Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
I stepped closer, trying to decipher the meaning of the images. Flowing bands in greens, blues and purples rose and fell in waves, trapping men and women inside. At the mural’s edge, one image had been scoured away, the damage clean and new, obviously not nature’s doing. My stomach sank with realization. This was Lorik’s work. Hiding a clue? A warning? Or simply demonstrating that he’d been here and knew exactly what we planned?
The treasure hunter pressed ahead, but I couldn’t follow. The place felt smaller now. I remained rooted, unable to make my muscles move or take my gaze off the mural. Or stop my riotous thoughts. This isn’t right. Dragons weren’t supposed to be in tight, enclosed spaces. We belonged in the air, our wings spread wide.
Taron tapped my shoulder. My attention whipped to him, and he mouthed, “Come.”
The heat of his touch severed whatever odd trance the mural and Lorik’s threat had placed me under, and I nodded.
Understanding flickered in his honeyed eyes, and it did something to me. Left me vulnerable. He saw past every emotional block and barricade I’d erected over the years and broke through to the heart of me. Maybe it was the Yrnblade bond. Possibly his seeing into my dreams. Or that our bloodlines had been tied together for centuries. But in this moment, I felt seen.
He reached out his hand toward me, palm up.
Without hesitation, I placed my hand in his, needing connection. He answered with a gentle squeeze that said: You’ve got this.
That firm, steady grip anchored and strengthened me. I did have this.
With the professor in the lead, we ventured deeper into the winding corridor, no longer holding hands, yet still I felt him. Here and there, we had to slip between the damp cave walls sideways. The heat intensified, drawing beads of sweat to my skin. Dragon light chased more shadows away, revealing bones encased in stone. Shattered sword blades crunched under our feet like broken teeth, and worst of all, full husks of withered berserkers propped here and there, their expressions frozen with ecstasy.
We took an abrupt turn–
Something small with many legs skittered across the way and lowered, landing on my cheek. Not a big deal. I reached up to knock it off, but it moved fast, scrambling to my neck, where it bit. Hot acid flooded my veins, and I admit, I did not remain cool, calm and collected. With a hiss, I dropped the torch and flailed about, swiping at my neck, hair and face.
Taron grabbed me by the shoulders and forced me to still. The fire continued to flicker on the rocky floor, casting golden light upon him. Concern etched his features as he scanned me. Then he met my gaze and arched a brow, as if he’d spotted nothing out of the ordinary. “Are you okay?”
Wait. I’d heard him.
Are you okay?
Areyouokay?
Arrreyouuuokayyy?
His voice reverberated throughout the enclosure, growing creepier and more menacing with every repetition. The plugs! I’d dislodged one when I’d flailed, leaving myself vulnerable to the “dark force” in the cave.
I slapped my hands against my ears attempting to block any further sound, but a whisper caught my attention. I released my head and gripped Taron’s wrists, eager to hear. My heart jumped as I stilled and listened.
It came again, louder. A suggestion. A command. Kiss…
The thought was mine, and that terrified me more than the desire itself. Because I wanted to do it.
Kiss, kiss, kiss.
I slid my gaze to Taron. Such a rough, dangerous warrior. Loyal to his family. Willing to do anything for those he loved, whether they lived or had died. Ferocious. Undaunted. Glinting with sweat. Gorgeous. Powerful. Eager to slay a dragon queen, but maybe more eager to kiss her back?
A dreamy haze altered my vision, the world suddenly softer. Sweeter. What would a kiss hurt?
Desire clawed at me. If I didn’t feel his lips on my—I needed to feel his lips on mine.
Stalking closer, I rasped, “Taste me, Taron.”
He stiffened, but he didn’t pull back, allowing me to thread my fingers through his silken hair. His pupils spilled over his irises, a thrill to behold. No protests sounded as I traced the seam between his lips. Mmm. Was there any man more tantalizing than this one?
Rising on my tiptoes, I lightly ran his earlobe through my teeth. “Kiss me,” I beseeched.
A tremor rocked him. He reached up and removed a plug, as if he wanted to hear my voice more than he wished to survive. “Olyssa.”
Olyssa, Olyssa, Olysssssssa.
“Mmm.” Mmm, mmm, mmm. The sound of my pleasure echoed between us, each rendition an auditory caress. “Kiss me,” I repeated, nuzzling against him. My cheek against his.
Kiss me, kiss me, kissssss me.
“Please, Taron.” Taron, Taron, Taroooon.
The fire snuffed out, and darkness rolled in. I didn’t care. Maybe he didn’t either. Sudden silence reigned. The whole world stilled, as if holding its breath.