Page 78 of Lost in the Dark

She leaned in to kiss him.

He jerked back. “No.”

She blinked in shock. “What…?”

“We can’t.” He got to his feet.

“Of course we can.” She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. “We just did—Rathbytten confirmed his approval.” Her brows drew together. Was he taller now than he’d been a moment ago? And more importantly, why wouldn’t he kiss her?

Shoving hair from her face, she frowned at him. “Why won’t you kiss me.”

“Can’t.” He stared at her from hooded eyes. “Service is one thing. Feeding is allowed. But kissing? That’s a promise.”

“A… promise?” she whispered.

Did she want to make promises with this man, this person who could help her scrub floors one moment and then do unspeakably delicious things to her in the next?

“Is…” She swallowed. “Would promises be so bad?”

“Don’t you see, Anna?” His eyes dimmed. “There is no point.”

Unexpected betrayal pinched her chest. “No. I don’t see.”

“Service never lasts. It doesn’t change what we are—what we do. Or when things will end.” He turned into the shadows, and his skin looked more purple than it ever had, his hair more indigo than black. And yes, he was taller. The image of him flickered, and for a moment a set of black boar tusks protruded from his face.

Yet while he appeared physically larger, his expression was the opposite. Brows lowered, mouth a flat line, and gaze empty.

Hopeless.

It struck her heart like a blade.

“Enulf. Please.” She clasped her hands together, imploring him. “We might be trapped in this estate. But if we have each other, then will that be so bad? Lord Rathbytten can hunt and do whatever it is he wishes, and you and I can enjoy a life—”

He shook his head. “Anna—”

“Truly,” she said. “We could be happy—”

“There is nopoint,” he snarled. “I’m bound to the lord of this manner, just as you’re bound to your fate.”

“Which is what?” she demanded. “Tell mewhy!”

He opened his mouth, but no words emerged. His fist slammed into the wall.

The necklace burned hot against her breast, and a frigid wind whipped down the hall. Torches flickered, and the two nearest her sputtered with defeat. Darkness threatened to engulf her.

Enulf was rendered an imposing shadow.

“Our fates are sealed, Anna.” His voice was a caress—and a threat. “Enjoy the time you have. No lady lingers at Rathbytten.”

“Which means what?” She pushed herself off the sideboard and landed on her feet.

She stalked to where his shadow lingered against the wall and jabbed a finger into his chest—and touched nothing but air. She spun around, searching for him, and caught sight of an enormous shape approaching the stairwell.

Demons take it. How could he run from her after everything they’d just shared?

And leave her with nothing but darkness and questions.

Gods. So many questions.

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