Page 56 of Sealed By Fire (The Nature Hunters Academy 2)

Ra stared at her, holding her gaze. “You’re right. That was not a fair question.”

“It seems I’m not the only one with insecurities,” she said softly.

The hand that was still wrapped around her wrist shifted until their fingers were entwined. “I suppose not,” he agreed with a small smile. “When I met my ancestors,” he continued, “I was given all of Ramses memories. It is a part of my heritage. I learned of the fate of my people and my own. I also found out how I could change my destiny.”

“I take it your fate was a little less than desirable or you wouldn’t need to change it?” she asked.

He nodded. “My entire bloodline is destined for the underworld.”

Shelly’s hand tightened on his own. “Not you,” she said fiercely. “I won’t let that happen.”

He looked at her curiously. “You would fight for me? Even though you hardly know me?”

“I would.”

“Why?”

“Because someone willing to come to the underworld to rescue a girl he didn’t know could not be destined for hell. It goes against the laws of the universe or something.” Shelly knew that with everything inside of her.

“Thank you, Shelly. You humble me with your words.”

“Just telling it like I see it. So how do you keep from winding up in this wonderful place?”

He shook his head. “That, I cannot tell you.”

Her face fell.

“Not because I don’t want to,” he quickly continued. “It is part of the rules that go along with how I keep from ending up here.”

“Oh,” she said. “Okay. Got it.” She gave him a thumbs-up because she was a dork. “Please continue. Your story is fascinating.”

“That is how I felt when you were telling me about your life.”

“Well, then you have terrible taste in life stories.”

He shook his head at her as if she was the most ridiculous person. Truthfully, she probably was.

“Once I returned to the overworld—that’s what those in the underworld call it—I learned about the elementals and found out what I was. At seventeen, I went to Crimson Academy. I finished high school early. Since then, I’ve been training, learning how to handle my magic. I met Elias, Aston, and Liam, and we had an instant bond. Brothers, not by blood, but by choice. And now here I am with you.”

“I have a feeling you’re leaving a lot out,” she said.

“Details,” he said. “Those are things we will learn about each other over time.”

“Hmm,” she said as she raised a brow at him. “Fine. What’s your favorite color?”

“Red,” he said without thought.

“Food?”

“Steak.”

“Smell?”

He smiled as he leaned closer and took a deep sniff. “Vanilla,” he whispered.

Shelly felt herself blush. “Pretty much all of my bath products are vanilla,” she admitted.

He shook his head. “It’s deeper than surface scent. It’s a part of you. Maybe that’s why you gravitate toward it. It’s delicious.”

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