Page 105 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
As the image comes into my mind, that familiar heat sizzles at my fingers, edging me on, daring me to reach out and brush his skin.
I snatch my arms back and lean away from the table.
That first time we touched, before my Transference, it knocked me out. But now I’m wondering about every time he’s taken my hand. Did it cost him?
“Please tell me what happened to you? Because I’m terrified that I’m only going to cause you pain if we touch again.” I can’t look at his face as I say the words. But that fear has taken up residence in the centre of my chest.
More than what happened with Azur or Ascella.
I don’t have to fear Micah or Calix. Well, maybe Calix in a different way, but with Ten, there’s something I don’t want to have to stay away from.
“Let me take you back to your room.” He stands.
I try and hide the deep sigh at his dismissal again. But as I come around the table and head towards the hall back to our rooms, I swear I feel the ghost of a hand at the base of my back.
My eyes widen, and I whip my head to Ten.
“What happened today, or any of the past times we’ve touched, won’t stop me from wanting to keep touching you, Ever.” He doesn’t look at me and keeps walking, leading me. And the fear that wrapped around me eases, just a fraction, at his words. “Nobody’s told you about the new moon.”
He doesn’t phrase it like a question. “You said it yourself. I’m the last to find out about anything. And things that you’ve known your whole life are foreign to me.”
I look at him and see a grin on his lips.
“This might be one thing you’ll enjoy hearing, then.”
twenty-seven
. . .
Ever
“Stars above, Aslendrix, give me strength. Wake up, Ever!”
My body jostles into consciousness, and my eyes crack open, but I only find the darkness of my room.
“What time is it?” My head is still swimming with sleep, but I recognise the voice. Deep. Too deep. And not the one that sounds in my dreams.
“Early. And you’re a heavy sleeper. Sorry, I wouldn’t usually barge in like this, but I couldn’t bang down the door and risk waking the whole residence.”
Calix.
In my room.
Because we are meant to be training this morning.
I let out a groan and bury my head into the pillow.
“Oh, I don’t think so. You agreed to all of this, so unless you’ve got a damn good counteroffer, we’re doing this.” Amusement plays in his words, and I find myself smiling despite myself.
“Fine.” I dramatically shove my arms from the cocoon of blankets and push them down. “Want to put some lights on? What are we doing today? Going to show me how to throw a punch like you?” I muster the enthusiasm by remembering the pain he inflicted. A good motivator. “Or at least help me to block the next one.”
He chuckles under his breath as he sets about lighting a couple of the candles on the walls. “Baby steps, Ever. But I admire your spirit. I just hope you’re not all talk.”
“Insulting me and we’re not even out the door. Bodes well.” I drag my legs from the bed and stretch before finally spotting Calix in the soft light of the room and remembering too late that I’m only wearing the cami top and matching shorts that seemed to be the only nightwear provided by Kyra.
“Ah, if I can trust you not to go back to sleep, I’ll meet you in the hall.” Calix keeps his head down as he walks out and closes the door behind him with a soft clink.
I close my eyes and swallow the embarrassment. Ten minutes later, I’m washed, dressed in my usual training gear and boots, my hair wrestled into a loose braid, and looking for Calix in the hall.
