Page 60 of Kiss of Fire

Shade led her to the nearest crop of lights, a dazzling radiance of violet that sent bright shards of blue and purple across the garden. Raya bent to look closer and inhaled the glorious scent of lilac.

“Flowers,” she breathed. “Flowers are making the light. But how?”

“They are night-garden blooms. Common only in this part of Nush’aldaam. They are the reason the castle got its name.”

The whole garden was lit up in a rainbow of colour.

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Her face was suffused in joy and Shade was startled to find he was pleased he’d made her happy. He gave himself a mental shake. Her happiness was not his concern. He only needed her to fulfil her end of the bargain.

“I have things to do,” he said gruffly. “Stay in the garden as long as you like. But tomorrow, you will do whatever it takes to find your power.”

He strode back towards the castle and Raya saluted at his back.

“Yes sir, Mr Jinn sir. Whatever you say, sir.”

She spent a long time exploring the night-garden. She wished Caroline could have seen it.

“It’s not quite Westmore, mum,” she whispered. “But you’d have loved it.”

Twenty Two

She spent the next morning trying to set her hands on fire. Closing her eyes, she attempted to summon up the power she’d felt coursing through her body the day she’d dragged Shade down the mountain. She imagined flames bursting from the tips of her fingers, heat exploding from her cells.

Nothing. She didn’t even break a sweat.

At midday she gave up. She searched through the wardrobe, looking for something to wear that didn’t belong in the boudoir. It was tough. Most of the clothes were either too short, too tight or too see-through.

Eventually she found a pair of loose trousers and a black top. She had to keep pulling the top down over her midriff but at least it covered her cleavage.

Her best find was a pair of suede boots, as soft as butter, which she privately vowed to keep forever. She twisted her hair into a knot and surveyed herself in the mirror.

“Rocking the street urchin look.” She stuck her tongue out at herself and went in search of Tor.

She found him in the kitchens, more by luck than anything else. He was speaking animatedly to the cook, who, judging by the expression on her face, hadn’t been this close to a handsome young man for quite a while.

Tor spotted Raya and his face broke into a wide grin.

“You’re here. Perfect timing.”

“This place is a maze,” she told him. “I got lost three times.”

Tor handed a list to the cook and she went off, looking rather dazed.

“The council are picky eaters. One doesn’t eat meat, another will eat dairy as long as it follows a protein course, and one only eats lentils and beans. She says it cleanses her system.”

“I bet she’s fun to be stuck in a lift with.”

“My Lady?”

“Stop with the Lady business. Call me Raya. No-one’s listening.”

“Aye, why is that?” Tor looked around. No-one was paying any attention to them. “Don’t they know who you are?”

“I just arrived yesterday. Shade hasn’t had time to introduce me around. I’ve only met the butler so far.”

“Your human words are confusing. But your anonymity is a bonus. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

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