Page 109 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
Rhianelle has a small look of surprise on her face, as if the reality of what I am is finally sinking in. But there’s no fear in her eyes. I’m not sure if I should be in awe or irritated by her reaction.
She’s easy prey leaning on my chest. I run my fingers over the throbbing pulse in her throat.
Come on.
One quick movement and she is gone. I’ll return to that dungeon and that’ll be the end of it.
My fingers track higher to her face, trailing every soft line. Two seconds ago, I was ready to take her life; I don’t know how I ended up caressing her cheek instead.
Her delicate hand brushes my clenched jaw to imitate whatever I’m doing to her. That soft touch sends a deep ache spiraling through me. Everything goes completely mute and tranquil. Even the constant chaos in my mind is drowning. I find myself enjoying the quiet reprieve. I close my eyes, lost in the sensation.
“Svenn.”
It’s hard for me to concentrate with her hand stroking my face like this but I make an effort to open my eyes.
“I think I was meant to find you. I heard your call.” Her voice is sweet and low. “Don’t you recognize me?”
She reaches for my hand, placing her palm awkwardly against the large talons. The act is familiar, like a distant memory.
It’s vague but yes, I remember.
My breathing grows harsher. “It’s you.”
Little fawn.
I thought the meeting was just another dream.
After years of pleading in the dark, the universe finally answered me. But I didn’t ask to be released from my tomb. I prayed for an end to this suffering. I waited for the divine to send a great warrior or some fell beast to finally slay me.
I wanted salvation.
I stare down at the girl in my arms. This is the answer to my prayers?
This small and docile elf…
No.
It’s a cruel joke. This can’t be true. I have to kill her now before it’s too late. It’s now or never.
Her eyelids flutter softly, revealing her pure and clear eyes. I hate how there is no color on the pallet to describe her irises. I’ve settled on calling them lilac but that doesn’t do them justice. It’s so damn irritating and frustrating.
I force myself to take a deep breath to finish her.One strike and let us be done with it,I command myself. The hand that has brought down countless men without conscience starts shaking madly the moment I raise it. It’s so simple and easy.
But I can’t do it.
I blame those eyes. They’re so frustrating. Yet they’re the most wondrous thing I’ve ever seen.
Perhaps later tonight when she’s asleep.
“The fight is almost over,” I tell her to distract myself. “None of your men— elves are killed.”
I feel her small nod on my chest.
She still has her arms weaved around my neck. The bond’s hold on Rhianelle must be as strong as mine because she doesn’t let go. I rise and carry her with one arm easily. It’s the least I can do before I take her life tonight.
I move towards the thing she feared earlier.
“Don’t go that way,” she says with alarm, hiding her face in my neck. “It’s dangerous.”
