Page 41 of A Shadow in the Reaping
It wasn't the only reason why, of course. I spoke the spell because it was the great risk that I took. I wish I could explain that, but I can't. All I can do is nod.
I look up at Ashen and his gaze drifts away from mine as we turn. A fleeting darkness settles over his face as he casts his eyes to the floor with a furrowed brow.
Ashen lets go of my back to spin me from his extended hand. When he brings me in again, we're closer than before. My chest touches his and I feel every breath, every heartbeat. His arm folds around me, his hand pressing its warmth between the bones of my shoulders.
We started it wrong and I think you know.
"Do you still fear me?"
I think about this for a moment as we spin. I see other Reapers watching from their tables, some from the bar. I fearthemand what they could do. What theywoulddo, if they knew who I used to be. But Ashen feels different, no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise. I shake my head but I angle my face away as I think about how foolish it is to let my fear go.
I don't know why we break so hard
"Do you trust me?" Ashen asks, the heat of his breath warm across my neck. The room disappears from view, as though we're the only two people here. The scent of mint and ink fills my senses. I press my lips to my hand that rests on Ashen's shoulder and I close my eyes.
Let it all go, let it all go, let it all out now.
I shake my head. It's the truth but there’s a pain in my heart to admit it. I squeeze Ashen's hand. I want him to know that I wish I could.
Who says truth is beauty after all
And who says love should break us when we fall
The music cascades around us. The lights glitter in the reflection of the polished floor and I almost believe I'm floating on stars. I feel every note Tessa sings. The bow across the strings, the hammer of the piano keys. I feel Ashen's hand drift across my skin, his face close to mine, his lips next to my ear. I press my body closer to his. It feels like I belong here, even though every touch feels stolen.
We're strong enough to let it go.
The music slows, growing quieter with every breath. Ashen grasps my hand tighter within his. His palm steadies my back as he dips me toward the floor. He draws away and looks into my eyes. "Can you try to place your trust in me?"
The music fades away.
All I offer is a smile.
Chapter 20
"Time to go, vampire," Ashen says, pulling his wine glass out of my hands.
I mount a silent protest, even though it's probably a good idea that he removes any alcohol from my possession. Because I amshitfaced.
When we got back to the table after our dance there was a replenished pitcher of fangria and a full bottle of Rakomelo at my place-setting. A small card was tied around its neck, written in a sharp, precise script.Everything they said about vampires is true. Enjoy your evening. Best wishes, Imani.
I haven't had Rakomelo in decades.
And now I remember why.
After four pitchers of fangria, the bottle of Rakomelo, and more than a few stolen sips of Ashen's wine (a full glass of which I downed just now before he could pry it from my hands), I am thoroughly hammered.
I would love to stay longer, particularly as Ember has been keeping her smart mouth shut. Cole has also been a pleasant surprise with some entertaining stories of his life as a human before his induction into the Shadow Realm. The process of induction was murky at best, and he deftly skirted around the topic in favor of anecdotes of his adventures. I was right about the surfer vibe. He has some great tales of travels from beach to beach, chasing waves, which of course I can relate to being a bit of a former beach bum myself.
But Ashen insists the hour is late. Something aboutcreepy blah blah something Shadow Realmwho cares. He pockets my journal and pen, loops the strap of thekatanaover his shoulder, then bids farewell to Ember and Cole on our behalf. He then extends his hand for me to take. My heart twists when I place my palm in his. Heat fills my chest as I stand and meet his eyes. Ashen looks at me for a moment that feels too long before he turns in the direction of the door, pulling me with him. I give a drunken salute to our dinner companions and sweep up a half-full bottle of wine with my free hand.
The cooler air of the night meets my skin in a welcome embrace as we pass through the doors ofBit Akalum. I don't even notice if there are other Reapers on the patio. I don't think about the fog, or the sounds that lurk in its depths. I just feel the warmth of Ashen's hand around mine.
I heave a heavy sigh and take a sip from the bottle of wine.What the fuck is wrong with me.I mean, other than being drunk, obviously. When Ashen doesn't let go of my hand as we turn down the road, I feel like I don't want him to. And I want it to mean more than just keeping me upright, or looking after me in this sketchy realm as I try not to wobble on my heels. I want it to be for me.
"All right, vampire?" he asks as the fog of the road absorbs us. I take another long draft from the bottle and offer it to him, but he declines.
I shrug. I notice for the first time that it's darker than it was before. I guess there are only two shades to the Shadow Realm: twilight, and night. Makes sense, I guess, and I gesture toward the road ahead and give him a thumbs up around my grip on the bottle.
