Seared

by Bethany Adams

  It had taken her too long to realize that Orn’s cruelty was a mask for his cowardice. He did everything he could to solidify his power except for the one thing that would really work—lead with compassion and strength. If his allies had deserted him and his marriage hadn’t worked out in his favor, then his reign would soon be at an end.

  And if he came for her again, she knew without a doubt that she could defeat him.

  Now it was time to take out Kien.

  As soon as the kitchen door clicked shut behind Cora, Ralan tugged her close. He wrapped his arms around her waist, settled her body against his, and buried his face in her hair. He’d stood aside while she faced her worst enemy. He’d waited patiently while she’d sent a warning to her parents through the portal. Now he needed to hold her.

  Cora pulled back slightly, slipping her arms around his neck and staring into his eyes. “Are you okay?”

  “You would have to pick the riskiest strand,” Ralan grumbled.

  She chuckled. “Yeah, I’m such a risk taker.”

  Visions of strands not taken flitted through his mind. The danger she’d been in…

  Ralan’s control snapped, and he took her mouth with his. All of his fear and frustration poured out as he plundered her lips, his tongue diving deep until her taste was branded with his. Blended, as he hoped they’d always be.

  Her fingers threaded through his hair and gripped tight as she moaned. A new flame leaped between them, but this one was of passion. Ralan basked in her fire as it sang through his soul. He let it consume him.

  When he gripped her thighs and lifted, she wrapped her legs around his waist. Mindless, Ralan backed her toward the wall. Her ragged breathing filled his ears as he ran his mouth down her neck.

  “Don’t s’pose you can magic away clothes?” Cora gasped.

  A chuckle rasped from his lips. “Not a power of mine.”

  “Damn,” she gasped as he closed his mouth around her nipple despite the fabric in the way.

  Her hands went to the hem of his shirt, and he balanced her weight against the wall so she could tug it free. “Bedroom?”

  She pulled off her own shirt, and her gaze burned into his as she unhooked her bra and tossed it. “Why bother?”

  What little brain power he had left evaporated as his body hardened further. Ralan dropped her legs only long enough for them to shuck their pants. Then he pressed her back against the wall and entered her in one stroke. His forehead lowered to hers and their harsh breaths blended as joy flowed between them.

  Then they let the fire rage.

  Chapter 28

  “At least I got some sleep this time,” Kai said as they stood before the portal to the Veil.

  Ralan only laughed, but Cora nudged him with her elbow and gave Kai an apologetic smile. “It’s my fault you had to guide us across so many times. Sorry.”

  Kai shrugged. “I’m happy to see you looking so renewed. Galaren energy must be powerful stuff.”

  Heat rushed into her cheeks, and Ralan let out a snort. “Yeah.”

  “Ah.” Kai rubbed his hand across the back of his neck and grinned. “Let’s get going.”

  Cora and Ralan followed Kai into the portal, and the mists of the Veil wrapped around them. But not for long. Her stomach lurched as Kai pulled them through with a soft pop of energy. Her head spun, and when they emerged into the light, she stumbled against Ralan. He wrapped his arm around her waist to brace her.

  Ralan frowned down at her as she blinked his face into focus. “What’s wrong?”

  “That was…sudden.”

  Kai leaned over, his brow creasing as he studied her. “I didn’t go any faster than last time.”

  As the world finished steadying around her, Cora brushed off their concern. She’d been so tired when Kai had guided her back to Earth that she probably hadn’t noticed the jolting shift in energy. “I’m just not used to crossing like that. The portal to Galare is practically instant since it doesn’t pass through the Veil the same way.”

  “I should take you to Lial.”

  “The healer?” Cora chuckled and stepped out of his hold. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

  They stared at her until she made a sharp gesture and spun away, heading for the trail they’d taken earlier. The path was dirt, not paved, but it was well-defined. Cora felt confident that she could make it to the estate. Probably.

  It only took a moment for their footsteps to ring behind her.

  “Turn right up ahead,” Ralan said as his hand slipped around hers.

  The soft sounds of the forest sighed around them, and Cora let the peace of it soak in as they walked. Now that she wasn’t weak and hurt, she found herself studying the forest in fascination. Though huge, the trees here weren’t like the redwoods of Earth. These were deciduous. If the trees around Chattanooga grew to several times their size, then they might be close. She noticed a leaf skittering across the trail. A totally different shape than any leaf she’d seen before.

  Would she return to Earth once the battle with Kien was over, or would they find a way to save Ralan? It would be a major step to relocate to Moranaia to be with him. Then again, she was used to moving. She’d been considering selling the business to Maddy and Jase in a year or two anyway. This world could be her next new start.

  Except here, she could be herself.

  Cora had left her options open on Earth. Before they’d called for Kai, she had dropped off the single outfit she’d managed to design for Vek and left Maddy instructions for completing her business with the prince. Maddy would be able to handle the money exchange and other clothes. Cora had also left a letter asking her friends to consider taking over the shop if she decided not to return. Either way, it would be okay.

  “You’re quiet,” Ralan said.

  She glanced at his curious face. “Just thinking about the future. I hope Maddy and Jase decide to take over The Magic Touch if things work out here.”

  “I called my lawyer and had her transfer my clothing line to my assistant,” he said quietly. “If I don’t return within a month, my other business interests will be closed out and left in trust for Eri.”

  “Oh.”

  Cora didn’t know what to say to that, not with Kai so near. How much had Ralan told the others about his visions of the future? “Who else knows?” she sent.

  “Only you, though Lyr suspects. And possibly Eri.” His solemn gaze met hers. “Lyr and Meli have agreed to raise Eri, but with us being bonded, there is much to consider.”

  Her mouth fell open, and her grip on his hand tightened. “I…”

  A sad smile crossed his lips. “You haven’t met her yet, and you aren’t certain you want to stay. I know.”

  “And I’m not part of your culture.” Cora’s shoulders slumped. “Dammit, this is too much. Why in the Divine we’ve been brought together like this only to—”

  “Are you two okay?” Kai asked, peering over his shoulder at them.

  Cora forced a smile. “Sure. Except for Ralan’s crazy brother on the loose. You know, normal.”

  Although Kai chuckled, he studied her with a shrewd expression that said he wasn’t fooled. Fortunately, they stepped onto a paved path, and her attention was captured by the garden they entered. She shoved her worry aside and let her wonder for the carefully arranged flowers show on her face. Better to contemplate how the elves had managed to make a garden look like an elaborate section of forest than to think of the future.

  Ralan tugged her to a stop next to a stone tower tucked between two huge trees. Kai gave a quick goodbye and darted for the main estate, clearly eager to get more rest. As Ralan led her through the door and up a staircase that curled around the side, Cora’s heart began to pound. She wiped her sweaty hand against her pants and followed him up.

  His daughter was up there. His world.

  “Nervous?” Ralan asked over his shoulder.

  Cora grimaced. “More than a little.”

  “I sent a call ahead to make sure she was awake.”
His expression softened into a blend of love and exasperation. “She knew we were coming, of course. She’s excited.”

  Somehow, that didn’t make it better.

  Cora’s stomach had climbed into her throat by the time Ralan pushed open the door to his rooms. She glanced around the cluttered sitting area, and she couldn’t help but smile at the group of dolls strewn across the center of the floor. A hint of red colored Ralan’s face as he bent to pick up a discarded dress.

  “I see she’s had fun beyond ordering Kai around,” Ralan said.

  A squeal rent the air, and a miniature female Ralan launched herself across the room from a nearby door. Cora shoved her hands in her pockets as the dark-haired child jumped into her father’s arms. As he hugged Eri close, Cora’s mouth went dry.

  After a moment, Ralan lowered the child to her feet. Eri tilted her head, her golden eyes fastened on Cora. Then the little girl raced forward. Cora let out a soft oomph as Eri crashed into her, wrapping her arms around her waist and squeezing tight.

  “You’re finally here,” Eri said. “I can’t believe it!”

  Cora blinked down at the child. “I…”

  “Yeah, I know, you can’t see the future so you don’t know me,” Eri said in a rush. “Don’t worry. You’re a great mom. We’ll be friends.”

  The last week had been beyond crazy. Cora had found a bonded, searched for her friend, faced a madman in a cave, healed Inona, and defeated Orn. But out of everything, it was Eri who left her speechless.

  “Eri,” Ralan began, exasperation creeping into his voice. “You’re going to scare her away. Behave.”

  “But the futures—”

  “The only future you should concern yourself with right now is the one where you clean up this mess.”

  When Eri scrunched up her nose, Cora found herself laughing. It was such a dad kind of line. She tried to stifle her humor as Ralan frowned at her, but the stop being a bad influence glare made her laugh harder. She hadn’t had a chance to see this side of him before.

  And it was adorable.

  Ralan sidled up beside her as Eri began to grab her dolls from the floor. He leaned close. “You’re not going to gang up on me, are you?”

  Cora bumped her shoulder against his. “Only when you deserve it.”

  “That doesn’t sound promising,” he said with a chuckle.

  For that one moment, everything was perfect. Lightness filled Cora, a happy, buoyant feeling that made her itch for canvas and paint so she could capture it forever. Despite the inevitable difficulties, they could make a good family. A solid family. For those few precious minutes, she shoved aside all else and let that reality be.

  Then Eri paused on her way across the room, dolls bundled in her arms, and looked over her shoulder. “Inona will wake up soon. You should leave now to see her.”

  The words were delivered so naturally that it took Cora a second to recognize the power behind them. She stared after the child dancing from the room with her toys. Inona will wake up soon, Eri had said. Not might or could. Cora shook her head. Ralan might be bossy and imperious, but his daughter was frighteningly casual.

  She glanced over to see Ralan rubbing his hand across his face. “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve told her not to do that.”

  “Sounds like you need a more effective punishment.”

  Ralan sighed. “It hasn’t been that long since her gift manifested. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress.”

  “I bet,” Cora said. Then she shrugged and started for the door. “I really do want to see how Inona is doing, though. No use wasting the advice.”

  “This had better be clean when we get back,” Ralan called out as he followed.

  Eri’s muffled voice sounded from the other room. “Okay!”

  As soon as they made it to the bottom of the tower, Ralan took Cora’s hand and guided her along one of the meandering trails. To their left, the main estate took shape, and she gaped in appreciation. The tan stone structure curved around the trunks of trees, and windows glinted in the mid-morning sunshine. She narrowed her eyes to try to make out the carvings on the walls, but the trail didn’t get quite close enough. She’d have to check it out later.

  Finally, they reached the healer’s tower. The door was closed this time, so they paused for Ralan to give a sharp knock. Lial himself jerked the door open a crack and stuck his head out to glare. Cora tensed, prepared to leave, but Ralan gave no sign of budging.

  “My patient is resting,” the healer snapped. “You should have sent a call ahead.”

  Her bonded’s calm expression didn’t change. “Inona is about to wake. Cora wants to see how she’s doing.”

  “Cora?” Lial’s eyes widened as he noticed her presence. “Arlyn said you’d gone.”

  “I came back,” Cora said softly.

  The healer peered at her until she wondered if he’d slam the door on them without another word. But he surprised her by opening the wooden slab wide and gesturing for them to enter. “Stay quiet. Delbin is enough of a bother.”

  The former exile sat in a chair beside Inona’s bed. His foot tapped incessantly, shaking his whole leg, and he dragged his hand through his hair as he stared at Inona’s motionless form. Delbin gave an absent wave as they entered, but not even Ralan, his teacher, merited much attention. She couldn’t say she blamed him.

  Lial stopped Cora with a hand against her shoulder. “You should come upstairs so I can check you for any lingering problems.”

  Ralan frowned at the healer. “Her energy was restored.”

  “Which is the optimal time to find out if she had damage from the energy drain,” Lial said, his tone implacable.

  “There’s a chair right—”

  “Good gods, Ralan,” Lial muttered, so low she almost had to strain to hear. “I’m not going to assault your bonded in my chambers. She’s far from the first I’ve treated up there when the bed was occupied. I would rather Inona wake naturally and not because of our talking.”

  Scowling, Cora shoved at Ralan’s shoulder. “What’s your problem?”

  “I don’t want to be apart from you,” he answered. “And my cousin can be difficult.”

  His words did nothing to soften her annoyance. “Well, chill out. If you’re going to be so protective that I can’t see a healer without you, this isn’t going to work.”

  “It’s not just any healer. It’s Lial.” Ralan’s lips turned down. “I’d trust him with my life, but that doesn’t mean I want him telling you stories of my youth. It’s…embarrassing.”

  A smile broke across her face, and she patted his cheek. “Deal with it.”

  Cora nodded at Lial and followed him to the circular staircase near the back. She gave Ralan a wave as she climbed up and almost laughed at his worried scowl. What was he so afraid of her hearing? When she had more time, she would have to find out. Those stories were probably awesome.

  They entered a sparsely furnished but cozy room. A large bed settled against the left wall, a wardrobe beside it. Beneath the window on the right, two overstuffed chairs had been placed beside a table, and bookcases spanned another wall. Though mostly tidy, the room was comfortably lived-in. She smiled to see the rumpled covers on the bed and the book left opened on the side table.

  Lial motioned toward one of the chairs and waited patiently as she sank into it. Then he knelt beside her. “My scan shouldn’t take long. If you are ready.”

  She took a deep breath, searching his face for any sign of ill-intent. Despite her annoyance at Ralan’s bossiness, she was nervous. She didn’t know this man, though he’d already tried to heal her before. She’d been unconscious then. Would it hurt or be uncomfortable when Lial used his magic?

  “Should I be bracing myself?”

  Lial’s brows drew together, and he shoved a long, auburn hair from his eyes with a sharp flick. “For what?”

  “Healing isn’t painful at home,” Cora explained. “But I have no idea how things work here.”

  “I
see.” His harsh expression eased, and she caught a hint of humor beneath his gruffness. “And my cousin’s reaction probably didn’t help. When my magic sweeps through, it should give a peaceful feeling. I give my word that it doesn’t hurt.”

  Cora sucked in another breath and then nodded. “Fine. I’m ready.”

  Though his lips took on a wry slant, Lial stretched his hand out, and blue flared to life. She closed her eyes and tried to relax as his hand drew near. But as soon as the soft light settled into her body, her muscles loosened with relief. Her breathing slowed, and her thoughts began to drift aimlessly.

  When his power faded and the world returned to sharp focus, Cora had to bite her tongue against requesting another scan. Peaceful was definitely an understatement. She blinked her eyes open to see Lial staring at her, and her skin heated in a flush.

  “Do people injure themselves so you’ll use your magic on them?”

  He surprised her by letting out a soft laugh. “My personality works well enough as a deterrent. In any case, not all react as strongly as you did.”

  She thought back to his surliness during their first meeting. Definitely enough to scare off repeat offenders. Cora studied his face, wondering how much of his attitude was self-defense. Or show. Maybe if she stuck around long enough, she’d figure him out.

  “Did you find anything wrong?” she asked.

  Lial’s expression turned inscrutable. “Not exactly.”

  Cora stiffened at that, undoing the relaxation his magic had brought. “What do you mean?”

  “I thought I caught a hint earlier, but I was rushed. I was quite annoyed to find that you’d left before I could speak with you.” He paused, and her heart gave a harsh thump. “Truthfully, I could have done this below. But I wanted to speak with you privately if my suspicions were correct.”

  Cora clenched her hands against the urge to shake him. “Just tell me what’s wrong.”

  “You’re fine. Perfectly healthy.” Her relief was short-lived as he pinned her with a pointed look. “Both of you. You’re pregnant.”

  What? Cora stared at him, uncomprehending, as she struggled to make sense of his words. Her fingernails dug into her palms, and she shook her head. “Not possible. We were only together…two or three days ago?” She tried to count back, but her muddled brain wouldn’t cooperate. “That’s too soon to tell.”