“Now you sound like Lucan, trying to scare the hell out of me,” she said, cutting him off.
He didn't want to frighten her. But gods, he couldn’t bear her walking away, leaving him once she learned the truth. “Eve—”
She shook her head. “It’s okay. Let’s go down and see what he has to say.” She took his hand and urged him through the door. “He’s a high mage, I'm sure he’ll have some kind of explanation for all this, you’ll see.”
Reynner followed her, unable to stop the queasiness churning his gut.
***
Eve stopped at the entrance to the living room, her gaze on the stranger who stood near the picturesque windows talking to Aerén and North. A gentle tug on her hand and Reynner pulled her inside.
The mage turned, and eyes like an endless night surveyed them. The length of his braided white hair remained hidden beneath his navy robes.
“Eve, this is Allatus, high mage of Empyrea,” Reynner introduced her. “Allatus, my mate, Eve.”
“Hello.” She rubbed her hands down her pants.
“We have waited a long time for you,” Allatus said by way of welcome.
She smiled, and not knowing what else to say, she blurted out, “Reynner says the Stone’s magic is in me?”
“Yes,” Allatus said, studying her. “Its essence is in your blood. When it’s time, you would have to go to Empyrea.”
Go to another world? Eve swallowed. Panicked. “Why can’t you summon the magic from me? I thought your realm needs it urgently?”
Allatus nodded. “Yes, we do. But we’ve waited centuries—a few more weeks won’t change much,” he told her. “It’s not just you, Eve, even though you do possess more of the magic. We have to wait until the rest of the pieces are located. Then the journey to Empyrea will be made.”
Reynner leaned his shoulder against the doorjamb, his brow creased in a frown. “What pieces?”
“When the Stone plummeted to Earth, it shattered,” Allatus explained. “A part of it, Eve absorbed.”
“How do we find the rest of it?” Aerén asked. “It could be lying anywhere.”
“No.” Allatus shook his head. “When the Stone fragmented, it would have selected the humans to keep it safe. Now, we search for the mortals who were wounded on the day of the accident. If they have magic in their blood, the scroll would respond to them. Once all are found, then we will take them to Empyrea.”
“That should go down well,” North muttered.
“Where do we start looking—yeah, I know, New York,” Aerén said. “But from what I’ve seen, humans move around. A lot.”
“With Eve’s blood, we’ll be able to scry for their locations using the scroll.” Allatus smiled at her, as if not to scare her.
Too late.
The hollow in Eve’s belly grew. She should have stayed in their room and let Reynner explain all this to her.
Reynner pulled her to him and brushed his lips over her hair. She took a deep, anxious breath and tried to calm down. Go to Empyrea—a place unknown, a place somewhere in the solar system she couldn’t even imagine. Heck, she hadn't even left the state of New York. She tensed up again.
“I will be there with you, Eve,” Reynner reassured her. “And it’s not forever. I won't take you away from your world. But we have to make the trip once all the humans are found to trigger the Stones of Light back to full power.”
“What happens when the Stone’s power fades again?” she asked him.
“Then those females not mated will reside in the tower of the mage,” Lucan answered, sauntering into the sitting room. Looking far too healthy for a missing man. “And you will visit when needed. Before you ask, the magic in the Stone would have found a way to keep them single, until the time’s right.”
Like it had with her. Eve had to bite back her irritation. “How do you know it’s only women? Men—”
Lucan shook his head. “This particular artifact is feminine in its power. It will choose likewise. Proven by the very fact that you were the first we located.”
Her mouth tightened, he had an answer for everything. “What makes you think they will come?”
“Why not? You did.”
She scowled. A pity he was a mage and would remain celibate. It would have been something to see him knocked off his imperious pedestal by some woman.
Soft laughter garnered her attention. Eve found Allatus watching her, his dark eyes twinkling. Crap. She hoped he hadn't read her bitchy thoughts. Annoyance still prowling through her, she shot Lucan a glare. “You forget one tiny little detail. I'm mortal,” she reminded him. “I have just a few decades. Then what?”
Reynner stiffened at the mention of her mortality, his grip tightening on her waist. She didn't want to hurt him at the reminder, but Lucan made her so mad.
Amusement flickered in Lucan’s eyes, cracking a little of his typically cold façade, like he knew something monumental. He glanced at Reynner then back at her.
“When your souls joined and became one, you took on the lifespan of your mate. It’s why when one dies, the other has the option to follow. And why I had to give you both a shove in the right direction. Or you—” He pinned Eve with those lethal, swirling turquoise eyes. “Would have lived alone for centuries if Reynner left.”
“Then you need to work on your people skills,” Eve snipped at him, remembering that horrible day in her studio when his words had sunk in—knocked her for a loop. Her mouth dropped open.
“Yes, you will have a long life, but you can still die as mortals do,” Allatus cautioned her.
Her heart in her throat, wide-eyed, she spun to Reynner. He smiled and drew her into his arms. “Eternity with you is a gift, one I never expected. I would have gladly followed you into the afterlife if it wasn't so.”
Eve swallowed at his absolute love for her when she remembered something else he’d said. “You mentioned the accident. How exactly did the artifact become a part of me?”
He brushed the scar on her left breast and a chill swept through her.
“The Stone shattered on impact when it hit the car you were travelling in several years ago. It seems a shard of it became embedded in your chest and dissolved into your blood.”
At his explanation, ice seeped through her veins. Slowly, she pushed away from him. “You’re telling me I lost my parents because a rock from your world hit our car—killing them?”
Silence. It swept in and wiped away every sound at her question.
Reynner straightened.
The tightness in her chest made it hard to breathe. Pain pushed to the surface.
“Eve,” he began.
“No.” She backed away, tears clouding her eyes. Pivoting, she rushed outside, unable to bear being the focus of all their attention.
Indistinct voices followed her.
“Get the fuck off me!” Reynner snarled like he was held back.
Eve stopped at the balustrade. The spray of water from the waterfalls dampened her skin, but nothing took away her sense of despair. Sorrow swept through her. Logically, she understood Reynner wasn’t to blame. It was an accident, but when old loss filled her, she couldn’t think clearly…
She squeezed her eyes tight and rubbed her chest to ease the pain spreading through her. But the ache grew, sharper than before, piercing in its intensity.
She rubbed her chest again…no, not her.
Reynner.
Being connected to him, she’d feel every nuance of his emotions as he did hers.
She wheeled around. She had to put things right and saw Allatus ambling toward her. The breeze blew his cloak open, revealing his black tunic and trews.
“If you had a choice to go back in time, would you use it to save your parents or remain with the male you love?”
Eve stared at him, her heart literally stopping. Leave Reynner behind—tied to that horrible witch?
“I thought not.” Allatus smiled. “Come, he’s like a caged beast, he won't hold out much longer.”
Sh
e followed Allatus back into the lounge. Flanked by North and Aerén, Reynner watched her with shielded eyes. How could she have been so stupid to hurt him?
Eve rushed over to where he stood near the door and flung her arms around his waist, she didn’t care that the others were watching her. “I'm sorry—I'm sorry,” she whispered. “The shock of hearing about the accident—I didn't handle it well. I didn't mean to hurt you.”
A deep sigh left him, and his arms came around her. “It was my fear of what you’d do when you heard about the accident.”
“Leave you? I could never.” She hugged him tightly.
Allatus headed for the coffee table. He picked up a pitcher of pale lemony-colored liquid and poured a glass.
“My dear,” Allatus said, taking a sip of his drink, and Eve glanced at the mage. “Nothing in life is black or white. It was their destiny to die in that accident, and yours. But fate decreed otherwise for you. Instead, the sliver embedded in you, saved your life. You were never meant to be alone. Just to wait for the right person. I sent Reynner to this place because his destiny ties in with yours.”
He drank more of his juice. “This nectar’s really good.” He set the glass aside. “Reynner had to find you. He would not have done so of his own accord had he known the true reason. Lucan informs me it’s like getting the white cliffs of Empyrea to move when it comes to this male.”
“You were playing with my life—Eve’s?” Reynner growled, his arms tensing around her.
Allatus merely said, “Love soothes hurts, but hatred and violence deepens them. Had you gone on in that manner, you would have ended up in the last place you wanted. Be thankful you took that step and healed old wounds.”
Eve glanced at Reynner, worried at how he’d react to the high mage’s words. Her heart settled when she saw him scowl. He wasn’t angry.
“There’s something else,” Lucan said. “The Darkreans let Eve go because they believe she isn’t the foretold one—just an Empyrean’s mate.”
Reynner went motionless behind her. “They knew?”
“Their leader tasted her blood, but we have more pressing problems in light of what I’ve just heard about the Stone shattering. It seems they have found another of the females who possess the Stone’s magic.”
“We have to go get her. Where is she?” North asked.
“It’s not that simple,” Lucan said. “It was a cell phone call Sebris took. I stayed behind after we rescued Eve and tried to track them, but they shut down the house and disappeared. However, I saw one of them in the city.”
“And the woman?” Aerén asked.
“No idea.” Lucan features became cast in ice once more. “We must find her first. They cannot have her.”
Allatus nodded at Lucan. “Now that the quest is back in your hands, it’s time I returned to Empyrea. But first, I will avail myself of Izzeri’s mouthwatering feast.” He headed for the door.
Eve pulled away from Reynner. She had to speak with Allatus before he left. But Reynner grabbed her hand and frowned. “Where are you going?”
“I won't be long.” She offered him a quick smile, patted his chest, and hurried after the departing mage. “Allatus?”
The high mage turned, his cloak sweeping around him in a gentle swish. “Yes, my dear?”
Eve opened her mouth to speak and asked him something totally different from what she’d intended. “If I’d chosen to go back, would you’ve really been able to send me?”
Those unending black eyes studied her. “You were tempted?”
She thought it over and shook her head. “No. I loved my parents and always will, but Reynner is my heart. I just wanted to say thank you for sending him to me.”
Lines crinkled the corner of his eyes. He dipped his head in acknowledgment. “It’s my great pleasure.”
Arms stole around her waist and a muscled wall pressed up against her back. He smelled so good, all warm male and cool green forest. She wasn't surprised he’d followed her.
“I'm glad to hear that,” Reynner murmured in her ear.
A smile tugged her mouth and filled her heart. His silky hair brushed her cheek as he kissed her nape. A blaze of heat spiraled low in her belly. Her breath hitched when she felt his semi-erect sex pressing into her. Unable to resist, discreetly, she moved her bottom against his groin.
He stilled. His grip tightened on her waist. You play a dangerous game, me'morae.
Eve bit her lip, smiled innocently at his telepathic words.
“Now that this is settled,” Allatus said, distracting her. “I have another headache brewing, and one far more stubborn than you,” he informed Reynner.
Reynner snorted.
“I know you’ll keep him in line,” Allatus told her and disappeared into the kitchen.
Eve turned to him and smiled. “Keep you in line? I like that idea.” Then she rubbed the spot on his chest where she’d felt his hurt at her earlier words. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Ah, me’morae, you were grieving so you lashed out. It won't be the first disagreement we’ll have. Unfortunately. With your tendency to question my orders, these things are bound to happen,” he said with that heart-stopping smile. Her scowl vanished. “And you have a lot of making up to do, especially with your little stunt just now.”
She slid her hands up his chest. “Then I’d better get started—”
“Eve?” Aerén called, exiting the lounge and interrupting them.
A low growl rumbled out of Reynner. “Not now.”
Aerén grinned then his expression sobered. “Eve, about your friend, Brenna? Her family’s taken her home to Scotland to recover.”
Disappointment, but also heartfelt relief settled in Eve. It could only be Brenna’s sister that had taken her back. At least she’d be cared for. As soon as she got back to her apartment, she’d call them.
“Now that you conveyed your news, get lost,” Reynner ordered.
“I'm going, I'm going. I can tell when I'm not wanted.” Laughing, Aerén headed back for the living room.
“Where’s Reynner?” Lucan’s voice drifted to them. “We have to get started.”
“You’re not going to get him back here, Luc,” Aerén said, then raised his voice. “Unless you go get him.”
His brow lowering in irritation, Reynner grabbed her hand and headed for the balcony.
“Where are we going?” Eve asked, hurrying to keep up. “I think Lucan wants you.”
“Too bad.” He stopped on the balcony, lowered his voice in a seductive whisper. “Do you want to dance?”
She glanced around her. “Here? On the balcony? There’s no music.”
A grin slipped over his lips. “Let me show you.”
He pulled off his shirt and tossed it aside. His beautiful wings shimmered into view and spread open. She reached out and stroked a gleaming bronze feather.
His eyes blazed with heat. “Do that again, and I’ll have you stripped and up against that wall in a heartbeat.” A blush heated her cheeks. He stared at her then shook his head. “No, not here. There’s something else I want to do with you first.”
“Yes, dance.” She teased him, eyeing his rippling body and his smooth, unmarred pecs.
He swept her into his arms. His wings spread out and he cut through the air currents in a leap and flew high up. She laughed, holding onto him. His bare skin and warmth surrounded her. “Where are we going?”
Amused midnight blue eyes met hers. “Nowhere.”
She raised a skeptical brow. “We’re just going to hover in the air…” She glanced down, shuddered, and grabbed him tighter. Everything below appeared like small smudges of color, even the mountains looked like a snaking gray line. “We’re like a million miles above ground. I can fall and—”
“I’ll be there to catch you, Eve,” he whispered. “I’ll never let you fall.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. Then his wings shimmered and disappeared, and they dropped down with deadly speed.
“Reynnerrrrrr…” Her vo
ice lost to the winds, her heart hammered in her ears. But at the sheer pleasure on his handsome face, Eve tried to let go of her fear. Failing, she shut her eyes.
“Can’t dance with wings,” he said as the winds flowed around them and they fell to earth. Meters from the ground, a rustle of feathers and the death-like velocity slowed. He landed them on the sun-warmed bedrocks, near the place where they’d first made love.
“Oh, God!” She clutched his biceps to steady herself. And hoped the world stopped spinning soon. He brushed at her wind-tangled hair. “Are you okay?”
Her lids snapped open and met his concerned gaze. “When I find my head and my heart beats like a normal person’s, ask me then.”
His gaze drifted over her face, his smile faded.
“What is it?” she asked softly. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.” Then he simply shook his head. “I never believed in miracles—”
“Yet here you are.”
His eyes lit with amusement, with love. “My line.”
Her heart close to exploding with all the emotions surging within her, she whispered, “I love you.”
She didn't care how sappy she sounded. Reynner of Ademéras was her very own miracle.
THE END…
Thank you for reading Darkness Undone. If you enjoyed the book, please consider recommending it to your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated. ♥ Georgia Lyn Hunter
Acknowledgements
To these amazing people: Anna, Celia, Nancy and Joceline, thank you for your wonderful feedback and comments in making this story come alive and shine.
Anna, for always having my back through my crisis.
Sara, all your little messages made me laugh when things got too stressed while working on this manuscript and trying to make the deadline.
Annette and Carolyn, for your excellent catches.
Montana Jade: Darling girl, thank you for setting me on this path again. YES, for even locking me in the study that afternoon five years ago and demanding I write, or else I know I’ll still be playing online games or have my nose buried in books. And especially for all the “either or” and for letting me nit-pick your brain—nope, that will never stop.
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