Shadow Fire

by Wheaton, Kimber Leigh

  The sight greeting my arrival leaves me in stunned silence. Zane is standing by the door in nothing but a white towel draped low around his hips. The clothes I'm holding fall from my hands, fluttering to the floor. My knees feel weak. For a moment I'm afraid I'll be joining the pile of clothes pooled on the floor.

  Beads of water drip from his dark red hair slowly making their way past his broad sculpted chest, down the ridges of his abdomen, before coming to rest on the towel below. A silver medallion with a cerulean sapphire hangs around his neck on a thick silver chain. The glittering blue stone is captivating, drawing my attention away from Zane's body. With an annoyed grumble, I force my gaze away from the hypnotic pull of the medallion, returning to admire the masculine perfection before me. His arms are well muscled without being brawny. Several long white scars trail across his left shoulder. Battle scars I presume — must've happened before he got the giant chunk of shoulder armor. My fingers twitch with the desire to trace each scar.

  He starts moving forward, drawing my gaze back up to his face. His eyes are dark, filled with desire, his mouth curled into a predatory smile. When his lips meet mine, I collapse into his embrace, throwing one arm around his neck and the other around his back. My body feels as if it's on fire, every nerve singing. I moan in pleasure as he thrusts his tongue into my eager mouth. His hand grasps my wet hair at the nape, tipping my head back. My back arches as my body molds itself to him.

  His lips leave mine, searing a trail of kisses down my neck. Tiny whimpers escape me as he nibbles on my neck just below my chin. A feeling of vertigo washes over me. I sway a bit in his embrace. The feel of his teeth on my neck is exquisite, and a shudder courses through my body. He moans and moves his lips back to mine, his kiss rough and demanding. With a tiny sigh, I open my mouth to his insistent tongue and give myself over to the heady sensations. A loud rumble brings me back to my senses. Zane pulls away, eyeing me with amusement. Realizing what made the sound, I wince a bit before glancing at him from beneath my fall of wet bangs.

  "Hungry are you?" he asks with a deep chuckle. "I suppose I should get dressed so we can get dinner."

  I'm about to protest when my rebellious stomach releases another growl. He laughs again while walking back to grab his pack from the floor. I watch in silence as he disappears into the bathroom. How can he recover so fast? My whole body is still tingling, longing for his touch. Running my fingers over my swollen lips, I hazard a glance at the bathroom door.

  Does he feel as bereft as I do right now?

  With a loud resounding sigh, I wander over to the sofa, throwing myself onto the plump cushions. Shadow pads over to sit on the floor next to me, his blue eyes staring at me in curiosity. Then he turns his face away and makes a slight huffing sound before lying down on the ground by my feet. He makes the noise a few more times, each quieter than the last. It's hard not to wallow in self-pity; even the wolf is laughing at me.

  Within minutes, Zane emerges from the bathroom dressed in black pants and a forest green shirt. He walks over and sits on the sofa next to me. I watch in silence as he pulls his boots on. When he stands and gazes at me, I remain curled up on the other end of the sofa.

  "Are you going to join me?" With yet another sigh I pick my boots up off the floor and pull them on. "What's wrong?"

  "Our clothes match again," I mutter. "Do you plan this or something?"

  I don't know why I'm so disgruntled, but it probably has to do with how quickly he appeared to recover from our kiss earlier. It doesn't help that I want to wrap my arms around his neck and… argh! My face flushes as I try to banish the thought from my mind.

  "No, I didn't plan it. It's just a serendipitous coincidence," he answers, biting at his lower lip.

  It's quite obvious he's trying not to laugh at me. This of course only serves to make me grumpier. I shouldn't go so long between meals.

  "Serendipitous? Really? Who uses a word like that?" I snap at him. He chuckles again.

  "A well-educated nobleman's son I suppose," he answers, smirking at me. "Come, join me for dinner."

  I take his outstretched hand and allow him to lead me out the door. He's a nobleman's son? Somehow I don't find it the least bit surprising, though it occurs to me just how little I know about this man. I fear I'm losing my heart to a complete stranger. Is it even possible? Yes! My heart sings. No! My head counters. Just great, now I'm arguing with myself. I need some food, the quicker the better.

  To enter the dining room we pass through a bar full of rowdy, boisterous patrons. It's difficult not to pick up some of their energetic attitude. My mood lifts and I start to feel more like my usual self again. At the long bar five merchants are all swaying and singing off-key. My gaze meets the bartender's. He rolls his eyes while shaking his head.

  The dining room by comparison is almost empty. Only two tables are in use, both by couples. Zane leads me to a secluded booth in the back of the restaurant. We sit down across from each other. A server brings us water and a basket of bread.

  "Our special tonight is sirloin steak from the Andover region of Algora," she announces in a cheerful voice. "Best cut of beef on the continent."

  "Is the steak okay with you?" Zane asks. I nod. "Two please," he informs the server. "Oh, and one more to go," he adds.

  She nods before bouncing off toward the kitchen. Zane extends his hands out to me across the table, and I place my hands in his. My pulse leaps in response when he begins caressing the backs of my hands with his thumbs.

  "I have a serious question for you. I want you to promise to think long and hard about your answer," Zane says, capturing my gaze with solemn eyes.

  "I promise," I whisper. He releases my hands and leans back.

  Grabbing a roll from the basket, I nibble on it while staring into his eyes.

  "There are two paths we can take from this inn. The direction we go depends on you," he says, his eyes never leaving mine. "If we head southeast from here, we can circumvent Orietta and cross the mountains to the port city Palma. From there we charter a ship to take us to the island of Karina where the Breven Ruins are located."

  "And the other option?" I ask when he pauses.

  "We can abandon this quest. You can come with me to Orietta. The town has the largest mercenaries' guild on Meliar. We'll get some mercenary work, travel the world together." His eyes hold a spark of indignation when he continues. "You're under no obligation to risk your life for your village. If the mayor and elders truly cared about your safety, they'd send at least some of the town militia as guards. I may be stronger than the men in your village, but I'm not an army. While I'll do everything in my power to protect you, this quest could still lead to your death. I'm guessing no one asked your opinion on the matter. This was presented as an onus you were required to undertake. I want you to make your decision based on what you want to do, and not what you think you should do."

  I'd be lying to myself if I denied the desire to give up on the quest. Can I abandon those who are counting on me? On the other hand, the Breven Ruins are a monster-infested death trap. Am I willing to die for something I'm not even sure I believe in?

  "Don't answer now. Please think about it. I'll support you in either decision."

  I nod weakly. Our food arrives saving me from having to reply. The steak is the best I've ever had; so tender and juicy, I devour it in greedy bites. Our server brings the third steak wrapped in paper.

  "For Shadow. I doubt there's anything to hunt other than rats within these walls. He doesn't strike me as the type to dine on rats," Zane says, handing the small package to me.

  He stands, holding out his hand to help me up from the bench. Silence permeates the air on our walk back to the room. I'm too tired to think about the options right now. A good, long rest in a soft bed should clear my head. When we enter the room, I toss the steak to Shadow, paper and all. He whines in appreciation and takes it to a corner to eat. Zane leads me over to the bed. I fall over face down onto it.

  "You're exhausted," he note
s. Turning my head, I gaze up at him. "I'm sorry for springing this on you." His eyes hold sorrow in them.

  "Don't be," I say, desperate to erase the sadness. I offer a weak smile. "Come curl up with me. I sleep better in your arms."

  He smiles as he turns off the gas lamps on the tables on either side of the bed. Pulling my boots off, I throw them in the corner hoping the stiletto doesn't slide out. Right now I'm too tired to care, but I'd rather not step on the sharp blade in the morning. I roll over onto my right side as Zane climbs onto the bed and pulls the covers over us. Taking my cue, he moves over next to me, spooning my back. He wraps his left arm around me, and I snuggle a bit closer. Relaxation comes quickly in his warm embrace. As I drift off to sleep, I'm comforted by the knowledge that he included himself in both options presented. I'm not ready to let this enigmatic man walk out of my life.

  Chapter Ten

  Decisions

  When I wake in the morning, I’m alone in the room. Zane and Shadow both appear to be missing. My gaze flies to the corner were Zane had tossed his gear last night. The loud sigh of relief that escapes my lungs when I see his armor leaning against the wall makes me cringe. Sheepishness at my actions creeps in. Zane wouldn't just leave me behind.

  Stretching my aching muscles, I slowly sit up and revel in the quiet of the morning. When I manage to drag myself out of bed, I notice a plate of pastries and a carafe of fruit juice on the table in the eating area. As I sit down, I see the small note Zane left for me by the plate. Shadow and I went out for some training. Be back for lunch. Zane. Since I have no idea what time it is, I decide to go ahead and enjoy the breakfast he left for me.

  The morning flies by. My trip to the hot spring is relaxing and allows time for some introspection. I'd like to provide Zane with an answer to last night's question when he returns for lunch. The sun is nearing the midday position in the sky so I need to come to a decision soon.

  I have the hot spring all to myself. Leaning against a smooth rock, I soak in the soothing water and consider the options. Ever the rebel, my mind ignores the quest and drifts to Zane. I can't deny my feelings for him. The thought of being without him is almost unbearable. How could I become so attached to him in such a short time? My brain tries to argue, tries to offer reason, but my heart already knows the truth.

  I'm falling in love with Zane.

  I force my mind back to the matter at hand. Zane expects an answer to his question, and I'm running out of time to decide.

  If I continue this dangerous journey, will I die? Or worse, will Zane die? Is it right to ask him to risk his life for a mere relic? But if I abandon the quest for the Goddess Statue, I can never return to my home. I doubt the people of Verdane would forgive me or understand the reasons behind my betrayal.

  A nagging voice in the back of my head points out something I didn't want to contemplate. Loki is living proof the Goddess was here long ago. What if the Goddess Statue is everything the elders claim? What if the town and the entire continent are suffering due to its absence?

  I may not wish to die but can I live without seeing anyone in my family again? Can I allow them to believe I'm dead? My eyes open, a peaceful feeling settling over me. Deep down I always knew what I needed to do. I've made my decision.

  ****

  The waiting is driving me mad. My restless pacing will wear a hole in the already thin carpeting if Zane doesn't return soon. A rapid heartbeat hammers in my chest. I'm anxious to let him know my decision, though doubt clouds my mind. Will he be angry? I have to continue this journey with or without him.

  It all comes down to one inescapable truth. If I abandon this quest, Verdane will send out more defenseless girls every five years. Perhaps I could live with myself if an acquaintance or even a friend was chosen. It would be difficult and painful, yet my heart would survive. But what about my sisters? Celeste is too old; she'll be twenty-one in another five years. Brinda and Molly, on the other hand, are five and eleven years younger than me. They'll both be eligible to be considered as Chosen, Brinda in five years and Molly in ten. I couldn't live with myself if either were chosen by the town.

  This cycle of selecting a girl to retrieve the Goddess Statue must end. I'll do everything in my power to find the relic and return it to the Goddess Shrine.

  When the door opens, I manage to refrain from pouncing on Zane. It's obvious he can sense something's bothering me since his eyes never stray from mine as he places his cloak and sword on a chair by the table. His scrutiny causes me to fidget, my earlier resolve taking a nosedive. At last, he breaks eye contact and crosses the room to the small sitting area. Somewhat reluctant I follow, sinking into the couch next to him. I can feel his gaze on me, but I continue staring at the floor.

  What's wrong with me? Then it hits me, I'm afraid he'll leave. Deep down my heart is already aching at the prospect of his departure. I force myself to lift my head and gaze into his eyes. They are pensive with a touch of worry.

  "I've made my decision." I try to continue but the words catch in my throat.

  "Are you going to share it?" he teases when I continue to remain silent.

  "I'm scared," I admit, refusing to meet his eyes. He places a finger under my chin, gently forcing my face up to meet his garnet gaze.

  "What are you afraid of?"

  I'm silent for a moment, unsure about revealing my feelings. The emotions I have for him are raw and new. I've never felt this way before about anyone. I don't know if my heart would survive if he left me. When I still don't speak, he takes me in his arms and pulls me up on his lap.

  "Please talk to me," he murmurs, resting his cheek on top of my head.

  "I'm worried you'll leave me," I mumble into his shoulder. His body shakes in what I realize is laughter. "What's so funny?" I demand, nursing my bruised ego.

  "Ashlyn, I'd follow you to the ends of the world," he says, his eyes still twinkling with mirth. "Now would you be so kind as to share this decision you've made."

  The look in his eyes is so sincere. Reaching up, I brush the fall of auburn hair from his left eye. I can't help but grin when it rebelliously falls right back down again. My fingers lightly trace his cheekbone then follow the line of his strong jaw. My lips follow my fingers, trailing tiny kisses down then back up the side of his face. When I move to his ear, he moans beneath me. I tease his earlobe with my tongue before giving it a gentle nip.

  There's a sudden a flurry of motion. I blink up at him from my new position flat on my back on the sofa, his face inches from mine. Closing my eyes, I wait for his lips to meet mine. Nothing. I crack my eyes open. He hasn't moved at all.

  "You drive me to distraction, little nymph," he says in a husky whisper, his eyes glowing like twin fires. "But not this time. I have you trapped. You won't escape until you talk to me."

  "What makes you think I wish to escape?" I ask in a throaty purr, entwining my fingers in his hair.

  His eyes widen a bit, in surprise or desire I'm not sure. I try to pull him down for a kiss, but he captures my wrists with his hands, pulling them up over my head. He lowers his head to trail his lips along my neck. For one brief moment, adrenaline-fueled panic surges through my body while my mind screams at me to fight. Just as I'm about to take action, he sighs.

  "Please don't make me tickle it out of you," he whispers into my ear as his fingers brush against my side. Those words remind me that this is Zane, and I trust him with my life. He would never hurt me. His idea of torture is tickling me, and as I try to twist away from his fingers, I realize it's working quite well.

  "I decided to continue the quest," I blurt out through my giggles.

  "I know," he says between kisses. He releases my hands and I bury them in his thick hair. I'm still trapped under him as he kisses his way from my ear back down my neck.

  "What do you mean 'I know'?" I ask, squirming against his body.

  "Just what I said," he replies. "There was never any doubt in my mind. It's who you are — what makes you so special."

  What ki
nd of answer is that? But I find it impossible to think when he runs his right hand down my side in a light caress. I can't stop the tiny whimper in my throat. My body is trembling under his adept ministrations.

  "Hey, didn't you say you'd let me go if I told you my decision?" I accuse. He moves away from my neck and captures my lips with his.

  "Nope," he replies against my lips. "I would never say something so foolish."

  "Good. Like I said earlier, I have no desire to escape," I whisper, losing myself in his embrace.

  ****

  A light scratching at the patio door intrudes upon our quiet solitude. I reluctantly release Zane and he walks over to open the door. Shadow races inside panting, his eyes dancing with obvious excitement. He must've found some children to play with. I'm still sprawled out on the sofa on my back, too content to move. The wolf nudges my dangling hand with his head, forcing it into his soft fur. My stomach rumbles, demanding attention.

  "Zane, can we get some lunch?" I ask. He's still standing at the open door staring outside. The door closes and he crosses the room to my side.

  "Actually, dinner would be more appropriate," he says smirking.

  "Dinner? What about lunch?"

  "Judging by the sun's position, I would say lunch came and went quite some time ago." He gives me a sly grin. "I guess you were just too preoccupied to notice."

  The rest of the evening passes quickly as we prepare for our departure in the morning. Our food stores have been replenished. There's enough bread, cheese, fruit and jerky for several days. Our clothes have returned from the laundry fresh and clean. I feel a touch spoiled since I'd expected to wash them in whatever water source I managed to find. A girl could get used to this luxurious treatment.