by Kara Jaynes
I can’t trust him. Sol’s past is as dark as my own. But I don’t have a choice.
“The Kenelky sparked between Stella and me.”
Sol smirks. “Nice. I’d gathered as much, though. Does your father know?”
I shake my head. “No. And if he finds out, you’ll lose your head.”
“Understood.” Sol is grinning like a fool now, and he pulls his legs up to sit cross-legged. “Except you face one little problem. Stella isn’t cooperating.”
“You have experienced the Kenelky,” I press. “Did your mate react this way?”
Sol shakes his head. “No. She was just as eager as I was.” He’s not smiling now. He wouldn’t be. He hates all reminders of Audriella. He cocks his head. “I didn’t know the Kenelky sparked between elves and humans.”
“Neither did I,” I admit. “My father thinks it’s impossible.”
“That complicates matters.”
“Biggest understatement of the century,” I growl. Inhaling sharply, I stride over to look out the window. “She won’t accept the bond because she’s in love with someone else.”
“The Kenelky should have shattered that love in an instant.”
“I know!” I shout, whirling to face him. “Fyit, Sol, do you think I don’t know that? But it’s not working like it’s supposed to! Why? What is wrong with her? What is wrong with me?”
Sol’s face is unreadable, except for the disapproval in his eyes. I swallow hard and, trying to stop the sudden shaking in my limbs, turn to face the window again. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t mention it.” Sol stands and walks to stand beside me. “She’ll come around.” He’s wearing another smirk. “Humans can’t resist our charm for long.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not going to ask how you know that.”
He reaches out and pokes me in the ribs. “Stella can’t keep her gaze away from you. She gawks any time she’s in your presence, my prince. Just give her time. She’ll forget about this other man eventually, and then she’ll be yours.”
“That’s why I’m here.” I exhale. It’s easier to be myself around Sol, probably because he’s one of the few elves who doesn’t put much stock in reining in emotions. He’s similar to my mother in that regard, only if emotions were ranked, Sol would be a five, while Mother is a solid ten. “The man Stella loves is one of the dream vagrants who was turned. When I came to her room half an hour ago, he was there, trying to get her to leave.”
Sol sucks in a breath, and when I look at him, I see the hate, burning hot and bright in his eyes. “So, this filthy vampire thinks to claim Stella for his own.”
“Yes. He fled when he saw me, and I was unable to catch him. What’s worse is that Stella doesn’t understand the danger she’s in. I tried to explain the situation to her, and she's convinced that Wilder is safe.”
“Permission to kill the vampire, my prince?” Sol cuts to the chase. There is nothing in this universe that Sol hates more than vampires.
“Granted. That would help me out. I think in this situation, it might be better that it isn’t me who kills him. In fact, I’d rather news of his death didn’t reach Stella.”
Sol bows low from the waist, slipping into formality. “Consider it done, my prince.”
I nod back, only feeling a slight flicker of surprise when Sol begins to dress, and I realize he plans to hunt tonight.
Just as well. The sooner this vampire is dead, the safer Stella will be.
Because if she’s turned, it’s over.
I will kill her myself.
33
Stella
I don’t sleep. After Eldaren leaves, I snag my blanket and, opening my window pane, I sit on the ledge, looking out on the city.
Wilder is out there. Alive. He still loves me. Why else would he return? It isn’t too late. He still wants me.
I crave him. Shoot, just the memory of late night kisses and whispered promises sends a shuddering thrill up my spine.
But I promised Eldaren a year. One year to win me over. I lean my head on the side of the window frame with a frustrated groan. The elven prince is a good man. I can see that now, even if he’s tactless and cold. He’s also gorgeous and wealthy. If I’m being completely honest, having a man that’s attractive and good and financially well off makes him appealing.
He isn’t Wilder.
My gaze lifts to the moon, and for a wonder, it's still hanging in the sky, nevermind that my whole world has been turned upside down.
Wilder is a good man. He’s also as poor as a church mouse, and I don’t care about that. I don’t care at all. He’s perfection, with his wild mop of white-blond curls, alabaster skin and crooked smile. He’s hot-headed and impulsive, a whirlwind of emotion. He’s everything Eldaren is not.
I still love him.
Eldaren was right about one thing. Wilder has changed. I knew that before Eldaren even told me about Wilder becoming a vampire.
Even with the world falling apart, the myth of vampires hasn’t died. They’re in stories and legends, their forms drifting through dreams and the shadowy alleys of Liberty, the streets you’re too afraid to go down.
But really, can vampires be real?
Five years ago, I would have said that elves didn’t exist. Yet, here they are. What else is real?
Elves and vampires exist. Stars descend. And shadows grow.
Huddled in my blanket, looking at the stars in the sky, and the gloomy shadows in the city below me, I don’t know what I should think, or what I should feel.
I care for Eldaren, but I love Wilder. Eldaren is gorgeous. Wilder is the most beautiful individual I’ve ever seen. Eldaren is cold and distant. Wilder is warm and loving.
I shiver, remembering the feel of Wilder’s arms around me. I feel drunk on love for the man.
I gave my word to Eldaren. Does that matter? After all, the heart knows what it wants, doesn’t it?
I don’t know.
“I’m going in circles,” I growl, and I hop off the sill and close the window—time for bed.
Only I don’t sleep. At all. I’m still awake, tossing and turning, my head filled with confusion and thoughts of Wilder, even as cold gray light begins to come through the glass windowpanes.
When the dawn comes, I haven’t arrived at any conclusion except one.
I have to know if these feelings are real.
I have to see Wilder again.
The adventure continues in Book 2: Shadows Grow
About the Author
Kara Jaynes is a fantasy and children's book author. She loves rainy days, long walks, and fairy tales. She's been writing since she was very young and has more stories in her head than she could possibly write.
You can go to her website, www.karajaynes.com, to stay up to date on new releases.
Read More Books by Kara Jaynes on Amazon: www.amazon/author/karajaynes
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Stars Descend
Kara Jaynes
Stars Descend by Kara Jaynes
Copyright Kara Jaynes 2019.
All Rights Reserved.
Cover Designer: GermanCreative
The stories, characters, and incidents mentioned or depicted in this publication are entirely fictional.
No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the copyright holder.
