but his eyes filled with sudden awareness of where they stood.
Behind her, the door clicked as it swung inward.The cool air tugged at the light fabric of her pants.
“Goodnight, Mari,” Fael said in a low voice as one of the tenants passed.
“Goodnight, Axel,” she nodded back, stepping into the room and closing the door against the heat ofFael.
It took a long time to fall asleep.
Ren’wyn lay still, imagining Fael’s eyes, his hands, and that damned strawberry.She finally drifted off after flinging open the window, letting in the cool night breeze.The air was filled with the hum of singing insects and the calls of exotic night birds.Her last thought was of stolen nights on the road—cradled in Fael’s strongarms.
17
Ren’wyn stood in the entrance to Fael’s room, bright sunlight pouring through the window.She took two steps forward, almost reaching the bed.The ivory sheets were rumpled, the pillow still bearing the shape of his head.The room smelled like him—a raw scent of stone and smoky bonfire, like the wild earth.
She didn’t know why she’d come in here or what she’d expected to find.After the last few days—after the encounter with the regiment—she thought maybe…what, exactly?Tell him how she felt?Tell him she wanted something more?Ask if he was willing to give part of himself toher?
She regretted coming in.They were friends and partners, nothing more.What could she possibly say?Why was she imagining romance?In this world, for people like them?Last night had been a kiss, nothing more.She was a ridiculous fool.She was glad Fael wasn’t here.He was probably out canvassing the city for magic—work she should have been helping with instead of standing here like a trembling kitten.
