Page 18 of The Dragon Sacrifice

She should tell him now why the Bishop of Danbury chose her. He’d cursed her as well—to a death sentence because she’d rebuffed him. That was all. She was no savior. She had no magic.

“Langdon—”

“Over here,” he said, gesturing to the water.

Seela followed him to the edge, noticing a slight metallic smell to the water, probably from the sediment Langdon was talking about. As she knelt, she spotted what appeared to be lights dancing around under the surface of the pool.

“Fish,” Langdon said, pointing. “They have bioluminescence to see in the dark.”

She stared at the fish, marveling at their boney structure, the way she could see through their bodies to their hearts and brains, and how they lit up in places along their body.

“It’s amazing how we can adapt to even the most unlivable of condition,” Langdon said.

When Seela glanced up, he was watching her, his eyes seeming to trace the contours of her face. They were close, only a few feet apart, and she could smell his scent again, the manly musk and warm earthen tones that seemed to draw her closer to him. Her eyes flicked over his features, so achingly handsome and yet so regal. She wasn’t worthy. And yet, here he was, glancing at her lips, eyes darting there and away like he was the one nervous in her presence.

“I’m so glad you’ve come,” he whispered, not moving closer, but not backing away. Seela could almost feel the sexual tension igniting between them. She’d never really kissed a boy. Well, if Mickey didn’t count. He’d stolen kisses here and there as they were growing up, as boys and girls did from time to time. But a real kiss, a kiss that bound one tight and sent them soaring all at the same time? Well, no. She’d never properly been kissed. And a handsome prince looked like he was about to do just that.

Her eyes closed as if they had a will of their own, leaving what might happen between them to chance. To fate.

She felt him move in, the air stirring between them, and then his lips were brushing hers.

It was the softest touch of skin on skin, but it stirred so much within Seela. His lips pressed in sweetly. A warmth radiated out from her chest just as a tingle began in her lower abdomen. Her lips pressed harder on his. How his lips were smoother than she’d imagined, as silken as the dress she wore. How would it feel to have his broad hands run down that silk? To draw her close and press their bodies together? The tingle between her legs intensified. She wanted more. Not just a soft brush of skin on skin. She wanted more of him.

Leaning into the kiss, she hoped he got the hint.

And as he deepened the kiss, she realized he had. She felt his tongue sweep across her mouth, a request, one she granted by parting her lips and letting him in. He tasted sweet and hot. The warm shivers radiated down her thighs. Having more of him just made her want to go further. She wanted his hands to skim over her breasts, which heaved against the fabric of her bodice. She’d never had a man do that before, and she wanted Langdon to be the first

Reaching out, she gripped the front of his tunic, yanking him closer. He groaned into her mouth, his breath pulsing into her.

He was the one to pull away, stepping back as he panted. Eyes burning, his expression was close to desperation, face tight, chest heaving.

Seela blushed, embarrassed. What he must think of her. Several words came to mind: harlot, strumpet, loose woman.

“I’m… sorry,” she stammered, turning from him.

“Seela, no.” He grabbed her hand, keeping her from retreating. “Please don’t apologize. That was…”

“Very forward of me, yes. I apologize.”

Langdon gently gripped her chin, tilting her head until she gazed into his emerald eyes. “I was going to say that was amazing. So… miraculous.” His lips spread into a shy smile. “I just didn’t want to overwhelm you. You’ve only just arrived. I don’t want you to think you owe me something.”

She nodded, wanting to believe him. What had come over her? Maybe the fact she’d never met a prince before? Or the beauty of the cavern? Either way, she smoothed down her dress and straightened her shoulders. “Let’s just forget it.”

His smile faded like that was the last thing he wanted to do. He opened his mouth to respond when someone called to them from the other side of the cavern.

“Langdon!” Stenton came barreling into the cavern, eyes wide, expression flooded with terror.

Langdon started toward his brother. “What is it?”

Stenton gripped his brother’s arm. It was clear something had happened. Stenton’s clothes were torn, and dirt streaked his normally clean face.

“It’s Jerrard,” he said. “The beasts have taken him.”

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