He blew out a breath. “Can we change it further so you can do the same to me? Take my power whenever it suits you?”
Sabine stared at him in surprise. “There’s no need, Malek. I don’t regret my decision. I knew what I was doing when I offered my power to you.”
“I want things to be equal between us, Sabine. Do whatever is necessary to restore the balance between us,” he stated, his shoulders tense and unyielding.
She tilted her head and studied him. The look of determination in his eyes softened her resistance, but she didn’t want him making this offer out of obligation. “We’re allies, Malek—and now we’re also lovers. Whether you offer me your power won’t change that.”
“Forget our alliance for a moment.” He reached over and took both her hands in his again. “I want a deeper connection with you, Sabine, but not because of what you can offer me with your magic. This is about who you are as a person. After what you just told me, I have even more respect and admiration for you. I’m not willing to risk anything interfering with what’s developing between us.”
Her heart melted at his words. May the gods help her. She was falling in love with a dragon, and it was both equally thrilling and terrifying. “Are you sure about this, Malek? You’re willing to give me the ability to use your power as I see fit?”
He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’m sure. I don’t want any distance between us, and any imbalance will likely lead to such. If things between us continue to progress like I hope, I don’t want you to have any doubts about me.”
Sabine leaned forward and kissed him. He pulled her closer to deepen their kiss. His power wrapped around her, and she responded in kind. This is what she’d wanted from him. It wasn’t about using him to achieve her goals but about something deeper and far more precious.
He cupped her face and murmured, “If I keep kissing you, I’ll forget everything else. As it is, I’m going to have a hard time keeping my hands off you tonight. Before I get distracted completely, how do we make this happen?”
Sabine smiled and sat back. “A small cut will be sufficient. There’s power in blood, and a gift of such will seal the binding. As long as the intent is there, the magic will take care of the rest.”
Malek picked up her knife. When she nodded, he cut his finger the same way she’d done and held out his hand. She held his gaze and cradled his hand, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach. Once they did this, they’d be irrevocably entwined until they departed this world. She took a steadying breath and lowered her head, accepting the blood offering.
The sharp metallic taste of his heated blood touched her tongue. She swallowed, and his power slammed into her, threatening to burn her alive from within. The scent of burnt leaves filled her nose, and she cried out, struggling to wrest control of the magic. Her skin was on fire, the pain nearly unbearable. It was everywhere, even shooting down her arms and legs. She couldn’t think beyond the fire racing through her body.
“Shit. No. Not like this,” Malek said in a frantic voice. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her onto his lap. “I will not allow my magic to harm you. I know it hurts, but you should be protected from the worst of it. Please, sweetheart. Breathe.”
She tried to focus on his words and rise above the excruciating agony. His power wrapped around her, cocooning her with his strength and easing the worst of the burning sensation. She blinked open her eyes to stare up at him. His worried eyes met hers.
“Let her go!” Blossom shouted, zipping around them wildly.
“Ow, what the—” Malek jerked, slapping a hand against his neck. “Blossom, what are you—”
“You’re burning her! Let her go!”
“Ouch! I can’t—Stop, dammit. What are you doing? That hurts.”
“Blossom, no,” Sabine whispered, gesturing for the pixie to stop her attack.
Blossom’s eyes were wide with panic. “He hurt you! He promised me he wouldn’t ever hurt you.”
Sabine shook her head and slumped against Malek. “It—it wasn’t intentional.”
Malek rubbed the back of his neck and grimaced. “Shit. Blossom, that really hurt. You got my back too. Did you bite me?”
“Pixie dust,” Sabine managed to say, still shaking from the pain. It was starting to subside, but she should have known better. Her magic was strongest in the forests, and fire was their greatest threat. She hadn’t expected to be nearly boiled alive by accepting his offering.
“You deserved it,” Blossom said, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at Malek. “I hope you keep itching for a week.”
Malek scratched his neck, shifting Sabine slightly so he could reach his upper back. “Blossom’s right about deserving it. I’m sorry, Sabine. I wouldn’t have suggested this if I thought it might hurt you.”
Sabine curled her hand into Malek’s shirt, not wanting him to blame himself. “I didn’t know either, Malek.”
Blossom picked up one of her flowers and brought it to Sabine. She lifted it to her nose and breathed in the light floral scent, using her memories of Faerie to ease the remainder of the effects. When it had subsided, she returned the flower to Blossom.
Malek reached over and picked up his flask containing the last of the enchanted water. “I know you wanted to save this, but you should drink some of it. Otherwise, I’m tempted to fly you to the nearest forest until you’re fully recovered.”
Sabine nodded and took a small sip. The magic in the water helped steady her even more. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and leaned against Malek again. She wasn’t sure she had the strength to move yet. “It’s getting better. I just wasn’t expecting that.”
Malek took the flask from her and kissed her hair. “Try to get some rest, sweetheart. I think we should hold off on anything else magical for a while. If nothing else, at least you have enough resistance to dragonfire now to keep you safe from it.”
Sabine nodded and closed her eyes, too tired to even consider arguing. Safe and secure in a dragon’s arms, she surrendered to oblivion.
A thin shaft of light awakened Malek. Sabine was still lying in his arms, her silvery hair tumbling in waves across his chest. He breathed in her alluring scent, remembering his panic at the realization his blood had harmed her. He turned his head toward the door of the wagon and the source of the light.
A tiny head peeked inside, with wide blue eyes blinking at him. Malek’s mouth quirked in a small smile at the curious young boy. The boy gasped, and the door shut tightly.
Sabine shifted in his arms, and she murmured, “Is it morning already?”
Malek kissed her hair, not eager to release her. They’d only been asleep for a few hours, but he couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept so well. He reached over and adjusted the small curtain covering the window to allow some light into the wagon. “We had a visitor just a moment ago.”
Sabine sat up, brushing her hair away from her face. “Ryley?”
“Someone much younger,” Malek said and sat up, nearly hitting his head on the low ceiling of the wagon.
“Time to wake up,” Sabine said and lightly tapped on Blossom’s box.
Blossom rolled over and flung out her arm. “Five more minutes, Mom. Go wake up Barley.”
“Okay, but Barley will probably eat the last honey cake.”
Blossom jumped up, fluttering her wings wildly as she looked around the cabin. “Aww. No honey cakes?”
Malek chuckled and grabbed his boots. He pulled them on as Sabine dug around in her bag. She broke off a small piece of a sweetened cake he’d purchased in Karga and handed it to Blossom.
“It’s not like the ones back home, but it’s very good.”
Blossom’s eyes widened, and she shoved the entire piece of cake in her mouth. Her cheeks bulged as she chewed. She held out her hand in a silent gesture for more.
Sabine sighed and finished equipping her weapons. “I suppose there’s no use in telling you to pace yourself.”
Blossom shook her head
and held out both hands, her eyes pleading. Malek chuckled. He’d seen his little sister make that face often enough over the years when she wanted something.
Sabine sighed and broke off another piece of cake. “That’s the last one for now. Don’t you dare get crumbs everywhere. We’re just borrowing this wagon.”
Blossom nodded and shoved the second piece in her mouth. She was barely able to close her mouth, but she somehow managed to chew.
Malek frowned at the pixie, wondering where she kept all of it. “Is she going to choke?”
“Doubtful,” Sabine said and crawled to the door. “I’ve seen her eat much larger pieces. She usually makes a mess, but she always manages to eat more than her weight in honey cakes.”
Malek grabbed the scabbard for his sword. “I thought pixies preferred fruit or sipping nectar from flowers.”
“They do, but it won’t be easy for her to forage in the desert,” Sabine replied, gesturing for him to hand her the bags. He reached over and handed her the one containing her belongings.
Sabine opened the door, allowing the sunlight to filter in. The sun was just beginning to emerge, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of warm colors. For some reason, the sunrises and sunsets in the desert were among the most beautiful he’d seen anywhere in his travels.
“Oh,” Sabine murmured, halting right outside the wagon as she stared up at the sky.
He smiled and put his arm around her waist. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Is it always like this?” she whispered and leaned against him.
“Most days. The first time I saw it, I had a similar reaction. Although, it never seems to get old.”
She smiled up at him, and his heart skipped a beat. In this light, she was absolutely breathtaking. He tucked her loose hair behind her ear and murmured, “I’m trying to decide which is more beautiful, you or the sunrise.”
Her smile deepened, and she kissed him lightly. “Flatterer.”
“Ah, good. You’re up,” a man called, heading toward them.
Malek turned, automatically angling himself in front of Sabine. She placed her hand on his arm and whispered, “He’s a kumili.”
Malek didn’t know much about them, except they were shapeshifters of some type. The man walking toward them had the same dark hair and golden skin of the woman they’d met the previous night. While she’d been delicate and feminine, this man was taller than Malek and barrel-chested. He had a long scar on the side of his face, which disappeared into his hairline.
“I’m Bruin. You must be Malek.” He scanned Sabine up and down. He grinned, revealing very white teeth. “You must be the infamous Sabine.”
She tilted her head, studying him thoughtfully. “You’re Nallia’s father.”
Bruin laughed, a rich sound that exuded warmth. “That I am. I heard Nallia was rather taken with you. Gina wasn’t terribly pleased she ran off into the night.”
“She’s a beautiful child,” Sabine said, returning his smile. “The gods have favored you both.”
“Aye,” he said in agreement and gestured at the central campfire. “We’re sitting down to break our night’s fast before we get moving. Join us and be welcome. No harm will come to you here.”
Malek had some misgivings, but Sabine was oddly trusting of these people. It was surprising, given her history. She’d been more reserved back in Akros, but something about these people set her at ease. He wished he’d asked her more about the kumili when he’d had the chance, but he’d been too focused on how she’d changed the mark on his wrist.
Sabine poked her head back into the wagon and said something too low to overhear. Blossom zipped outside a moment later, her eyes wide with excitement. “Really? You think it’s safe?”
“It should be,” Sabine said and picked up her bag. “Just stay close to me until I get a feel for all of them.”
Malek picked up the other two bags, wanting to keep them close until he was sure they were going to remain with these people. “How did you know he was a kumili?”
She smiled at him and walked toward the fire. “His energy signature. His daughter’s magic was similar, although I would have recognized him either way. They’re kin to the Beastpeople, but they left Faerie centuries ago and have remained independent. They aren’t beholden to any particular family. They’re something of an anomaly.”
Malek frowned but didn’t dispute her words. From what he’d seen, Sabine didn’t trust easily. Something about these people had set her ease, but he wasn’t sure why. If anything, she seemed almost excited about traveling with them.
Hefting the bags over his shoulder, he swept his gaze over the camp as he followed Sabine. A few people were outside their wagons, packing up their belongings. The setting had the feel of a small community or extended family. He caught sight of the foxlike creature again, or another kumili with similar markings. It darted underneath one of the wagons before he could get a good look.
Ryley, the musician they’d met in Karga, smiled at them in greeting. “Good morning to both of you. Tathaln mentioned you’d arrived last night. Bit of trouble in the city, eh?”
“You could say that,” Malek said and dropped his bags on the ground. “Looks like they’re starting the burning festival early. Your warning came just in time.”
Tathaln, the part-Fae from the night before, handed Sabine a plate. “Here you go. Most everyone else already ate, but we figured you’d want to sleep as late as possible. You can get to know everyone once we’re underway. Nothing much else to do once we’re on the road.”
Sabine smiled and sat beside the fire. Malek accepted the plate he was offered and sat beside her. The food consisted mostly of roasted meat and something that resembled flattened bread. His stomach grumbled in appreciation, and he took a bite of the meat. It was a little tough and chewy but flavored well with the smoke and some herbs he couldn’t quite place. He suspected Sabine would know which ones they’d used, but she was nibbling on a piece of the flatbread.
“This is very good. It reminds me of the biscuits they served in Karga. What is it?”
Tathaln sat next to her, a little too close in Malek’s opinion. “We just call it travelbread. If you know where to look, you can find these trees in the desert with little bean-shaped pods. We dry the pods, grind them down, and mix them with water to form a dough. Then we add a bit of salt, some other seasonings, and roast them over an open fire.”
A young boy came running out from behind one of the wagons, with Nallia at his heels. Malek froze, staring in shock at the young boy who was almost an exact miniature version of his closest friend. He was the same boy who had peeked into the wagon and awakened him.
Sabine must have noticed his surprise. She followed his gaze, and he heard her inhale sharply. “He looks almost exactly like Levin.”
“He does,” Malek said quietly, still staring at the boy. He couldn’t have been more than five or six, with dark hair and blue eyes, but the long-scaled tail was a giveaway into his mixed heritage. This boy was at least part-wyvern, but he appeared somehow caught in between shifts. That wasn’t completely unusual, since most wyverns didn’t gain control over their ability to shift until they were a bit older.
Nallia yipped at him, and he said something to her before racing over to where the adults were sitting. He grinned and skidded to a halt beside the fire. “Hi!”
“Hello,” Malek managed to say, unable to tear his gaze away from the boy.
The boy blinked at Malek and scratched his head. “You mad at me?”
“Of course he’s not mad at you.” Sabine scooted over and patted the ground beside her. “Will you come talk to me? I’m new here, and I could use a friend who knows all about living with the troupe.”
The boy grinned and puffed out his chest with pride. He flopped onto the ground in front of them. “Sorry ’bout waking you. Nallia got to meet you last night. I wanted to say hi too.”
Sabine smiled at the boy. She broke the rest of her travelbread in two pieces. Handing
one of them to the boy, she offered the second to Nallia. “That’s all right. I’m Sabine, and this is Malek. What’s your name?”
“I’m Tobbin,” he said and rubbed his nose. “You’ve got magic too, huh? Ryley said you’re Fae.”
Sabine lifted her hair to show him her pointed ears. “Good guess.”
His eyes widened. “You have ears like Tathaln!”
Tathaln snorted and stood. “Aye, but she’s much prettier.”
Ryley chuckled and handed both of them steaming cups. “She’s a better dancer and singer too.”
“Are you all performers?” Malek took a sip of the tea, his eyes nearly watering at the bitter taste. He put it aside and took another bite of his breakfast.
“We are. Even the young ones are learning,” Ryley said and gestured toward Tobbin. The boy was picking up small stones with his tail and putting them in a towering pile. “We try to keep to our strengths as much as possible, but at the end of the day, we all do whatever’s necessary for the good of the troupe.”
Sabine wrapped her hands around her mug and sipped her tea. “How far do you usually travel?”
“As far as the winds take us,” Ryley said, gesturing toward the great expanse of desert. “The world holds no boundaries for us, except by our own design. We’re not beholden to anyone, and we like it that way. I sense you both have traveled quite a distance already. Where are you two from?”
Malek glanced at Sabine, who gave him an encouraging nod. For some reason, she wanted him to share some of the truth with these people. “We met in Akros. I docked my ship there and invited Sabine to join me. We were heading to the dwarven city when my ship was attacked by the Merfolk.”
Ryley frowned. “Tathaln mentioned something to that effect, but the Merfolk usually leave those of Fae descent unhindered. Who were you traveling with?”
Sabine took another sip of tea. “My demon friend was with us, and they took offense to his passage.”
Tathaln froze. He and Ryley exchanged a worried look. Almost as one, their hands went to their weapons and they narrowed their eyes at Malek, regarding him with suspicion. Ryley motioned for Tobbin to get back. “Go find Bruin. Now.”
By Blood and Magic Page 22
