Page 35 of The Dragon Sacrifice

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Seela awoke to a knock on the door. Her head sprang up from the armchair, startled. Glancing around, she remembered where she was—in the library of a dragon cave. She’d been with Langdon and he’d done… amazing things to her. She felt her body warm slightly at the thought of his hands under her skirts. But Langdon had gone, and Seela had curled up in the chair to attempt to read. Her eyes had been heavy almost immediately. It had been a long few days.

The door across the room pushed open, and Stenton poked his head in. Seela straightened her dress and then her hair. She must look a mess. And Stenton appeared to be fresh bathed and clean shaven, good enough to eat. Her body warmed another notch. What was happening to her? It was like all her life she’d never k desire existed, but now that she did, she saw it everywhere.

Her mind went to wondering what Stenton could do with his long, talented fingers. She blushed.

“Stenton, hey.”

“Why, hello. Have a good nap? Feeling well rested?”

“Yes, um, I fell asleep. I’m sorry. Is everything okay?” Worry fluttered in her chest.

“Fine, fine,” he said reassuringly. He smoothed a hand down his expensive-looking shirt. “The horde is taking their time, building up their numbers. We are good for now.”

“Oh, good.” She breathed a sigh of relief, though ‘good for now’ was not actually that reassuring. How long did they have?

“Sweet Seela, have you eaten?” Stenton stepped into the room, lingering by the door. With his hands clasped behind his back, his broad chest strained against the silken fabric. Those muscles.

She glanced at the tray of treats she’d barely touched. Sleep had seemed much more pressing than eating. “No, but Langdon left me a tray.” She gestured to the little cakes and the teapot.

Stenton winced. “Hardly a spread fit for a lady such as yourself. Please, let me feed you.”

His offer sounded like he was proposing more than just a meal, and her skin prickled at the thought. “Sure,” she said, standing up and arching her spine. “But I’d love to stretch my legs a little bit. Is there somewhere we could walk?”

A grin spread across Stenton’s handsome face. “I know the perfect place.” He held the door open for her.

When she stepped out of the library, she found he’d already come fully prepared. A picnic basket lay at his feet, a blanket on top. She pictured a grassy hillside with the wind in their hair as they ate grapes and cheese, but then she remembered that wasn’t possible. How had the brothers maintained their sanity while buried this far underground? She longed to see the sun more than anything.

“Where to?” she asked, trying to sound enthusiastic. Probably another dark cave or moldy room.

“Are you up for a little adventure?” Stenton asked, perfect lips curving. His eyes burned a red-orange, reminding her of flickering flames.

A thrill ran through Seela’s body. There was a dangerous edge to Stenton, his wild flashing eyes, his mischievous grin that made Seela want to run after him no matter what the consequences. Normally, she was a good girl, a rule follower. Stenton was the type to tease out her reckless side.

And she wanted Stenton to do more than tease.

She put her hand in the crook of his arm, staring into his eyes. “I’m up for anything.”

“Goody,” he said with a sly grin.

They took off down the cave walkways. Seela got lost in the twists and turns, realizing they were going further than she’d ever gone before. Trepidation built in her chest. Were they safe? If they turned a dark corner, would those things be there?

“Stenton?” she asked, the fear apparent in her voice.

“Not much further,” he answered. At least he sounded self-assured.

They took a right. Soon, Seela could feel wind tugging at her hair. There was never wind in the cave tunnels before. And was that light ahead?

A few more steps and she could see light. Not gem light or candlelight. Real daylight! Ahead, the walls of the cave flared out, and beyond was blue sky! She could see clouds and sunshine. They were going outside?

“Stenton, what is this?” she asked, urging him to go faster. “Is that what I think it is?”

He glanced at her face, his expression one she had to puzzle out. Was that sadness?

“Seela, I don’t want you to get too excited,” he said with a shake of his head. “We won’t be able to go outside. Oh Lords, I should’ve warned you.”

She cocked her head at him, confused.

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