“Help.” Faith half-laughed, half-cried as she slapped at the water.
Kate juggled her camera, accidentally taking a shot as she tossed it by the strap over her shoulder.
“I’m closer. I’ll help her.” I edged around the grassiest side of the puddle and leaned a hand in. “Don’t pull. I’ll pull you”
“I promise I won’t.” She slapped her hand into mine and muck oozed between our fingers. “You’re like the best friend ever.”
“You’re like the worst.” I heaved her out.
“We stick together.” She hugged me, coating me in the sloppy mud.
Ah, what a moment. I couldn’t help smiling at the long ago memory. From that day on, we’d always said those words to each other. We stick together. That’s when it had all begun.
“Silvie?”
Guy shook my shoulders.
“Wake up.”
I stretched and opened my eyes, finding myself cradled in his lap. “That was a blast from the past.”
Faith and Hope knelt on the snowy white carpet next to us. Faith took my hand and rubbed the back against her cheek. “Are you all right? You’ve been out for ages.”
“Yeah, but best of all I know what I need to do.”
“Really?”
“Yep, we’ve been best friends since forever. We’ve always been there for each other. When we were six, we made the promise to stick together. We even shook on it.”
She gasped. “The slide. The puddle.”
“That’s the one. From then on, we’ve always had each other’s back.”
“But how does that memory fix the problem? You and me sticking together isn’t anything new.”
“Think about it. We’ve always stuck together, and where it counts.” This was why she needed my help, and I couldn’t let her down. “Dralion is where the problem exists, and Dralion is where it counts. We haven’t stuck together there.”
“Are you saying—” She jerked back. “No. There isn’t a chance— I won’t expose you to Donaldo. You’re not stepping one foot on Dralion soil.”
“I don’t like the idea either, but—”
“No. I said, no!”
“We had a deal.”
“One we brokered as children.”
“You want to cancel it?”
“No, but you can’t ask this of me.”
“I think I already did.” I held out my hand. “Let’s shake on it again. Deal?”
7
“I can’t believe this.” Hope staggered to her feet. “No Peacian is allowed in Dralion. It just can’t happen with the dome blocking them.”
Guy shifted underneath me. “I never thought this would be your answer. If I had, I wouldn’t have spelled you.”
“It’s the only answer.” Why would no one listen to me?
“You can’t go to Dralion. Like Faith, I won’t allow it.”
“You don’t have a choice. I’m the key, and no one else.”
“It’s too dangerous for you. In fact, I’ll fix this now.” His enchanter eyes swirled to life.
“Don’t you dare.” He was going to turn back time, or something else to make me forget. I clamped a hand over his face. “You are not allowed to enchant me in order to get your own way.”
He plucked my fingers free and glared. “It’s my right to protect you, and if I believe you’re about to do something to bring harm to yourself, I’ll change the course of events.”
“You have no right to, not when you gave your rights away.”
“Then I’ll take them back.”
“Whoa. No, you won’t.” I had to get out of here before he acted on those irrational thoughts. I shuffled off his lap and onto my feet.
“Where are you going?”
“Home.” I grabbed Faith’s hand. “Please, take me out of here before he does something idiotic. We stick together, even if you don’t like it.”
“Argh. I might just cancel that deal after all.” She struck a look at Hope. “Sorry, I’ve gotta get her home. We’ll chat later, okay?”
“Later.”
Guy stepped up to me. “You’ll stay out of trouble, or I will follow.”
“Faith, now.” I needed distance from him.
She edged between us. “Guy, let’s all take a breather. I’ll talk to her, I promise. I’m not brokering a new deal.” She flashed us away.
We arrived in my bedroom, and thankfully Guy didn’t follow. “Phew. He’s too persistent for his own good.”
“I know you said he’s driven by the bond to see to your welfare, and I don’t argue against that, but there’s more. While you were out of it, I saw how much he cared and that emotion goes deeper than what you realize.”
“It’s still the bond. He wanted to spell me so his part in all this was done.”
“You don’t want to be with him?”
“I can’t. We’d never be able to make it work. He’s a warrior.” And his first instinct was to let me go. He had, and we’d released each other.
“It’ll be okay.” She hugged me. “Take some time to calm down, and by the way, you have to come up with another way to solve my problem, one that doesn’t involve you going to Dralion. That won’t work for any of us.”
“All roads lead to Dralion. Wincrest creates the problem, and he’s the one who needs to be swayed. I can’t do that from here.”
She knocked her knuckles against my forehead. “Yep, still hard.”
“My head has to be to keep up with you.”
“Thanks. You sound just like my—” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my mum. I clear forgot. I’m supposed to help her with dinner. She’s adapting to Dralion, which means she’s commandeered an area in the kitchens just for herself. Having her own space to cook helps her feel a little more like she never left home. I promised I’d be there.”
“Then go.” Kate couldn’t leave Dralion, just as I couldn’t get in. Ahh, now that might be my answer. I could get in if…
“Thanks, Silvie. If you need me, ’path, otherwise I’ll see you at school tomorrow. We’ll try and figure something out then.”
This was my chance. I had to catch a ride with Faith, and one too late for her forewarning to activate on. The dome room was the only portal in and out. Only warriors and Wincrests had the image and access through it.
“Yep, at school.” I waved as she shimmered then grabbed hold of her. Oh hell, now I’d done it. She ’ported, and with me barely hanging on. Please don’t change your course. Please don’t change your course. It was near impossible once a ’porter left, and only if enough time existed to alter their coordinates. Hopefully, she hadn’t had enough of that.
I shut my eyes against the dark since I couldn’t know the layout of their dome room. If I did, I’d be a threat Wincrest would never allow free if this all went to crap.
My feet hit a slippery surface.
Faith screeched. “Holy moly, Silvie. Why’d you do that?” She slammed her hands over my eyes even though they were tightly shut. “Hell, we’re the only ones in here. You’re damn lucky.”
Moldy air had me gagging for a breath. “It stinks in here. Could you hurry it through? Perhaps your bedroom would be best.”
“What were you thinking, catching a ride like that?”
“Have you had forewarning I shouldn’t have since we left?”
“No, but—”
“My being here must be right then.”
“You being here is insane. Guy will go berserk when he hears.”
“Then we won’t tell him, and my being caught would be insane. Move it, now.”
“What I should do is take you home.” Her hand was hot against my eyes, and getting sweatier by the second.
“I’m here now, and I can’t get out of Dralion unless you bring me back through this— This place. So, we’re all good provided I don’t get caught. Like right now. Really, move it. I don’t wanna get caught.” My heartbeat pounded in my ears.
“Okay. We’ll do it your way, because damn it, I ca
n’t deny there’s still no forewarning. Hold on.”
I swayed against her as she ’ported us again, a quick spurt this time.
“We’re here.”
I wobbled and fell onto my bottom. The room was dark and my heartbeat still thumped like thunder. Nice way to ensure my ticker worked well. “You got a light?”
“One sec.”
“Silvie?” Guy’s voice rang inside my head. “Your heart’s beating too fast. Where are you?”
“Bedroom.”
“I’m already in your bedroom and you’re not here.”
“I didn’t mean my bedroom.”
“What have you done?”
“Um, nothin’ much.” My mate was like a bloodhound.
Faith flicked on the overhead light and I did a double take. Wow. Her room was massive, far bigger than any one person needed. I slipped around on the polished wood flooring as I crawled to her giant canopied bed. I had to calm my heartbeat. Guy would flip if I didn’t. Oh, pretty bed. Focusing on the stunning violet silk bed cover with detailed mauve and gold stitching helped. Using the bedpost, I heaved myself up.
“Whose bedroom then?”
“Does it matter? I can visit anyone’s bedroom I like. Anyway, I can’t talk right now. I’m busy trying to relax. And you’re not helping.”
“Why can’t you talk?”
I spun around as his voice rumbled from the other side of Faith’s door.
“See,” Faith whispered madly, her gaze darting back and forth between me and the door. “He cares.”
“Is it because you’re in here?” He rapped loudly on the solid paneled wood.
“You are such a pest.” I marched to the door and yanked it open. “One who needs to get a life, and preferably where you’re not pestering me.”
“You’re in Dralion.” He stalked in, his voice ragged and the silver in his eyes hardening to a steely gray.
“So perceptive.”
He pulled me hard against him, his heart beating a rapid tattoo against mine. “What if a warrior had seen you?”
“Well, ah, that didn’t happen. Faith would have had forewarning,” I mumbled into his silky shirtfront, the color as dark as his mood.
Faith shut the door and flicked the lock. “Which could only mean, and I hate to say this, Guy, but Silvie’s meant to be here.”
“See, all is good,” I pointed out.
“Nothing is good, Silvie. You’re a Peacian. In Dralion.” His hold on me tightened. “This palace is Donaldo’s domain, and he knows all who reside within its walls.”
“I’m here, and I’m staying.” I planted my hands on his chest and pushed, trying to gain some space. My attempt was futile. “I can’t fix Faith’s problem from anywhere else. You know it, and I know it.”
“Did you see the dome room?”
“Nope. I kept my eyes shut, but I’d like to see the warriors’ barracks if I’m not to stay here. Do you have your own room?”
“I do, not that you’re staying there. If anyone spotted you, they’d believe us together.”
“I’ll be a family member. A cousin perhaps?”
“My only cousins are far-removed, and from an adopted line.”
“Oh, I have an idea.” Faith raced into her dressing room then reappeared with an armload of clothes. Within the bundle was an assortment of leather pants and button-down shirts in black and white. “You could be a new recruit, not yet a warrior, but one in training.”
“She cannot stay in the barracks. She shouldn’t even be here.” Guy shoved a hand through his tousled black hair.
“I’ll be your far-removed cousin who’s a new recruit. Will that work so we can share a room?” I didn’t care to be on my own.
“Damn. I guess.” His look was incredulous. “And that was not my agreement.”
“I think it was, and remember we need to move on this problem.”
“We really do.” Faith tossed the clothing onto the bed and rummaged through it. From the pile, she pulled out a duffel bag and a pair of black boots, ones that looked lethal with silver spikes protruding from the sides and the tips.
“Ew, that’s nasty.”
“You’ll need them if you want to blend in.”
Guy gripped my shoulders. “Which also means you can’t use your fire skill here. It’ll cause major problems if anyone sees it. Donaldo would be all over you in a second.”
“So you agree I can stay?”
“It looks like I don’t have a choice, but they’ll be conditions.”
“I agree. Silvie need conditions.” Faith packed some of the clothing into the bag. “Yours is one of the greatest of the battle skills. Keeping it hidden is a must.”
“Guy already said that, and I’ll take every precaution.”
Guy nabbed the packed duffel from Faith and slung it over his shoulder. “I should not be agreeing to this. I don’t wish to live with my mate and allow our relationship to deepen.”
“C’mon, cousie.” I playfully nudged him in the arm. “It’s all good.” Or as good as it could be now I was on enemy soil.
Faith pulled me into a tight hug. “I wish you could stay here with me, but Donaldo would become suspicious. The staff talk.”
“Don’t worry about it. Guy won’t let any harm come to me.”
“That’s damn right.” He grasped my hand, his gaze on Faith. “We’d better leave while the going’s good. I’ll see you later.”
“Look after her.”
“Will do.” He flashed us away and into his room in a blink.
The warriors’ barracks. The one place I’d never expected to visit. His room. Two single wooden-slatted beds covered with thin mattresses took up most of the space. So barren. Even the walls, painted a dull gray, remained unadorned. “Nice digs you’ve got.”
“There’s a bathroom to the side, but this is just a place where I rest my head.” He propped the duffel on top of a tall chest crammed into the corner. He unpacked the contents into the top drawer then folded the canvas bag and slid it under the gap between the floorboards and the base. “Are you hungry? I can grab something from the dining room. There’s food out most of the time.”
“No, I don’t feel like eating.” Faith hadn’t been kidding when she’d said I’d been out of it for ages. Through the window the night sky was dark, although glimmering with thousands of stars. I eased onto one of the single beds and kicked off my shoes.
“I should say welcome to my home, except I wish you weren’t here.” He lifted my legs and tipped me back. He sat, propped my feet in his lap and massaged them.
“Why, thanks for having me over, cousie.” I stretched and tucked his lumpy pillow under my head.
“You’ve been trouble since the moment I met you.” He crawled in beside me, almost rolling me off the bed.
“Hey, this bed was made for one.”
“We need to discuss our relationship.”
“You can do that from the other bed.”
“Inside this room, you’re my mate.” He rubbed his cheek against mine. “Just so we’re clear.”
“And just so you’re clear.” My bottom hung off the side as I rolled and faced him. “You’re a bed-hog is what you—”
He kissed me, long and with wicked skill. My head spun under the onslaught. Oh my, my mate surely knew how to kiss. When he let me come up for air, I grabbed in a lungful before his mouth once again claimed mine.
“Trouble,” I mumbled against his lips as I pushed my hands deep into his glorious hair. It was beautiful, silky and the darkest shade I was coming to adore.
Slowly, he pulled back. “I’m lucky to have met you.”
“Hey, luck had nothing to do with it.” I tapped his lower lip. “It’s all Faith’s fault. She’s the reason I ended up in the outback, and she’s the reason I’m now hanging out here with you.”
“She has a lot to answer for.” He stroked the back of my head, his eyes ablaze with the enchanter’s silver. “Although, I can’t imagine having never met you, or missing
this chance to forge some lasting memories. I’m glad for that, if nothing else.”
I tucked my cheek against his chest and snuggled. “I’m kinda glad too.”
“We’ll fix this problem.” His chest rose on a deep inhalation.
“You bet we will.” I yawned and closed my eyes. “Tomorrow.”
He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. “To sticking together.”
I drifted, all cozy and content. This felt so right, in his arms.
* * * *
“Silvie, wake up.”
I stretched and rubbed my bare feet against his warm socked ones. Underneath me, the bed shifted. No. Not the bed. Guy wriggled, and hell, I was lying on top of him.
Pushing to my elbows, I found myself eye to eye with the most bewitching sight. Oh my goodness. He looked rumpled and eat ’em up delicious with stubble shadowing his jaw.
“I’m awake.” I leaned in and kissed him, unable to help myself.
“So am I, and we’d better move or else dangerous things will happen.” He rolled us out of the bed in one swift move.
I tip-toed my fingers down his chest. “Oooh, Dralion. Do you feel the danger?”
“Most definitely.” He trapped my hand under his. “Let’s plan. First, you keep the name Silvie, but take my last name of Moyer. The adopted side goes by it.”
“Okay, so I’m like Silvie, um, Moyer?” That was a little weird.
“Yes.” He smiled then abruptly straightened his mouth. “Grab some of Faith’s clothes. The bathroom’s that way.” He turned me by the shoulders and gave me a nudge toward the dresser.
I opened the drawers and pulled out what I needed, a pair a black leather pants and a black shirt. Holding them to my chest, I turned and, wow. Out the window was nothing but one massive ocean. It was as if we sat right on the precipice of a cliff, with only the air we breathed between us and doom.
I stumbled to the window and grasped the sill. Below, the sheer edge of a black granite cliff-face plummeted two-hundred feet. At the base, waves crashed hard and sprayed high. No wonder only stars had been viewable last night.
Guy hemmed me in, his hands planted on either side of the sill. “It’s The Great Orbiting Ocean. Dralion’s palace is located right on the cliffs that run unbroken for ninety miles in each direction. The energy field extends over us and the ocean.”
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