Page 32 of Prisoner of Darkness and Dreams
“Come on then, what is this big revelation?” she asks.
Finally, I release the words I’ve been holding back for too long.
“Ana, I love you.I’minlove with you.” I lay my hand over hers, holding her gaze. “I’ve been yours since the day we met, when you stood up to me in a little tavern in the backend of nowhere. I didn’t know it then, but you’d hooked me, and I never had a chance of getting free. And every day since,you’ve just laid another claim to my heart, until it’s completely, unquestionably yours.”
I wait, wondering how she’ll react.
Her eyes are bright as she pulls herself against me, hugging me so tight that we roll until I’m on my back with her straddling me. She leans down and kisses me.
When she breaks apart from me, staring into my eyes, she says, “I love you too, Leon. So much it frightens me sometimes.”
Warmth spreads in my chest like a dawning sun, and I meet her smile with one of my own.
“I know the feeling,” I say and pull her down against me so that our bodies are entwined and all I can smell and see and feel is her. And then there’s no more talking, because the touch of skin against skin sets the sawlamoor singing again. We disappear into the comfort of each other’s bodies, with her words repeating in my head like a prayer.I love you too.
MORGANA
Eventually, I rise from our bed. I know we can’t stay in it forever, and for now, at least, I feel able to face the outside world. Of course, Leon knew exactly what I needed. He held me until all the shadows had been chased away, and when he told me he loved me, it felt like I could take on an army of clerics.
I’d suspected, knowing how muchIwas in love with him. But I hadn’t been brave enough to speak my own feelings out loud. So many people have warned me that Leon can’t give me what I want. That he’s not built for a loving relationship, or that his other ties will pull him away from me.
But they also don’t know Leon like I do. There are sides to him I feel certain he’s only shown to me. Sides that no one else has been allowed to see.
I wash, and when I return from the bathroom, Leon watches me from the bed as I dress.
“What are you going to do now?” he asks. I focus on fastening my dress, knowing if I look at the tousled, dark-haired god in my bed, I’m going to want to do absolutely nothing but climb back in with him.
“Unfortunately, there are other people I love and care about, and I need to check on them,” I say.
“Otherpeople?” he asks in mock outrage.
“Yes,” I smile. “Although I’m notinlove with any of them, so no need to get jealous.”
In one swift bound, he’s out of bed and spinning me into his arms to kiss me thoroughly.
“Good. Now, where are my pants? I’ll go find out how Phaia’s doing.”
I leave Leon to find his clothes and see to his soldiers, although I run into one of them in the corridor. Alastor’s platinum blond hair shines in the lamplight as he bends his head toward Harman’s, the two men muttering in low tones.
“Harman,” I say happily, walking up to them.
My brother looks up sharply and takes an abrupt step back from Alastor. But his face breaks into a delighted smile when his eyes meet mine.
“Morgana.” Harman pulls me into a bear hug. “How are you? How are you feeling? I’m sorry I couldn’t come to Qimorna. The Hand voted and?—”
“Give the woman a chance to breathe, Harman,” Alastor chides.
My brother throws him a rueful look and lets go of me.
“I feel battered, and tired, but alive,” I say honestly. “Better for being back here with everyone.”
“I’m so sorry about Bastion,” Harman says, putting a hand to my shoulder. My heart aches at the pain and guilt in his eyes. “I’ve lost people before to the Temple, time and time again. But it…it was different this time. You’re my sister, and I should’ve protected you better. I should’ve seen the trap coming.”
“Please, Harman. Don’t blame yourself,” I say sternly. “I knew the danger,and it was my choice to go. And after all, I’m still alive. Not everyone was as lucky.”
“That’s true,” Harman drops his hand from my shoulder.
“Your people, the ones who were in safehouse with me?” I ask.
