Ravenlight (The Ravenlight Cycles Book 1)

by Melissa Riddell

  “Okay.” I stepped higher. “Sounds good.”

  Once in the safety of the bedroom, I shut and locked the door.

  The warm evening breeze twisted the curtains with a lazy flick.

  “Here, let’s check you out.” I offered my hand, and he stepped onto the palm, zigzagging a bit. It was hard reconciling the bird was the man who made my heart thunder in my chest, but, when he stared into my eyes, intelligence and emotion shone in their depths.

  With tenderness, I placed him on the bed and used a fingertip to trail along his left wing, feeling for abnormalities. When I put pressure against the junction between wing and body, he recoiled, ruffling his feathers.

  “Jeez, I hope it’s not broken, or I’ll have to take you to the vet.” I tapped my chin. If it were fractured though, I didn’t think he’d be able to move it. Hopefully, it was only a small sprain. “Stay here. I’m going to get the first-aid kit.”

  He blinked once but remained still.

  I rummaged through the medicine cabinet and retrieved the small kit I’d used a month earlier from when I’d bit his hand. A dry chuckle rolled from my throat, remembering that first human encounter.

  When I twisted to cross the threshold, I froze.

  A silver shimmering light enveloped Revan. Before my eyes, the bird morphed into a large, muscular man. The feathers faded, the bed dipped, and the springs squealed with the sudden weight.

  He let out a low moan but clamped his mouth shut as our eyes met. “Sophie,” he whispered, trying to sit. He collapsed onto the bed, clutching at his shoulder.

  “Don’t move.” I scrambled to his side and leaned over him, beholding his gorgeous face with its dark skin and wide-set eyes. He’d risked his life tonight, as he had years ago, to save me, even after I’d told him I didn’t love him.

  “It’s not that bad. A pulled muscle. Give me a moment, and I’ll get out of here.” His gaze dropped away. “I know how you feel about me.”

  I cupped his cheeks in my hands, reveling in his smooth, firm flesh, resisting an urge to lean in and kiss him silly.

  “Revan, what I said last month wasn’t true.” My head shook, and the ends of my hair brushed against his chin. “I was confused, shocked, and scared.”

  “That gives me hope.” Delight flashed across his face, tipping the corners of his mouth into a slow smile.

  He’s so sweet. How have I not seen it until now?

  “I still have a hard time with love.” With a delicate touch, I probed his shoulder. A large purple-black bruise bloomed under the skin. “But, after seeing my dad today and realizing he was the problem, not me, I learned by shutting people out I’m punishing myself.”

  He slowly stretched his arm.

  I ran my fingertips along the tender skin under his bicep. Goosebumps popped along the flesh. “Does that hurt?”

  “Not anymore.” He grinned. “Nothing’s broken. It’s just a sprain and maybe a few bruises. I’ve had worse.” Using his good hand, he shoved it into my hair and guided me to lie on his chest. “I missed this. Touching and talking to you.”

  “I missed you, too.” Inhaling his masculine scent, I swirled a fingernail under the arm bands. “When do we need to be at your camp for the dream walk?”

  His chest stilled, and he raised his head to peer into my face. “I don’t want you to risk your life for me.”

  “Too bad.” Pushing myself upward, I rolled off his chest and laid on my side, snuggling into his body, and propped my cheek on a hand. “I owe you a debt, and I intend to pay it.”

  “No.” His pitch dropped, and he seized my wrist, dark stare pained. “You owe me nothing, Sophie. If you don’t make it through”—his fingers released me to wipe a stray lock of hair from my face—“I don’t know what I would do. Probably die from a broken heart.”

  Choosing to ignore his last comment, I pushed myself from the mattress, walked around the bed and dug into the first-aid supplies. I found a temporary sling and eased it over his head and around his torso.

  “If I walk into camp wearing this thing, everyone will laugh.” He sat upright, mouth turning down. “I’m fine.”

  “You’re wearing it.” I tucked his elbow into the pocket of the contraption and adjusted the band to guarantee a proper fit. “You’re under my care now.”

  Rolling his eyes, he hunched his shoulders and grimaced. “A warrior being tended to like a sickly child. It’s humiliating.”

  A laugh burst from my mouth. Even surly, his unwavering strength sent my heart into overdrive. So proud and strong.

  “Again, what time do we need to be at the ceremony thing?”

  “Anytime.” He stood, towering over me. Little beads of sweat popped along his forehead, and he clenched his jaw. “Imala prepped most of the ingredients on the last Ravenlight, so all she must do is cook the potion. Knowing her, it’s already simmering and threatening to kill everyone with its fumes.”

  “Great.” I turned to the door and stopped, thinking about Aunt Merle downstairs. How can I explain going to my room with an injured bird on my shoulder and coming down with this beautiful, injured man? I glanced toward the window. If Revan weren’t hurt, we could try to sneak out, but there wasn’t much of a ledge to stand on. “Well, guess we’ll have to chance Aunt Merle.” I shot my hand to him and wiggled my fingers. “Come on, Revan. Let me help you.”

  Instead of using my hand to lift himself from the bed, he yanked me to his chest and dropped to the mattress. Burying his face into my neck, he slid a hand along the back of my thigh.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Feeling you, smelling you, tasting you.” His fingertips ghosted upward and slipped under my shirt to skim the bare skin. His lips sucked my earlobe, sending white-hot needles of ecstasy across my neck.

  “Oh.” I moaned and turned my head to catch his lips with mine. “What do I taste like?”

  “Sweet strawberries.” After a quick roll, he flipped me over and used his healthy arm to gently pushed me onto my back. He draped his heavy body over mine. His tongue traced the outside of my mouth. “And heavenly.”

  The air was so heavy and filled with need I could hardly draw a breath.

  He lifted himself a bit and stared into my eyes. Long black hair hung on each side, framing his face, the beads tapping every so often. “I want to tell you I love you again, but I’m afraid you’ll throw me out, so how about I really adore you?” A mischievous sparkle shone from his eyes and in the curve of his smile.

  “Okay,” I whispered. “I really adore you too.” Was I saying I loved him? I wasn’t sure, but the idea didn’t seem as frightening as before. Grinning back, I ran my fingers up his corded arms and across his chest. “But I don’t want to take advantage of an injured man.”

  Bending his healthy arm, he hovered his mouth above mine. “Then perhaps we should stay here so you can tend my wound.”

  “Nice try.” I giggled and, in a flash, slid from under him, already regretting my decision. I’d have loved nothing more than to stay in bed and let him do whatever he wanted with me, but I needed to save him. I wouldn’t let him live his life in such turmoil any longer.

  Sighing, he dropped onto the mattress, sat upright, and stood. “You win. Always.” From behind, his warm breath caressed my neck. “And I think I’m okay with that. What we have, Sophie, is sacred, and I don’t want to jeopardize it again.”

  I didn’t know exactly what it was we had, but it was special.

  Pressing my back against his chest, I looked up at his face, enjoying the strong jawline and straight nose. “It’s time to free you from your prison.”

  After a quick one-armed hug, he let go, and I led the way down the stairs.

  The sound of water running from the kitchen faucet competed with the blare of the television. Aunt Merle and her evening news.

  “If we’re lucky,” I mumbled to Revan, “she won’t hear us leave.”

  Halfway to freedom, only three feet left, I walked faster.

  “Sophie B
rannigan, don’t you dare.”

  Puffing my cheeks, I released a long breath and swiveled toward the kitchen.

  She eyed Revan with one raised brow. “I didn’t see you come in, Pecos.” Patting her hair, she turned her stare to me. “And where’s your bird? Thought he was hurt?”

  “Uh.” I swallowed. Think, Sophie, think.

  “He flew out the window, ma’am.” Revan tipped his chin and squared his shoulders, pulling the sling taut.

  “Odd.” She pivoted to a cabinet and removed dinner plates. Her icy stare met mine then landed on Revan again. “It seems your shoulder’s injured, and on the same side as the bird’s.”

  My eyes widened, and I grabbed Revan’s good arm. “No time to talk. We have somewhere we need to be.”

  Before she could utter anything else, I dragged the big man behind me, slamming the door on her muffled protests and questions.

  His laugh roared through the night. “Your aunt is going to skin you alive.”

  “I know, but I don’t like lying to her, and she’ll wear me down until I tell the truth, then she’ll think I’m crazy.”

  Jogging down the gravel path, I looked both ways before crossing the road.

  A few high clouds scrolled across the moon. The tall grass growing in the bar ditches swayed in the breeze, whispering and rubbing together to create a soft symphony of sighs and rustles.

  From behind, the squeak of the screen door traveled on the wind.

  I pulled Revan into the trees and stopped at a thick, rough tree trunk to watch Aunt Merle.

  She stood on the darkened front porch, her silhouette showing a hand on her hip, her head moving to scan the front yard. After thirty seconds or so, she shook it and went inside, slamming the door.

  Guilt gnawed in my stomach for leaving her like that, but she’d never understand.

  “So.” Revan pushed his body against mine, trapping me between him and the tree. “Are you sure I can’t persuade you to change your mind about the dream walk tonight?” He curved a hand around my hip and kissed the back of my neck, his soft lips sending fire down my spine.

  “Um.” I didn’t want him to stop.

  “I could show you many pleasures this evening.” His hand slid up my stomach and paused under my bra strap.

  Yeah, I bet. Shaking my head, I grabbed his wrist and pulled it away, turning and pressing my lips to his fingers. “As fun as that sounds”—I firmed my shaking voice—“I’m more interested in keeping my word.”

  His breath was a soft sigh against my cheek. “My Sophie, so headstrong, even after all these years.” Backing away, he offered his good arm.

  My fingers laced with his, and we walked deeper into the dark forest.

  Nothing could distract me—not even this hunk of a man. I was ready to pay my debt, no matter the cost.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Pecos “Revan” Chogan

  It was strange, but I was both infuriated and proud of Sophie. No matter what I did, she wouldn’t let it change her goal of saving me.

  Am I worth saving? The screams of the burning filled my ears for a moment, and I stumbled. What I wouldn’t give to redo that moment in time. Even though we were young, those women’s and children’s safety had been our responsibility. Instead of taking it seriously, me and my tribe had indulged in celebration then passed out, leaving the innocent to their horrible fate. Was two hundred years really an ample repayment for the eight lives lost?

  “Revan?” Her voice, quieter under the thick canopy of forest, made my heart swell.

  “Yes?” I pushed a few briars from the path, ensuring they wouldn’t scrape her bare arms when she walked past.

  “If everything works out tonight…” She cleared her throat and stepped over a moonlit stone. “I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing you on a regular basis.” Stopping, she glanced at me, as if trying to read my face. “If you wanted to, of course.”

  For a moment, I stood there, trying to process her words.

  “I’m so dumb.” She twisted around and moved away. “I mean, I don’t mean like as boyfriend and girlfriend, just as friends or acquaintances? Sheesh. Or maybe—”

  “Stop talking.” I crushed my lips to hers.

  She kissed me back, shyly at first, but then with deeper urgency.

  After a moment, I pulled away and caressed her cheek with my palm. “Yes. I want to see you every waking moment, you silly woman.” Rubbing my thumb along her eyebrow, I gave her a slight shake. “Why do you think I’ve spent the last few months watching your every move, yearning for your touch, even if it was as a stupid bird?”

  Laughing, she wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed.

  With a lighter step, she and I walked into the camp.

  The quiet murmur of voices stopped, and every eye turned in our direction. Something acidic and sweet—a strange, disgusting combination—permeated the air. It was the potion Imala brewed for the dream walk—a mixture of spices and herbs created to ease one into a dreamlike state and open their mind to the spirit world.

  Sophie stopped, tugging my hand.

  I turned. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “Oh, I’m doing it.” She peeked from around my body. “It’s just…” Her fingers rubbed her elbow. “Are they all going to be watching?”

  “Yes, and doing what they can to protect you on the journey. Think of them as soul sentinels.”

  “Okay.” Lifting her head, she released my hand and headed closer. She was a brave warrior in her own right. Spine stiff, she marched into camp.

  Elu seated himself behind a drum. “What is that thing on your shoulder, Revan?” His long hair, tied loosely at the nape, rested over a shoulder and draped across his chest. “A bra?”

  I ignored his obvious goad.

  “So, girl.” Imala stood. “You’ve come to honor your promise.” She looked at me. “As I said she would, brother. Did I not?”

  Grunting, I stood behind Sophie and cupped a shoulder, giving her a slight squeeze. “We can still have one day a month. That’s better than you dying and having nothing, isn’t it?”

  “Not really.” She grasped my palm and rubbed her thumb over the back. “That’s twelve days a year, while I grow old.” Arching her neck to stare into my eyes, she met my gaze. “And you remain young and handsome. It would be torture for the both of us.”

  “But I wouldn’t care about your age. I—”

  She pressed her fingers against my lips. “Accept my gift, Revan. Please.” Orange flecks of fire reflected from her eyes, and shadows flickered across her face.

  “I had to try one last time.” A long lock of her hair fell onto her cheek, and I tucked it behind her ear. “I’ve protected you for so long, it’s hard to stop.”

  “It’s my turn now.” Standing on her tiptoes, she curved her arms around me, leaned into my chest, and parted her lips.

  I bent to her soft, luscious mouth, lost in the sweet promise of more to come—if she survived. When I lifted my head for air, I murmured, “I love you, my Sophie.”

  “I…” Her gaze dropped, and her fingertips trailed my skin, sending hot stabs of pleasure to boil my blood. She sighed. “I know.”

  In my head, I cursed her father. If this works, one of the first things I’ll do is hunt him down, and—

  “Come.” Imala pulled Sophie to a bedroll near the fire. “We must prepare.” My sister glanced over a shoulder at me. “You too, you big bison. We are going to war, though it’s a different kind of battle, but you will still need your paint.” Her long finger tapped the second empty bedroll.

  I sat.

  Imala positioned herself in front of me. “Litonya,” she yelled, “Bring the cooled potion.”

  “Hello, Sophie.” My other sister, her short hair parted down the middle, the scalp painted red, offered a bone bowl. “Drink half, then Revan will drink the remainder.”

  Sophie’s hands were steady as she grasped the dish. “What exactly is in this?” She sniffed. “Oh, goodness.” Her nose w
rinkled.

  “Ha. It’s mugwort with a few special extras.” Litonya smiled. “It tastes even worse than it smells, but it’ll allow you to enter the dream realm in a semi-awake state. Instead of being at the mercy of dreams, you’ll interact with the spirits without being a useless passenger.”

  After two long gulps, Sophie lowered the bowl from her mouth and grimaced. “Ugh. That makes cough syrup tasty.” She shivered and offered it to me. “You’re up.”

  It was my turn to hesitate. Glancing into the thin, bitter-smelling fluid, I took a deep breath. I am a brave warrior. I used to hunt buffalo and raid enemy camps. I can do this.

  My glance cut to Sophie again.

  She folded her lips inward, as if trying to hide a laugh.

  “Why must you women make it taste so horrible?”

  Imala and Litonya smiled at one another.

  “Drink up, brother.” Imala cackled. “Unless you want your woman to battle for you—alone.”

  I growled and downed the entire bowl; my stomach churned and my gorge rose.

  Litonya beamed a wicked grin my way, and I practically threw the empty bowl into her hands, glad to be rid of it and its hideous scent.

  “Wait.” Sophie wiped the corner of her mouth, and my lips itched to place themselves against hers again. “I thought I’m supposed to do this alone.”

  “You will both face the trials together, but only you can offer the sacrifice.” She grabbed a smaller bowl of black paint. “Here. You must prepare for war.”

  Sophie looked at me quizzically.

  I dipped two fingers into the paint, enjoying the coolness against my skin. Leaning toward her face, I wiped my fingertips across her cheekbones.

  Her irises focused on mine, and for a moment, neither of us blinked.

  “May I?” she asked, tilting her head to the bowl Imala held.

  I nodded.

  Her small fingers scooped the war paint onto their tips. She twisted to face me again.

  I bent my neck forward.

  She copied the pattern I’d traced onto her skin.

  Lightness creeped into my limbs, like floating in the sky.