Page 50 of Changeling
He lifts his head, and I lean down to grant him the kiss he’s requesting. Does he know how much he asks? Of course not. One final kiss will never be enough.
I intend to keep it short and sweet, but when our lips meet, I find myself devouring him. As if, with toothy nibbles, I can bite a chunk of him to keep with me. I take his whole mouth, deepening the kiss, giving up breathing. This is more important.Heis more important.
He grips my waist, fingers clenching skin through my shirt. His lower back curves perfectly beneath my palm, his hair soft as silk in my other hand.
Why do I have to give him up? We’ve only just found each other, and already, our time is over. It’s not fair, but nothing in the world is.
It’s Sebastian who finds the strength to end the kiss, not me. He sends me one more pleading, questioning gaze, but I can’t meet his eyes. I look away.
“Safe journey.” A pathetic response, I know, but I have nothing else to give.
He nods sadly, promises to write, and walks out of my life for good.
* * *
Sebastian
With a heavy heartand tears stinging my eyes, I trudge up the hill toward my new companions and whatever fate may have in store for me.
The taste of Dominus lingers on my lips, and the longing that kiss and his good-bye stirred up isn’t going anywhere soon. For a split second, I thought he might ask me to stay. I wanted him to ask. My answer would have been yes. But those words never came.
I glance over my shoulder. He’s already walking away. I’m sure that’s for the best. I look toward my future instead.
Sachi’s expression shows a hint of understanding. She takes my hand as Remy asks, “Everything all right?”
Her hug soothes me. “Yes, I’m fine,” I mumble against her shoulder and take a deep breath. It’s time to go. The sooner, the better. Dawdling will only bring more pain. “What do we do now?”
Sachi releases me and peers into my soul. “You want to stay with him.”
I give a little shrug. “He doesn’t feel the same.”
“I’m sorry,” she says in her sweet, melodious voice. “That’s hard.” Her skin practically glows. Part fae, part vampire, and all otherworldly.
This is what I’m supposed to be doing. Going with them to meet others like me. It’s what I chose. So why does it feel so wretched?
Remy offers an encouraging smile. “You’ll like Bran Vigny. I promise.”
I appreciate the sentiment, and I’m sure he’s right. I’m ready for something new, something unlike the rest of my life, all of which I’ve left behind.
With a deep breath, I force myself not to steal one last look at Dominus and instead keep my eyes on Remy.
“Let’s go.”
CHAPTER14
Sebastian
Bran Vigny Castle,home of The Dozen, is quite stunning. Its towering spires launch skyward to tickle the clouds. Thriving gardens with lush, late-season blooms scent the air with their honeyed fragrance. A shame its beauty is lost on me in the mood I’m in.
Of course, the magnificent interior came into view first when the resident witches combined their magic with Remy’s to bring us here. The second time through a portal was less shocking. Remy explained that’s because he had witches on the other side to assist. Though they tell me portaling is dangerous, my part is certainly easy. Simply get sucked through a shimmering purple vortex, fight not to lose your stomach while your brains get churned like butter, plop with an undignified thud on your ass somewhere you’ve never been before, and try not to pass out. Voilà.
I landed butt first on the polished marble floor of what I now know to be called the Great Hall, where The Dozen conduct their meetings. Not all were present for my arrival, but Remy’s mate, Laurence, was there. At least, I suspect it was Laurence based on their mutually enamored greeting upon our return. They make a charming pair—Laurence with his broad frame and dark hair next to Remy’s fair complexion and petite stature.
After greetings with the crowd of witches and vampires, Sachi whisked me away. Thank the stars. All those names and faces were thoroughly overwhelming when all I could think of was Dominus.
She led me through the labyrinth of decorated halls, past paintings, sculptures, and art I hope to eventually admire, up a wide stone staircase and finally to a set of rooms prepared especially for me. Much larger than my dwelling space at The Twig, an elegant sitting room spills into a bedchamber, then a washroom. It’s fancier than any place I’ve been before, decorated in a more sedate palette of blues and creams rather than the colorful jewel-tone displays at The Twig.
I pace in my sitting room now, eagerly awaiting my first magic lesson.
