by LJ Swallow
I shift to reach for Galen’s face and his kiss deepens further, more powerful. I can feel the control he talked about loosening as his tongue slips into my mouth. Leander’s fingers shift from my hip to caress my backside and the enjoyment from being kissed and touched by two different men shocks me.
Leander slides my half-slip upwards and I make a soft noise as his whole hand rubs my backside. A damp heat grows between my legs, intensifying with each touch and kiss from the two men.
Leander speaks, his voice husky as he kisses my back. “You’re planting ideas in my head, Calla.”
I pull my lips from Galen, concerned how he feels about the situation, but he takes my chin and renews the kiss. Galen’s tongue strokes mine, and I give in to the pleasure growing from both men’s heating bodies against mine.
The desire hums from us all and fuels my need. Leander continues to caress my skin, my slip now waist height. He trails his fingers along my outer thigh and rests them gently on my skin. I shift positions and press my backside harder against Leander whose arousal presses into my back.
I’m far away from worrying how right or wrong this is as my lust for more heightens. I make another small noise as Leander’s teasing fingers stroke my inner thigh, and I fight against taking his hand and pressing it between my legs.
A shiver runs through my body as the touch from both sets a deeper need. I’m filled with a need I never imagined I’d have, and one that threatens to consume me.
A stick breaks beneath someone’s footsteps. “What’s going on, you three?” I look up at where Rohan stands over us, hands on hips in mock horror. “What do you think Calla’s dragon will do to you if he sees you pawing at his mistress?”
“Leave us alone. Get back to your watch,” says Leander gruffly as his hand stills.
“I thought you said Calla needed rest? That doesn’t look very restful.” He chuckles. “I chose to sleep in the wrong place earlier, didn’t I?”
Galen sits and his hair shines silver beneath the moonlight, strands escaping the ponytail he has it drawn into. “Perhaps this isn’t the right time or place.”
I fight laughing at his words, shift from Leander and sit too. That’s not what he thought several minutes ago. Rohan eyes me with curiosity. “Are you okay with this happening to you?”
“Are you trying to defend my honour, Rohan?”
He gives a short laugh. “No. Quite the opposite. I’m only concerned as to whether you agreed, or if they took advantage.”
Galen touches my hand. “We didn’t ask. Should we?”
I bite my lip, half-amused. If they had asked, would my logic have taken over and held my lust in check? Perhaps that’s why they didn’t. “That wasn’t happening ‘to’ me. Did my kiss not answer your question?”
Rohan purses his lips. “Now I’m really pissed off that I wasn’t around to join in too. And now I’m too tired.”
I laugh and dismiss curiosity over exactly how that situation would work.
“Fun over,” says Galen, continuing to smile. “We need sleep.”
Galen opens his arms to pull me to him again and I snuggle into him. His thumb brushes my cheek in a soothing manner. Leander doesn’t lie back down with us. He sits for a few minutes before I hear him stand. He mutters something to Rohan and his boots crunch across sticks as he walks away.
Rohan laughs and makes a comment about interrupting and upsetting horny noblemen before sitting with his back to the fire, watching the bordering trees.
I never realised I could have such power over men the way I seem to over these. This isn’t my shadow magic either. I may have started this journey as the frightened girl they rescued, and face an unknown future once I reach the stronghold, but I’ve blended into their group.
I saw the natural bond the three share from the start. This now includes me, and with that, I bring a new dynamic. Galen was right. Nobody could possess me. And whether our encounter just then happened because we’re away from our real world with a threat around every corner, or because that bond brings more, I don’t know.
One thing I do know is that whatever happens from now on will be my decision. Magic or no magic, I will fight for myself. And I’m positive these men will fight alongside and for me.
22
CALLA
The stronghold isn't visible until we're within a couple of miles. The tall stone fortifications match the rocky outcrops in the mountains behind, stretching upwards as if hewn into them. The end of our journey takes place on a wide, dusty roadway with sparse trees nearby. They thin out further as we approach until there’s only the path stretching through barren ground. Tall walls in slate-grey run around the perimeter as far as I can see. No enemy could enter without being seen and invading from the mountains looks impossible.
Luin is tucked inside my cloak, snuggled into the crook of my arm—a strange position for him. The only time he does this is when he's unwell. The horse's movement and my long day lull me and I keep jerking myself awake as we made progress.
The men are quieter and calmer for this last leg of the journey. I’m relieved when Leander explains that the closer we get, the sparser any Ebon forces would be. Stronghold groups patrol the area, skilled marksmen and warriors. The Ebon don't want to tangle with them, even if they edge Ebon territory.
"You need to keep your dragon inside your cloak again," Galen tells me. "I need to explain who Luin is before he loses his head at someone’s blade."
"What do you mean lose his head?"
"Your pet is banned, remember?" says Rohan. "Dragons are not popular in this realm."
"He's not a dragon, remember?" I retort.
Rohan makes an exasperated noise and looks away, and Galen places a hand on my arm. "Not all people make a distinction. It is best to stay safe."
Two riders approach, their horses kicking up dust as they gallop toward us. Leander immediately halts and straightens. Both men are swarthy, tanned faces lined by age and scars. They halt to talk to Leander but cast a curious glance at me.
"Welcome back, High Lord," says one. I pull the cloak tighter around myself as I meet his dark brown eyes. "Mara would like to see you as soon as you arrive."
"We need rest," says Leander. "She will have to wait."
Rohan's face tells me all I need to know—Mara shouldn't be kept waiting, whether the man is a High Lord or not.
"So be it, but you can face those consequences," says the second man with a chuckle. "Is this your recruit? She's not up to much."
"Physically, no, but she has skills or we wouldn't bring her, would we?" retorts Rohan. "Let us pass. I need a decent bloody meal."
The first man peers at him. "Where is your horse, lightbringer?"
"Ask the Ebon." He jumps from the horse he shares with Galen and strides away without another word, towards the gates. The sun catches his hair, dirtier blond than the day I first saw him.
The guard snaps his head around to the other two. "Ebon? Where did you meet them? Are they close?"
Leander shakes his head. "No, this was a day's ride away. Not enough of them to be a coordinated attack, don't worry."
Our unofficial welcoming party accompany us as we take the final steps through the guarded gates. Two men sit in watch posts, either side, atop the ramparts with bows in their hands. They lower them as we get closer. There's no gate at the entrance and Galen smiles at my confusion.
"Warded by our sorcerers. The barrier will drop when we're identified."
A third man steps forward, taller than the other guards and with half-elven features. His hair shines the same silver as Galen's and his leather armour as fine, dyed reds and blues, with stitching my town’s chief seamstress would envy.
"Corin." Leander nods at him.
"I would like to talk to the girl you brought. A sorceress, correct?"
"Again, we need to rest. I will bring her to Mara when we meet with her."
The relief from my arrival has returned to discomfort as Corin's cool stare pierces. Luin shifts
within my cloak, and my heart rate rises. I'm an almost-naked stranger, who happens to be a shadowmancer, smuggling a dragon beneath her cloak. Can Leander's station in life help me or am I facing death here instead?
People spar in the courtyards, either side of the stone steps leading to the stronghold’s entrance doors. Designated areas hold half a dozen recruits, and the cries of the trainers mingle with the sound of exertion and taunts, along with blades clashing. Nobody pays attention to us, instead wholly focused on their practice. Women are amongst them, fighting men side by side, as they would in the field. I half-smile to myself. Perhaps I can train and beat Rohan.
They all wear the same colour armour, brown leather but with a symbol stitched into their chests that matches Leander's crest. I walk through the doors with my dishevelled companions and stand in a great entrance hall. The tall room is dark and again the crest is repeated on the tiled floor. Around, the walls appear to be chiselled from the same stone, and I feel as if I'm walking into a cavern and not the building I saw from outside.
Rohan drops his pack to the floor and a nearby boy, a young teenager at most, scoots over to pick it up. "I'm going to my quarters," Rohan says. "Let me know when and if you need me again."
As he strides away, the boy hurrying behind him, I tuck a hand beneath my cloak to touch Luin and look around. A woman walks into the hallway, as if about to pass and halts to survey us.
"Leander?" she asks. "When did you return?"
"Around ten minutes ago."
The woman has long blonde hair twisted into a plait around her head, blue eyes in a pale face looking between us. She doesn't wear armour, but instead a long, bright blue robe cinched at the waist by a gold and purple woven belt. The same embroidery edges the sleeves. She's beautiful—and is aware. Her hands show no signs of wear or battle, the skin looks soft and her fingernails neat.
I picture myself through her eyes. My hair must look like the sea snakes that attacked me and Leander's long cloak thankfully hangs to the floor covering my whole body. She reaches out and touches the silver pin on the cloak, at my neck and her sweet jasmine scent reaches me. By the wrinkling of her nose, I'd guess my seaweed stench reaches her.
"You wear a Silvercrest cloak but you are certainly not from my family. I'm Saskia, Leander’s sister,” she says and drops her fingers. "Who are you?"
"Calla."
"Is she your entertainment for tonight?" Saskia asks Leander with a raised brow. "Normally you would need more than a cloak to hide your girls, even when you do parade them through the stronghold."
Leander's eyes narrow. "I have journeyed through Ebon territory and back again to find Calla. Do you think I'd travel so far to pick up a girl for my bed?"
Saskia's lips purse in amusement. "I'm teasing you. Don't be so touchy. The girl is a mess though."
"We were attacked," replies Galen. "And I'd appreciate you asking somebody to find Calla some dry clothes."
"And a hairbrush." She gives a sweet smile to me, but the suspicion in her face remains. Saskia calls out for aid and claps her hands. A young girl, similar age to the boy appears with a nervous look on her face. "Take this girl to the recruits' quarters."
"No," says Leander. "I would like her to go to mine."
Saskia's cupid's bow mouth parts in an 'o'. "You told me she wasn't your paramour."
"She isn't a whore, “ Leander retorts harshly. “But she's not a normal recruit." He turns to the young girl. “Tilly, please take Calla to my quarters."
The girl's green eyes fill with fear as she glances between the two. What would be the consequences of disobeying Saskia? Saskia nods and flourishes a hand. "Very well. But you can't show favour, especially not to a low-born girl with no training. She must join the other recruits soon."
"And she will."
“I’d also love if you could explain to me why she isn’t a ‘normal recruit’.” Saskia flicks a suspicious look in my direction.
Leander waves a dismissive hand. “Later. Tilly?”
Fear rises inside as I'm accompanied through the cool entrance hall and out to another courtyard. A fear greater than of any sea creature or attacking elf. Those in the stronghold pay little attention, but when I reach a different part of the complex, attitudes change. In here, people dressed in finery walk by. The weathered stone is covered by elegant tapestries and rugs that hide the sound of footsteps.
We pass a kitchen where an older lady kneading dough halts in the movement as she watches us pass. Discomfort prickles my neck with each curious or disparaging glance until the hairs on the back lift. Luin shifts again, reminding me he's there and rested against my speeding heart.
We reach a dark oak door and the girl pushes the door open before giving an awkward curtsey. She hasn't said a word to me since we walked away from Leander and Galen.
"Do you have some possessions?" she asks in a meek voice. "I can fetch them."
"No. Nothing." The girl eyes me curiously. "I had to leave my home quickly."
"Your town was under attack?" Her voice drops into a shocked hoarseness. "Is that why you look so terrible?"
I laugh at her because if I don't I might cry. Profusely apologising, the girl steps into the room and gives a stammered run down of each item of furniture, as if I haven't seen any before.
Although I’ve never seen a bed like this. Three people at least could fit in amongst the plush cushions and fine linen. The legs are wrought in iron and the bed takes up just a small part of the large room. I drop onto an upholstered chair close by, then spring to my feet, paranoid I'll soil the beautiful fabric.
"I can draw you a bath," says the girl.
I nod in appreciation and sit again. The chair's position close to the large bay window allows the sun to shine on me, and I watch the clouds move slowly across the sky. The exhaustion from the last two days floods my veins and I close my eyes, encompassed by safety.
23
CALLA
The bath I soak in is large enough to allow me to lie down in the steaming water, when usually I sit in a small tin bath with my knees to my chest. The luxury from this means more to me than any soft cushion or large bed in the other room. An aroma from rose oil steams around my head and I breathe deeply, finally calming after my journey.
I mull over the people I’ve met in the stronghold so far, and already feel I won’t be welcome. From the suspicious guards to prickly Saskia, nerves now build for my upcoming encounters with those in the highest positions. Galen told me that other recruits from the summer fairs will arrive or have done already, and I long to spend time with them where I’d feel less of an outsider.
But I’m also nervous to be away from my protectors, especially as they’ve hinted I could end the day imprisoned if things don’t go as planned.
I leave the bath and peek around the doorway into the bedroom in case the girl still waits. She lay a towel on a chair in the bathroom, which I tie around myself and step out.
Luin hid himself beneath the bedclothes. I've never known Luin to hide before, but he's as out of his depth as I am. Someone has lain a new dress over the chair and I stare at it for a while. The long green dress, which looks as though it would reach my feet, is simple in cut, pulled in at the waist with a modest neckline and long sleeves. I touch the cloth; the dress is made from a thicker and smoother material than mine that disintegrated after the attack.
If I'm a recruit, I should be given recruits’ armour, surely. None of the girls I saw outside wore dresses such as this. Only Saskia.
Somebody raps on the door, and before I can say anything, the door opens. Leander walks into the room and pauses. His eyes drop to where the towel barely covers my legs and then to my heating face.
He doesn't apologise.
"I thought you'd be dressed by now. Tilly ran your bath an hour ago. Don't you like the clothes?"
My hair drips as wet as earlier, but this time fragranced by rose infused in the bath water. "I expected something different."
He arches an amused
brow. "Would you like me to return your torn slip?"
I squeeze my eyes closed, wishing he wouldn't remind me I spent time almost naked pressed against his hard body as he caressed me.
"I mean I expected armour. Like a recruit."
He nods. "I understand, but no armour until tomorrow. Today I need to introduce you to Mara and I don't want her immediately seeing you as one of the masses."
"Why?"
Leander ignores my question and glances around. "Where's Luin?" I gesture at the lump in the bed and he smiles. "I think he should stay in your room. At least until we have one issue dealt with."
"What issue?"
Leander steps closer, and my skin heats at his closeness. In a bedroom with him feels different than with the other men or outdoors. We're away from the threats of the unknown, and the one-on-one intimacy worries me.
"Your magic," he says softly and touches my cheek. "Don't look so worried. Mara knows we brought back a new sorcerer, and will listen to me when she discovers you’re a daughter."
"I'm more worried now you've said I’m an ‘issue.’" I perch on the edge of the bed, towel wrapped around my body and look between Leander and the clothes lain out for me.
His expression changes to concern as he looks down at my legs. "Are you in pain?"
The dark marks criss-crossing my legs stand out against my pale skin. The bath water soothed the creature's attack, and I'd forgotten the ache until Leander pointed the welts out.
"It's not bad." I self-consciously rub at my calves. "The marks look worse than they are."
Leander kneels at my feet and takes one of my legs in his hand. His dark fringe dips into his eyes as he runs a forefinger along a whip like pattern. I tense, as much against his action as the finger on my skin. He pulls my calf closer and examines my leg, brushing his thumb higher as he follows the curve the creature branded on my skin.
"You surprised me from the first minute I met you," Leander turns his eyes to mine, but his fingers remain on my skin. "You didn't crumble in fear or scream when the Ebon held you which surprised me.”
