Page 88 of Kiss of Light

“Hungry. Very hungry.”

“Shall I get food?”

“Too tired. In a bit.”

“Go back to sleep. I’ll make sure there’s something to eat when you wake up. What would you like?”

“Pancakes,” she breathed, closing her eyes and laying her head on his chest. “Lots and lots of pancakes.”

She fell asleep again. He held her until dawn came and then he, too, was lost to dreams.

Thirty Seven

When he woke, the room was heavy with the aroma of cooked eggs, honey and bananas. Tala lay on the bed next to him, her stomach more rounded than usual. He eyed the smear of syrup on her chin.

“Have you eaten the entire contents of the castle?”

“I was bloody starving. How long have I been out?”

“Nearly four days.”

“Shit.” She brought her left hand up to her face, examining it carefully. “Did you get rid of the light-bringer?”

“To make sure you never used it again.”

“Probably for the best.” She turned and slid her arm around his waist. “You look like shit. Were you worried about me?”

“Just for a moment. I knew I wouldn’t get rid of you that easily.”

“I’m going to have a stiff word with Mama Xiaoling when I get back to New York. Bloody witch.”

“Were you in pain?”

She looked at him sombrely.

“I was starting to dissolve. It didn’t hurt, it was quite peaceful actually. And then I think…. I think I heard your voice. Calling me back. Is that weird?”

“Ididcall you back.” His voice was gruff but he didn’t break her gaze. “I didn’t want to lose you.”

“How did you do it?”

“I told you the truth. That you had my heart.”

She licked her lips, suddenly uncertain.

“What do you… what does that mean?”

A smile tugged at his mouth.

“It’s very simple. You stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on you in New Orleans. It’s an organ that seldom beats, but every beat since has been for you. I don’t know how or why, but you are my fated mate. My chosen one.”

He stopped, watching her face, watching her reaction. She was impossible to read. But they were meant to be together, he was sure of it.

Tala hesitated, marshalling her thoughts. He wanted an answer from her but she had to make it the right one.

The silence stretched. When she finally spoke, her voice was cool and calm.

“I’m flattered, really. But I’m not a person, Lemar. I’m a thing. My kind are literally magicked out of thin air.”

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