Page 66 of Shadow Kissed
“How long will you be gone?” she asks me, toying with the hem of my shirt.
“I’ll be back this evening. Worried you’ll miss me, Terror?” I query, with a teasing tug at a lock of her hair. No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop touching her.
She scoffs in reply. “Your arrogance knows no bounds. Go, leave me in peace to a day of crochet and admonishments from Moryen.”
My shadows itch to touch her one last time, but I hold them at bay. “Behave yourself. No sneaking around the valley on your own. It’s not safe.”
“It isn’t?” she asks me, surprised.
“We have two missing Shadow Kissed, remember?”
She nods her head. “Of course, but surely nothing could happen to me here?”
I pause, wondering whether I should speak on this matter with her. “There are traitors in this valley who, I believe, are working with rebellion.”
Her eyes widen. “There are? Do you know who?”
“No.” I sigh. “But I will find them and when I do, I’ll ensure their immediate deaths.” I clench my fist when I almost reach out to cup her cheek. “Just behave, okay?”
The little minx bobs her head from side to side with a half-smile. “I can’t promise anything, Lord Commander.”
“You’ll be the death of me, Terror. Until this evening.”
“Yes. See you tonight,” she replies and for a second we stare at each other before I clear my throat and take a step away. I leave her, shadow weaving back to my quarters and my shadows sulk at the thought of being away from her. I’m a dark and depraved monster, but I lift my fingers to my nose and inhaleher lingering scent. I groan. I wonder how good she tastes. I hate how much I want her. But I do want her despite myself and now I have had a taste. Will I be able to stay away? Going back home will hopefully knock some sense into me. I’ll wait for an update from Jasiel and then head home to consult with the king.
27
REYA
Ithrow myself down on my bed and curse. That man. I hate him. I do. He is one of them and everything they represent, so why do I ache for his touch? When he pressed his lips to mine earlier, I tried to fight it. I truly did, but he’s as addictive as a drug. Every time I take a taste, I fall deeper into my addiction.
I’d heard girls in the village talking about what it was like to orgasm, and I thought they over-exaggerated, but Mother of Crystals, it was the most pleasurable experience I’ve ever had. The feel of his fingers inside of me felt so wrong, but so good. His mouth on my breasts, his shadows caressing my skin. I shudder and focus my attention on other, less dangerous thoughts. He’d talked about traitors here in the valley, and I was now one of them. I’m helping the rebellion to destroy the Shadow Borne dominance on Asen and take them down.
My thoughts flick back to the kidnapped Shadow Kissed females. Arkynn had said I was extremely valuable to them. In which case, could I make some more demands of my own?
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door and when I shout to enter, Orna pops her head in.
“How are you doing, Reya? Is your headache any better?”
For a second, I wonder what on earth she is talking about? A lot has happened since yesterday evening when I went to bed early, feigning a headache. I nod my head. “All gone. I’m feeling a lot better, thank you.”
She takes that as her cue to enter my room and light the fire before she sees to the heap of clothing on my floor. Tidiness has never been my strong suit. Mother would always be on at me to not leave my discarded clothes all over the floor. My heart aches at the memory of her chastising me. I miss her and the twins so much. I’d do anything to hug them and smell their hair once more or to feel my mother’s soft kiss on my forehead. I would have to hold on to the hope that one day soon we would rid ourselves of the Shadow Borne and I’ll be with my brothers again. My purpose is clear, and I won’t let my attraction to Raegal divert my focus.
I meander down to breakfast, not ready to suffer through Moryen’s company and her assessing and disappointed looks. Saveya beams when I enter the room.
“Oh, you’re up! Are you feeling better?” She places the back of her hand on my forehead. “Your temperature’s fine.”
My heart warms at her concern and I feel bad for deceiving her like this. “I’m much better,” I reassure her. “Regular activities can resume today.”
Saveya looks delighted. “Thank goodness. I can’t tell you how much more fun it’s been since you arrived. It’s great to have a friend.”
I swallow as emotion threatens to seep through. A friend. I think she genuinely likes me and doesn’t have some ulterior motive, but I still feel myself holding back, just in case. It’s notlike I’ve ever needed friends before, and I don’t want to become too used to it in case it’s all a ploy.
“You look well today, Eretreya. Glowing in fact,” Moryen states, studying me. I squirm under her scrutiny. There is something about this woman that makes me feel like she can see inside my head. My mind returns to what occurred beyond the valley walls this morning and my cheeks heat at the memory. “Before you relax in the garden, I have an errand for you to run. I require this taking to the Lord Commander’s office. I must update the queen on preparations for the girl’s arrivals.”
“The queen asks for updates,” I say, surprised. “I wouldn’t have thought she would be interested in us.”
Moryen nods her head, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “Oh yes, Her Majesty takes a keen interest in you girls. She wants updates on each female. After all, she is hoping her son will choose a wife at this year’s reaping.”