Page 65 of A Court of Fire and Frost

His fire magic comes in handy.

I walk to the end of the cave quickly, realizing that it stretches back fifteen feet before closing off completely. It looks as though someone took a school bus and placed it on a mountain. It's long and narrow, but it's safe.

Footsteps crunch behind me. "Where are we, Elva?"

The tiniest hint of a smile creeps on my face as he says my name. It sounds so right, so natural.

What would my True Name sound like on those lips?

I turn around, rubbing the back of my neck. "We're in the Western Mountains," I blurt, hoping that if I say it quickly, maybe he won’t know how bad it is. Those hopes are quickly dashed. Nathaniel’s face leeches of all color.

For a long moment, he says nothing. That’s worse, I think. I’d rather he get upset. In the silence, there is room for bad thoughts to grow. Doubt. Maybe he doesn’t want to be here with me?

He lights a fireball in his hand and watches it as it grows, shifting between large and small. The flame entrances him. "I've heard of this place. Even the Winter Court Fae fear the mountains because of the dragons rumored to live underneath."

Nodding, I reach out and touch his hand. At my touch, he looks up and extinguishes the flame. I force a smile on my face. "No one has seen a dragon in centuries. They're probably all gone. But the rumors surrounding this place will keep us safe."

I hope.I don't say it out loud, but I'm afraid he can hear the doubt in my voice.

He smiles at me, but his eyes are dull andwaryas he looks around.

We spend the evening setting up a meager camp inside the cave. We do not need firewood since Nathan can summon a flame, and I can quickly summon water.

Food is our biggest priority. Outside the cave is a bush full of delicious winter berries, but they won't keep us alive in the long run. Tomorrow, we will hunt and make a plan.

When the sun has set, we settle down in front of the fire. Nathan's back is against the cavern wall, and I'm lying between his legs as he brushes my hair back from my face and traces my tattoos with his fingers. He kisses them softly, his lips brushing over my fingers before he wraps my hand in his.

"You were incredible today," he says, rubbing his thumb over my palm. "Utterly and incredibly amazing."

Shock flickers through me, and I push myself up to look him in the eye. "I thought... I thought you were afraid of me."

"I could never be afraid of you, darling. There’s something enticing about a woman who can kick ass so efficiently." As if to prove his point, he pulls me in for a kiss. Everything else fades away as one kiss turns into many. I get used to the feel of his hands and his mouth. One night stands don’t require so much kissing, and soon, hours slip by.

Eventually, we move apart as yawns begin to intersperse our kisses. We lay down on the rocky floor, settling in for the night.

"You'll have to teach me that staying spell," he whispers, reaching across and running his fingers down my face.

I grab a finger and press it to my mouth. "I will."

Minutes tick by, and his breathing steadies. I think he has fallen asleep when he begins speaking once more.

"Oh, and Elva?" he breathes.

"Mhmm?" I murmur, my eyes shut as the warmth from his fire spreads through my body. My limbs are heavy, and sleep is moments away.

"I hate fish."

Chapter27

You Had A What?

NATHANIEL

The cold mingles with my skin, but my fiery blood makes up for it. I don’t enjoy the constant dampness it causes on the surrounding ground. I roll over, only to find mid-roll that Elva’s thick curls are splayed across me.

I carefully gather them up and ease her over so that I can get up and practice flying. Carefully, my shifts to my other form, and I spread my wings as wide as they can possibly go before launching into the air. Wind rushes past me, and the sky is clear.

There is something about being in my bird form in the snowy mountains. The cold stifles my heat and focuses my mind. I enjoy training my wings. Itmighthave something to do with Elva inspiring me.

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