“What a mess.” Kailen returned to his cushions. “I’ll take you up on your offer of tea now. Might as well relax a few moments, talk about something pleasant… Before the shit storm breaks out.”
“Of course, friend.” Zuberi rang a little bell on his nightstand. “Tea is on its way.”
The race was on. Four missile-shaped shadows came after her, swerving in and out of pine trees at blinding speed, their elusive nature making the chase even faster. Talaith had already dispatched three, a fourth, separated from the group, flew unseen. A searing sensation pierced her shoulder blade. She dropped to her knees and, with the help of momentum, slid under a fallen tree trunk, gaining a short respite. A dense cushion of leaves silenced her movements when she rolled onto her stomach. Hopefully, this pause would give enough time to summon blasting power to her fingertips.
Above her, buzzing sounds indicated the shadows were shifting positions. They’d lost her, but not for long. Ice cold when first cast, hunting shadows pursued heat with dogged intent. Her efforts to lower her internal temperature had been haphazard and insufficient. Had she not lost concentration, she would have started her temperature regulation process much sooner, ensuring a win in today’s challenging session.
Three days in, and her training had gone from four shadows up to eight.
Gently, Talaith examined the throbbing wound. Her fingertips returned slick and warm with her blood. She restrained the impulse to punch the trunk covering her. Any motion, the faintest of sounds, would betray her hideout.
She’d done well after leaving New York. Throughout the moving preparations from Egypt to Germany, she’d deadened her desires and repressed the yearning memories.
Today had been a surprise: she had crossed a clearing, sunlight bathing her body… The sensation came from somewhere in the ether; her senses were inundated by his presence. His searching eyes, the heat of his skin, his stirring voice, all of him had surfaced in a whirl of images, unbidden and unwanted, a strike to her control.
Fury gripped her. In a real-life scenario, her death would be the outcome of such meaningless gratification.
Her next breath was controlled, slow, silent. Distant chirps reached her ears. In the absence of evil and disruption, fleeing birds returned to their habitat. Talaith flexed her fingers, testing for power. A prickling twinge answered her question. I’m back. Satisfied, she smiled. Roles had reversed. She was the hunter now.
With a light push, she slid from under the trunk, rose to her hands and knees, and listened. Absolute silence surrounded her. Too quiet. Maybe she’d exited too soon. She tensed and mustered her muscles and ligaments to active duty. Summoning renewed power to her hands, Talaith planted a foot forward, and prepared to act.
Several feet ahead, the forest floor burst. A fast-moving, slithering line approached her dead-on. Instead of flying, the cunning lone shadow traveled under the layer of leaves and pebbles. Inches away, the gray missile lifted its tip, aiming for her chest. Hands extended, Talaith pounced. As she grasped the shadow between her palms, the entity multiplied into a myriad of smaller replicas, then all disappeared in a multicolored whorl.
Victory didn’t linger. In the next breath, the four remaining missiles pierced her body through. As she writhed in unspeakable pain, Khnurn’s admonition rumbled in her brain: “Pride and distraction will kill you.”
Slow and never-ending, time passed. Light dimmed in the forest, twilight hinted its presence, and she still lay on her back unable to move. Except for her brain and scant vital functions, the attack had paralyzed her.
When darkness deepened and Khnurn didn’t show, she went into her secondary strategy: prepare for a night alone in the woods. Once, she’d built a temporary shield in practice. It had required focus and patience. Considering her present condition, she should have plenty of both.
Using her breathing as centering aid, she retreated deep into her mind, summoning forth magic and imagination. The image coalesced and came to life, a shimmering protective layer, slowly shrouded her field boots, moved up her ankles, and continued up her legs, infusing a pleasant lethargic effect.
The shield reached her thighs, enclosed her wrists and hands on each side, and moved upward.
Several yards away, a rustling of leaves got her attention.
Her heart pumped. A predator, perhaps? Bad luck and bad timing for her, as the shielding process was only halfway complete. If attacked, she couldn’t defend herself. Instinctively, Talaith tried to turn her head to see. She groaned in frustration at her muscles’ lack of response.
The rustling sounds turned to boots crushing leaves.
Khnurn?
No.
Kailen.
Her heart picked up speed. Wild excitement throttled her. Confusion reigned. He was here. He’d come, to this remote spot in the wilderness…for her. But how…why?
“You’re hurt.” Kailen grasped her arm below the wound. “I’m glad I found you. Under the barrier, you would’ve bled to death overnight.”
“M-Master?”
“Are we back to that again?” He knelt on one leg. “Do you have enough strength to undo the barrier spell?”
“I can manage.” She offered a half smile and blinked. The shield faded in a whispering rush.
With the barrier out of the way, Kailen examined her, frowning as he went. He used his healing fingertips, sensed more than touched, yet he reached deep within her, his searching warmth leaving a soothing trail.
“I’m taking you back right away, and because we’re not far from the cabin, I’m going to walk. There’s some internal bleeding, and I don’t want to risk the scrambling effect of the portal. It will hurt, though. Can you handle it?”
She intended to respond in an unaffected manner. Instead, her mouth sagged, she was so taken by his surprising presence. Efforts to think rationally failed, and she floated in a half-dream, half-reality state.
“Talaith?” he insisted. “Did you hear me? Can you handle the pain? Be honest. If it’s too much, I’ll get Khnurn to help me.”
“No Khnurn. You. Only you,” she murmured.
“Okay.” He slipped his arms under her body, spooning her to his chest as he stood. “How’re you doing? Talk to me.”
“Good.” She did her best to sound encouraging. She’d never admit to the searing internal pain he’d caused when he lifted her, or the desperate need to faint into oblivion.
“You’re such a bad liar,” he scoffed.
Talaith let the comment go. She dropped her head against his chest, relishing the forbidden sensation of Kailen’s closeness, sole palliative to her torment. If this was her reward for losing the shadow challenge, she’d repeat it without hesitation, brave the worst torture in the world or even death for a moment with him.
Khnurn could take his disapproving stares to hell. This temporary happiness, to be wrapped in Kailen’s arms, was worth that and so much more.
Much to her displeasure, the return to the cabin took less time than she remembered. She’d enjoyed being in Kailen’s arms so much that giving him up hurt.
“Almost there.”
His rumbling voice against her ear incited a swarm of pleasurable tingles. A good sign that the paralysis was ending.
“I’m feeling a little better.”
He smiled down at her. “Great. Khnurn will be relieved. Look.”
She was able to lift her head a little. The imposing wizard stood at the doorway. Dressed in his customary black hooded robe, Khnurn’s outline nearly blended with the encroaching gloom. Only his eyes gleamed gold.
“What happened?” Moving forward, he extended his arms. Kailen ignored the gesture. Holding on to Talaith, he walked past the wizard into the cabin.
“Where’s her bed?”
“The one in the corner.” Khnurn pointed at her small, yet comfortable cot. “I’ll get more blankets and throw another log in the fire.”
Kailen deposited her with the same care he’d used while carrying her. He pressed a palm to her forehea
d, then tucked a loose strand of hair away from her face. His magnetic gaze was gentle. Dare she imagine, tender? She felt cherished, protected, wanted, and… Utterly foolish.
So what?
Even if this was temporary lunacy, the reaction of her addled mind to her injuries, she’d take it. Real or imagined, these happy snippets she’d use as aids, survival tools for the worst of times, when he was gone from her life.
Khnurn pulled two chairs next to her bed, then sat on one and slapped the seat of the other.
“Paralysis?” he asked Kailen, ignoring her.
“Yes. The multiple shadow attack caused paralysis and internal bleeding”—Kailen circled his open palms an inch above her stomach—“plus, a shadow ran through her shoulder blade. If she had fewer injuries, her body might recover on its own. But she’s lost too much blood. I need to speed up her healing process. Help me remove her jacket.”
Khnurn steadied her upper back as Kailen slowly removed the left sleeve of her jacket, then her right. “Did I hurt you?”
“You never do,” she murmured.
Impervious to her meaning, he resumed circling his palms above her stomach. She’d never been at the receiving end of Kailen’s healing magic. A sense of euphoric well-being swept through her. When he stopped and set his hands on the bed, she knew her internal bleeding had stopped.
He spoke to Khnurn. “She was in the midst of a shield spell when I found her.”
“Not good,” Khnurn scowled. “I’m glad you came when you did. I don’t know why I waited to go after her. She’d been gone awhile. Alone, she could’ve bled through the night.”
“I’m here.” She sighed. Both men turned to her. “Stop talking over my head. I’m able to hear and answer.”
“Sorry, we’ve been rude,” Khnurn grumbled. “For the sake of hygiene and to avoid infection, we need to clean any external scratches and abrasions.”
“It’s not a problem, I’m wearing a camisole underneath.”
Even though she tried to sound nonchalant, her face flushed. Being exposed, even a little, in front of Kailen unnerved her. She was embarrassed and excited at the same time.
“Excellent.” In an exaggerated whirl of robes, Khnurn left his chair, walked to the small kitchen, and rummaged through several drawers. He returned holding up a pair of scissors.
“There’s no room for meaningless modesty. However, your nudity wasn’t the issue. You’re about to lose a sweater, and I thought you should know.”
Talaith glanced at Kailen. He’d been silent, but the amusement on his face said a lot. He was enjoying the back-and-forth.
Resigned, she waved a hand at Khnurn. “I understand. Go ahead, cut away.”
“I’m not doing it. He is.” Khnurn chuckled, passing the scissors to Kailen. “Danann, you get started while I gather the rest of what you need. Hungry?”
“Famished,” Kailen said.
“Good. You’ll enjoy my vegetable bean stew. It’s a new recipe. Be right back.” Khnurn clapped Kailen’s shoulder and moved away.
When a concert of assorted sounds came out of the tiny bathroom, she turned her attention to Kailen, who hadn’t made the first cut yet. Scissors in hand, he sat without moving, his water-colored gaze intent on her. As he raised the hem of her sweater and snipped, his eyes remained on her.
The backs of his fingers brushed her stomach, and she shivered. She knew he didn’t mean to touch her, yet she trembled just the same. His elegant nostrils flared a bit, his eyelids flickered and lowered, the corner of his lips lifted in a hint of a smile. Had he been as impacted by their contact as she?
Talaith sent a silent plea to the gods of the universe for assistance. She was melting, slowly turning to liquid under his scrutiny. Her cheeks flushed with heat, and he cocked his head. His eyes searched, a silent question danced on his face… Her mind answered, “Yes, I want you.” But…did he hear her?
“I brought your warm water, antibacterial gel, and bandages.” Khnurn’s return broke the fragile connection. He placed all the items within Kailen’s reach.
“Thank you,” Kailen said.
Kailen examined the items, then set each one next to the other in ordered sequence. “Talaith has been through a lot of misery already and must be exhausted. Can you induce her to sleep while I clean the area?”
“Call me when ready.” Khnurn nodded and returned to the kitchen.
Magic sparked. Their broken intimacy renewed and flared to life. A sigh, a breath, a touch…countless pleasures, endless devotion. A love for the ages, an eternal vow. Kailen’s closeness enticed, absorbed, and aroused. A word from him, and she’d forget her injuries and offer herself to him.
He cleansed his hands, squeezed the excess water off the cloth, and, with gentle gestures, wiped her face, neck, and shoulder. Gently, he pulled her mussed braids up and away along with any rebellious tendrils of hair.
“You’re too weak. The right occasion will come,” he said. His expressive eyes revealed much more than his words. They promised a moment in the future.
Her heart fluttered. Could it be? Had she heard him correctly? He’d offered one time in the future, one unforgettable moment in his arms. She’d have a memory that would last a lifetime.
Starved for more of him, she tried to hold on to his gaze, but the moment had broken. Kailen returned to caring for her, and the private exchange came to an end. He finished cutting her sweater, moved it out of his way, and began cleansing the wound. Wild excitement gave way to the simple enjoyment of his careful ministrations, the delicious pleasure of his gentle touches.
“It’s time,” Kailen said.
“Give me a second,” Khnurn answered from the kitchen.
Kailen squinted. “Talaith?”
She nodded. “I trust you with my life. Your hands are magical.”
“I appreciate your confidence.” He brushed her cheek with the back of his finger.
The pleasure was sublime. She fought back the moan clinging to her throat.
Khnurn came to the side of her bed. “What do you need me to do?”
“Induce her to sleep.” Kailen opened the bottle of antiseptic.
“Of course.” Placing his roughened palm on her forehead, Khnurn blew a wisp of air to her eyes. “Sleep, child. Easy, restful sleep.” His deep voice acquired a soft tone.
A cloud formed around her, she floated at Khnurn’s suggestion. Sighing, she closed her eyes. Sounds around her became muffled…faint. She hovered at the edge of falling asleep.
“What brought you to the Black Forest?” Khnurn’s voice came from afar.
“I need your help to find Dubtach’s location. He’s not escaping, Khnurn. I won’t allow it.”
Kailen’s anger… She remembered long ago, his grief and despair. Reality came crashing down on her. The loss of his woman in Svanetia was as vivid to Kailen today as when it happened. Here was the real reason for his visit, not her, never her.
Foolish, foolish, indeed.
The pain in her chest became unbearable. She wanted to scream, but the sleep-inducement spell was stronger. Releasing all control, she tumbled into the soothing depths.
CHAPTER THREE
“Yes, Danann, I can find Dubtach,” Khnurn grumbled. Holding his scrying bowl with both hands, he placed it carefully on the table, avoiding any splashes. “The difficulty is he’s hiding from Astarot and knows supernaturals are after him, so he’s constantly on the move.”
“Makes sense. Please understand, I don’t doubt your powers,” Kailen said. “I was only speaking about Zuberi’s issues.” Sitting across the table from Khnurn, he dropped his chin on his fists, watching the wizard’s preparations.
“Dear old Zuberi. His seer facade is better than his ability. How is he?” Khnurn’s grin lasted less than a second. “And why didn’t you come straight to me?”
“You left New York with Talaith in such a hurry, you left a trail of smoke behind. Did you think I’d be crazy enough to interfere or try to stop you? And since we’re in a chasti
sing mood, why didn’t you tell me Dubtach had escaped?”
Khnurn pushed back from the table. Supervising his setup, he folded his arms and scanned the room. “I’m missing something… Hmm, what did you say?”
Kailen frowned. “Really? Don’t play games, old friend. You heard every word I said.”
The wizard leaned forward, the jagged scar on his face more visible than ever. “Here’s the truth. Two significant events happened at the same time. I needed confirmation of both.”
Kailen wasn’t intimidated. He’d seen the attitude before. “Well…what did you confirm?”
“Yes!” Khnurn exclaimed. “White quartz.” Clapping his hands, he ignored Kailen’s question.
Khnurn swept to a well-used leather suitcase by his bed and searched through the compartments. He returned holding a sparkling pointed crystal about four inches long.
“Here we go.” Beaming at Kailen, he dropped the crystal into the dish.
“Well…what did you…confirm?” Kailen insisted.
Khnurn sat. “Gods. Yes. Your tenacity is exasperating. Confirming Brysys’s signature wasn’t as problematic as I envisioned. On the other hand, Dubtach’s escape has consumed all my efforts. It’s one of the reasons I brought Talaith to the secrecy of these woods, far from my home. A deadly encounter between the mages is coming. It can’t be avoided, and I want her prepared.”
“Won’t Brysys help?”
“Brysys is an enigma. I tried to peek into her mind and pulled back immediately. It’s chaos in there. I don’t know what to think. Am I to assume she was captured and has been in prison all these years? How come I didn’t see that? Or suppose she left with Dubtach and Oras willingly. What does that portend?”
Sitting at the edge of her bed, Talaith answered. “Bad things.”
“Hey, easy now,” Kailen said. “Stay down. You haven’t recovered.”
“I’m feeling much better. Even my heartbeat is back to normal.” Her expression was soft. Her braids had come undone, and her cascading platinum hair gleamed in the firelight.
Kailen’s breath caught in his throat. A stunning female had replaced the curious girl-child in Khnurn’s hut. Had she always been this beautiful?
The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, #2) Page 9