Page 125 of Kiss of Fire

The sheet of flame continued on, consuming everything in its path until it hit the far wall and blew it to rubble.

Only the Ifrit and the Vulcani emerged unscathed, and even they felt the burn of its passing.

Forty Seven

Aelfric stared at the destruction. The once immaculate white marble chamber was now grey with smoke and soot. The far wall had flown out, debris flung into the room beyond. His soldiers had all gone, even the ogurs. Instead, the floor was littered with piles of glowing embers. He staggered to his feet.

“What have you done?”

Lords and ladies stumbled around, dazed and dishevelled. Only those who had been behind Raya had escaped the blinding wall of fire.

She looked at the devastation and put her hands to her face, distraught.

“I… I didn’t mean to. Are they all dead?”

In an instant, Shade was by her side.

“Look at me. Raya, look at me.” Hesitantly, she lifted her gaze. “They were going to kill me. You saved my life.”

“But I didn’t mean to do… to dothat.”

“You had no choice. Aelfric would never have let any of us go.”

She swallowed, trying to come to terms with what she’d done.

“I thought I was going to lose you.”

“You will never lose me. I love you.”

She wanted to say it back, but she was tongue-tied.

“Your wounds. How bad are they?”

“Healing. Your flames dissolved those cursed weapons impaling me.”

The deep punctures in his shoulder and stomach were already closing. She touched the scars gently, marvelling at his ability to heal.

“I can’t believe you came after me. How long have I been here?”

“Several days. Believe me when I say they were the worst of my life.”

Days?It had felt like weeks to her. Months. She lay her hand flat against his chest, feeling his familiar heat beneath her palm. His eyes darkened and suddenly all she could focus on was his mouth.

“Ahem.”

They broke apart to see Aelah watching them.

“I suppose I ought to formally introduce myself. I’m your mother.”

Raya didn’t know what to say.

“I thought you were dead.” She turned to Shade accusingly. “You lied.”

“Yes. I thought if you knew the truth, it would complicate matters. I see now I was wrong.”

“He was trying to protect you,” Aelah said.

“I’m not a child that needs to be protected. By either of you.”

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