I had not tried to summon the moon bolt since that first time it had struck, when our captors had me cornered. I wasn’t sure I could even call it whenever I wanted to. Though I could feel the thrum of power in my veins, like something dormant in me had awoken. I only hoped that Lavinia’s spell would continue to counteract the vital essence I was holding. I had so many questions, but I had not seen Sinaia in my dreams since that last night where she told me to enter the Gwynoan forest. Could I usually only draw from the moon at night? Can I use it multiple times in one day?
I inhaled the crisp night air, letting it filter through my body and regulate my breathing, watching the stars emerge and twinkle between the tops of the trees.
“It’s not surprising you have such a strong connection to nature,” Corsin mused quietly. “I can see it in you, more than that, I can feel it in you.”
I raise onto my elbows, propping myself up and turning my head to face him. He was perched on a nearby log, his robes dragging along the ground. He looked happier with dirt in his clothes and the moon shining on his face than he did in his tree. “You think that’s because my power is tied to nature?”
His golden eyes twinkled. “I think it’s a strong coincidence.”
“Coincidences are just blessings in disguise,” Callisa said sweetly.
Corsin rolled his eyes good-naturedly and crossed his legs at his ankles, looking millennia younger for a moment.
“You seem at peace here,” I tried to broach the subject cautiously, not wanting to offend.
He must have seen right through me, as he raised one tawny eyebrow in question but answered anyway. “My tree is beautiful, a stunning source of life. But I have spent too long in one place, with the same surroundings. It can be stifling. Out here in the open, I feel free.”
My heart clenched for him. Another prisoner, just with fancier surroundings.
He tsked. “I was plenty happy, Aeryn,” he rasped.
I tilted my head in acknowledgment, quickly changing the subject so he would not sense my continuing sympathy. “Everyone is going to be so excited when they hear.” I held my legs to my chest and rested my cheek on my knee, facing Callisa and Corsin.
Callisa smirked. “How does it feel to have the strongest powers in a group of immortals?”
I glanced at Corsin, wondering just exactly how much he knew.
“The forests whisper secrets; you only need listen,” he said simply, a cryptic look on his face. I raised an eyebrow at Callisa, hiding my smile and tying back my hair.
"So... is there a lady god of the forest?" I asked casually, careful to swallow my laugh. Callisa had a hand over her face, hiding her expression but her shaking shoulders told me all I needed to know.
"Wouldn't it be common legend if there was a forest goddess?" He said dryly, raising an eyebrow.
A laugh slipped out. "No... erm, not necessarily." I squirmed in my seat, close to exploding with mirth.
"I see. No, there is no lady forest. I would never sleep with one of my dryads, my home is a sanctuary, and I did not meet anyone in my isolation."
He lifted the somber mood he had imposed by cocking a brow. "Are you offering, Aeryn?"
I burst out laughing, Callisa joining me as I nearly fell off the log. "No-" I gasped, "no offense, but, no," I cackled.
He chuckled indulgently. "I didn't think so. Something tells me you have someone waiting for you."
I narrowed my eyes in his direction.
"Someone named Azael, perhaps?" He paused, "at least, that's the name you call out in your sleep." My jaw dropped, and I turned to Callisa, who just winced and investigated the sky like she could avoid answering.
Corsin struck his hand down, and the log nearby split into pieces.
"That's handy," Callisa noted.
"It is," he agreed. "My brothers and sisters do not envy my powers of nature. But I have learned to love them. Growth and vitality, death and rebirth. They are all tied to me, the forests are my domain, and I will happily rule."
It hit me again, how strange it was to be sitting with a god.
"Did you know Sinaia?" I asked.
"I can't think of an otherworldly being who didn't. She was a nurturing goddess, and loved her spells. Her devotees tracked the moon cycles, performing sacred rituals and receiving blessings in kind. Our domains were not so different.”
I sighed, thinking of the time that she taught me of the moon cycles. She had a little chart, and I had dissolved into laughter too many times to absorb the information. We had to perform the lesson repeatedly.
“Are you excited to see her freed?” Callisa asked.
“I would delight in seeing her freed,” he replied.
We reached the estate by noon. It was not what I was expecting. Sprawling greens and gardens covered the large property. A small stream and bridge decorated the left flank, and a long winding path found us at the start of the premises. The house itself was the size of a small cottage hundreds of times over. Several wings extended off the main building, and a distinctly old-world architecture seemed to dominate the style. Several turrets branched from the top, and I could see the beginnings of a training field expanding from the back. Callisa, who was practically bouncing with excitement, laughed at my awestruck expression.
“Not something you see every day?” She teased.
I nodded, suddenly self-conscious. I took my hair out of its tie, letting the silvery strands fall down my shoulders and upper back. Corsin must have sensed something, being so intuitive, and murmured, “you look magnificent.”
I was slightly taken aback, unused to compliments from Corsin but appreciative nonetheless. I was grateful for his strong observation skills and the comfort he offered.
“Thank you, Corsin,” I smiled widely. Just then, shouts echoed across the space seconds before a body slammed into Callisa. Azael, Elias, and then the rest of the group were exiting the house, heading towards us. Carwyn had thrown her arms around Callisa in a rare show of affection as Azael dutifully waited his turn. Bastien gathered me up into his arms and spun me around, ignoring Azael’s look.
Elias, however, was staring at Corsin murderously. “Who is this?” He bit out. Callisa separated from reassuring Azael to address Elias.
“Corsin, god of the forests.” Corsin gave a small bow, verdant robes draping along the ground. Eleste smiled shyly while Elias frowned.
“Why is he here?”
“Elias,” Callisa hissed between her teeth. Azael came over to stand by me, eyeing me up and down as a slow smile spread across his face. I shook my head, allowing my smile to surface as well.
“We invited him,” she said curtly. “We were caught in the forest by Theia’s men, several arrows struck me, and Aeryn was held at knifepoint.” Curses and grumbling broke out among the group. “Aeryn,” she nods at me, “saved us by exhibiting her powers.”
“No,” Azael breathed, a grin taking over his sharp features. He lunged forward and threw his arms around my waist, squeezing me tightly. His pale curls filled my face, obstructing the view of whoever patted my shoulder and arm. As he released me, I caught Elias’s stare. He nodded proudly, just once, before turning back to Callisa.
“Moon bolt,” she said with an odd look on her face.
Azael’s face paled, and his hands tightened into fists.
“Hold on,” I said with a frown. “What’s the problem?”
I noticed Azael and Callisa making eye contact and barely held back my impatience at being left in the dark.
“We’ll explain inside,” Eleste said kindly. “So, how did… Corsin end up with you both?” Her cheeks pinkened, and she avoided looking at the god in question.
“He found us when we were unconscious,” I said, trying not to be curt, as my irritation at being left in the dark stung. “Brought us back to his home and cared for us until we woke.”
“You got to see the tree of life?” Bastien exclaimed. “Are the halls really filled with dryads?” He had a dreamy look on his face, soon re
placed by a sheepish grimace when Carwyn smacked his arm.
Corsin coughed out a laugh. “Yes, many dryads live in my palace. It is a sanctuary,” he said with a firm eye on Bastien.
“You are welcome here,” Azael said firmly. “Come inside, let's meet the others, then we can discuss the moon bolt.”
The house was quiet and warm upon entering. A tall staircase wound up to the second floor, and the walls were a deep brown. A large chandelier hung over the entryway, and my shoes clicked on the marble flooring. I felt a brief surge of inadequacy, looking down at my unwashed hair and dirty clothes.
“We’ll bathe first,” Callisa said, meeting my eyes with an understanding smile. I mouthed thank you, before following Nerys up the elegant staircase. The banister was smooth under my fingertips, and the carpet was a rich burgundy. We turned left at the top, walking down a hall with door after door on each side. I was practically tiptoeing, careful not to get any of the dirt on my shoes onto the rich carpets beneath my feet.
“I’ll bring you some clothes,” Eleste said. “Aeryn, you’re going to be staying here,” she indicated towards a door to our left, “and Callisa, you are in the room right next to hers. Nerys and I are in rooms across the hall, and everyone else is several doors down.”
“It’ll be strange not sharing,” I said suddenly.
“No one says you have to sleep alone.” Azael winked, and Carwyn groaned. I rolled my eyes, letting Callisa reprimand him and entered my room.
Warm linens and creams covered the space. A fireplace crackled in the corner, and a large bouquet sat on the mantle. Several rugs were scattered about the floor, and the bed was a beautiful mahogany color, draped in blankets. It was stunning, the most luxurious place I had ever stayed. I sighed at the opulence, fingering one of the soft blankets and only opening the door seconds later to grab the pile of clothes from Eleste. Entering the bathroom, I sat the clothes on the sink and admired the glass and tile structure before me—completely open with running water from a ceiling tap and sandy-colored tiles on the floor. I stepped into the shower, sighing at the feel of the hot water beating down on my back. It ran down my skin, soothing my sore muscles and aching feet. Azael, I thought. Should I finally let myself think of him? Did he miss me? I guess the better question would be if he cared at all for his conquests beyond their skin and pleasure. The dirt sluiced off me and down the drain; my hair was once again a silver color and my skin no longer a pale alabaster, but a tanned version from all my walking in the sun.
I dried off with a large towel and examined the clothes—a rich purple tunic, fitted in the waist and a sleek pair of leggings, pure black. I pulled everything on and faced myself in the mirror. The pale purple circles ringing the underneath of my eyes had almost disappeared. I looked stronger, healthier. My arms were toned and defined, my body leaner.
I exited the bathroom to Azael, sitting on my bed, hands clasped and feet on the floor.
“What if I had not been dressed?”
“A tragedy that you are, truly. But your clothing was in the bathroom with you.”
“What do you want, Azael?”
“I missed you, love.” It came out quietly, like a confession.
I looked him over, gauging his sincerity. He didn’t seem to be jesting or teasing for once; instead, he appeared raw, real.
“You did?” I said suspiciously.
“You’re not immortal like us; what if you had gotten hurt? I had no way of knowing if you were okay; I was… worried. I missed your company.”
I thought back to his teasing on our walks, the water sluicing off his body in the lake, the care with which he cleaned my wound, the kiss to my forehead, and sighed. “I missed you too.”
He looked at me sharply. “Truly?”
I loosely grabbed his chin, gazing into his azure eyes.
It hit me then. "You're serious," I gaped.
He shifted uncomfortably. "Of course I’m serious."
"I thought... I don't know, that you were just messing with me."
He clasped his hand over mine, pale eyes staring into me. I think it was clear at this point that we were talking about more than this very moment.
"How could I joke about that?" He rasped. "Look at you, with your radiant smile, your persistent training and growth, your humor, and your kindness." He released my hand, using his thumb to stroke my cheek.
"I'm in awe of you," he whispered.
His hand cupped on my cheek, and I lifted mine from his chin to lay atop it.
"You are not the only one in awe, Azael." I squeezed his hand before taking a deep, courageous breath and straddling his lap. He had overcome so much, his imprisonment, his brother, his friends. And yet he was kind, a little mad, but kind, and caring.
He groaned, settling his hands onto my hips. He was warm and hard, muscles firm against my chest.
I shifted nervously, and his fingers tightened in response. I moved my hands to his shoulders, gripping his warm strength.
He ran his thumb along my lower lip, gently dipping his finger inside. "No running from me, love." He whispered, his voice gravelly and deep.
His fingers slid to my jaw, gripping loosely. He tilted my head back slowly and hovered his lips above mine. His cool breath fanned across my face, goosebumps rose on my arms, and I felt my nipples tighten. I wasn’t quite as irritated as I should have been that my space was being invaded, but I couldn’t deny that part of me liked that he was taking what he wanted, and still giving me the chance to push him away.
My muscles clenched, and heat flooded my system in anticipation as his lips neared mine. To my eternal disappointment, he lightly brushed his full lips against mine, just a whisper of contact, before tilting my chin back down and pressing a firm kiss to my forehead. I scowled, trying to conceal my frown and the depth of my frustration. It must have been evident because as he pulled away, his lips had formed an arrogant smirk. I turned my head to the side, a blush spreading across my cheeks when he whispered again, softer this time but no less demanding. "Don't hide from me."
“What does this mean?” I asked.
“What do you want it to mean?”
I got ready to lift myself off his lap. “I am not playing games, Azael. We need to focus on the mission."
“Then I’ll give you the time you need.” He rasped, his lips meeting mine. When our mouths touched, it was an explosion of rightness. I was where I was meant to be, doing what I was meant to be doing. I could feel none of his self-proclaimed madness on his lips, only passion. Only the firm feeling of his hand clenching my hip, of his soft lips clinging to mine as he pulled away like they dreaded ever parting; full of heat. His hands were roaming along my back and stroking my neck. I rocked slowly, meeting him kiss for kiss, and gently stroked along the seam of his lips with my tongue. His mouth parted on a moan, allowing me to lick into him hungrily. I began to play with his beautiful hair, to run my fingers through the pale waves that enticed me so, basking in his moan.
“We need to go meet the others,” he murmured against my lips, still kissing me feverishly.
I gave him one last peck, sliding my fingers teasingly over his back and lifting myself off his lap. I was done fighting this, us, my attraction to him. I would embrace his touch, and all that came with it. I was so tired of being alone, of being unhappy; we just needed to follow through with the mission.
He bit his lip, groaning at my outfit. “Did I tell you yet how good you look in those clothes?”
“No,” I smirked, “please feel free.”
“Tease,” he whispered as he stroked my hair.
He turned to leave. “Azael?” He stopped in place. “Do not underestimate me. I will not settle for less than I deserve.”
He kissed the top of my head before striding towards the door, pausing to turn back partway with a smirk. "I would never underestimate you, love."
CHAPTER 13
Moments later, we were meeting the man of the manor, and I was praying to any gods and goddesses that would liste
n that he would not notice my swollen lips and heated cheeks.
“This is Bram, the owner of the estate,” Azael gestured to his left. Then to his right, “and this is Kaelen, they’re both good friends of ours.”
The man that was standing to his right was silent with a small frown on his face. Bram gave me a wide smile. “Pleased to meet you,” he said kindly. “I’m a necromancer, and Kaelen is a sorcerer.” Bram’s pale skin and light blue eyes reminded me of a woman I stayed with up north for a time. She, too, looked like the sun had never touched her. I gave him a smile in return, though it slowly faded as his friend continued to frown. Kaelen looked the exact opposite. Rich dark skin with deep-set brown expressive eyes, at least a foot taller than Bram.
“Nice to meet you,” I said, making sure to look Kaelen in his inquisitive eyes. His hair was short and dark, exposing the chiseled features of his face.
“Likewise.” He turned on his heel and took a seat with Nerys, warming his hands by the roaring fire in the hearth.
Callisa rolled her eyes, “really, Kaelen, could you be any grumpier.” His frown deepened, and Eleste chuckled. Eleste was seated next to Corsin on the sofa, and had been chatting excitedly about the gardens in the front of the home. Corsin looked indulgent as he sat silently, examining her flushed cheeks and golden hair. Azael told me she had spent hour after hour touring the grounds and examining the local plants. It made sense, seeing as her power was firmly rooted in nature.
Azael approached me, standing by my side, a quiet sentinel. Callisa caught my eye, lifting a brow in question. I flushed, shaking my head briefly and hiding a smile. She grinned knowingly, pulling Bastien and Carwyn to the wingback chairs near Corsin and Eleste. Callisa found a seat with Kaelen and Bram, leaving Azael and me to the loveseat. Of course she did, I thought, not unhappily.
The sitting room had expansive windows, all facing the forest at the edge of the property. The walls were a rich reddish-brown and the carpets a warm umber. Lights decorated the walls, casting a cozy glow to the room and illuminating everyone’s faces.
Daughter of Retribution (Crescent Queen Book 1) Page 11
