Rhuul's Flame (8 page)

As she talked, she made the leaves grow bigger, higher, and more numerous, until they took over most of the large room. “There. That should be deep enough for you. I added a raised spot where you can lie back without resting on your wings.”

He stared at the tub as if it wasn’t real, making her wonder if his wings weren’t the real reason he avoided baths.

“If you pull this rope, water will flow inside. It’s fed by an underground spring, so feel free to fill it up. Call me when it’s full and I can heat the water for you.” She wanted him to be comfortable, but as he stood in silence for so long, she was uncertain.
Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.
“So, uh, just yell if you need anything. I’ll be across the hall.”

She turned to leave and was surprised when she felt the warmth of his hand as his fingers circled her wrist.

He pulled her close, holding her gaze with eyes that shone with something she couldn’t place. “Thank you. Where I come from, kindness is rare.”

Okay, that’s not what I was expecting.
As she watched his face, there appeared to be a mixture of emotions happening all at once. He seemed to move between frustration, sadness, and happiness. His mouth flexed into something that was part smile, part grimace. “Where do you come from?”

His features hardened in a flash, and he took a step back. “Karn.”

“Isn’t that where the Eidon live? How did you end up there?” Rhuul certainly didn’t look like any Eidon she’d ever seen. He had wings for one thing, his skin wasn’t purple and scaly, and he didn’t have horns. The only feature that remotely resembled the Eidon was his bald head.

“Yes, that’s right. I lived there because that was my
father’s
realm.” He spoke the word “father” through his teeth, as if it coated his tongue in filth.

“Your father is Eidon? But you—”

“I know. I’ve been reminded my entire life I’m not truly Eidon.” He released her wrist, moved to the tub, and pulled the rope. He peered over the edge of the leaves, watching the water rush in.

“I wasn’t trying to offend you. It’s just that I’ve never seen an Eidon like you.”

“That’s because my mother was Celestan.”

“Celestan…” Suddenly his appearance began to make sense, but his existence was quite the enigma. “I never knew such a union was allowed.”

“It isn’t.” His nostrils flared as he unbuckled his belt and dropped it on the floor. He undid the ties at his neck, sighing before pulling off his vest.

From her vantage point, she could see the planes and lines of his muscular chest and abs. His back was just as developed, with brawny shoulders supporting his large wings. His leather pants sat low, giving her a view of the top of his firm backside. Her hands ached to touch him, to run her fingers up his spine, over his shoulders, down his chest, and to his waist, where she’d gladly yank his trousers down.
Gods, take it easy! He’s a murderer, remember?
“Your parents must be truly in love.”

“I wouldn’t know.” He hadn’t turned away from the tub. His fingers moved seductively, pulling apart the ties at his hip.

She pictured those fingers pulling at her clothes with urgency, searching her, kneading her flesh. Waves of liquid desire pooled deep inside her, making her light-headed. When he started pushing his pants down, she turned her back to him and held her breath for a few moments. “Um, what do you mean?”

“I never met my mother. My grandfather had her killed not long after I was born.” His voice was empty, sobering her.

“Why would he do that? Your father must have—”

“My
father
stood there and let it happen. A mating between an Eidon and Celestan is not only forbidden, it’s unthinkable. I’m a taint to his bloodline.”

She was about to turn to face him, but her mother called to her from down the hall. “I’ll be right there!” She took a deep breath and walked toward the door, pausing at the threshold before she stepped into the hall. “You’re not a taint.”

She closed the door behind her. She attempted to imagine what life must have been like for him, living in a world of scorn.
Is that why he kills without thought?

“There you are. Hurry up and take a bath. The elders have sent for you.” Her mother pulled her by her arm out of the back of the main house, and to her own home.

“I’m going!”

When they got to her front door, Renna paused and held her tight. “Are you all right? Did they … What did they do to you?”

“I’m okay, Mother. My parents raised me to be strong, so I was.” She didn’t want her mother to worry, and even though part of her wanted to recount the experience, in her heart, she wanted to push it down as deep as she could.

She felt the hopelessness creep in, and she pulled out of her mother’s embrace. She opened her front door and walked straight into the bathroom. Shedding her filthy clothes did wonders to lighten her mood, and she tossed them in a corner while her mother filled the tub.

“So, your father tells me Rhuul is your
kan’na.
What do you know about him?”

She heated the water with flames from her hands before she stepped inside. A long sigh escaped her lips as she sank down until the water touched her chin. The temperature was perfect, chasing away the remnants of her aches and pains. “He’s got a temper, a one-track mind, isn’t good with expressing his thoughts,
and
he’s a murderer.”

“A murderer? Is the magister after him?” Renna placed her hand over her heart and stared with wide eyes.

“Not that I know of. You should have seen how many bodies I passed on the way out of the Corri compound. A calciphex came for me on the way here. He tried to kill her!”

She heard her mother’s gasp before an unexpected sound filled the air. “Hmm.”

“What? What’s there to think about? He’s a killer.” She looked at Renna, watching as she shook her head.

“I understand your reaction, but he didn’t kill indiscriminately. He eliminated any threats to you.”

“But he … Oh.” As much as it pained her to think about the loss of life, her mother was right. “That doesn’t change the fact that he’s a jerk.”

“He makes you angry.” Renna’s smile was warm, even though her eyes were wary.

“Yes.” She cast her gaze to her fingers and lifted them from the water. “I threatened to set his wings on fire.” She spoke in a whisper before she covered her face with both hands.

“It’s all right, Avalea. You didn’t act on it.” Her mother’s voice was soothing as she rubbed her upper back in circles.

“I was going to do it. He’s so … He has no regard for life at all. Why is he my
kan’na
? Our life mates are supposed to balance us, not turn us into—”

“Into what?” He mother pulled her hand back. Her features hardened while she folded her arms in front of her chest.

“Mother…”

“You’re part elemental. There’s no escaping that. You spend so much energy trying to fight part of your nature. That’s why it’s so hard for you.”

“I know what I am, but you know what happens when I lose control. Everyone knows what happens.” She wanted to sink under the water and wish the memory away, but there was no escaping it.

“It was an accident, Avalea.”

“People are dead, Mother. They’re dead because I couldn’t stop myself.” A lone tear slipped down her cheek. She fought the urge to break down, not wanting her emotions to overwhelm her. “No Omala has ever killed another.”

“You can’t push down your anger forever. You’ll have to face it and learn to deal with it.” Renna stood up and walked toward the door.

“So you think that’s why my
kan’na
is here? To push me into madness?”

“I don’t know, but you’re going to have to come to terms with this part of yourself and that accident. You can do this, I know it.” Renna closed the door on her way out of the room.

She knew her mother meant well, but there was more to solving her problem than a simple desire to make it better. “How many more will die while I figure it out?”

* * * *

When the large tub was full, Rhuul dipped his hand into the cool water and sighed. If he was going to take a bath, he wanted it to be warmer than this. “Lea?” There was no answer.

Instead, one of Avalea’s younger brothers walked into the room and extended his arms to him. “Up, please!” His voice bubbled with excitement. He flashed a smile, showcasing a missing front tooth.

Rhuul had seen children, but he’d never interacted with them. They were always pulled away from him as if they needed to be shielded from his very presence. But not here; this small variation of Lea seemed so happy, he scooped him up, holding him at arm’s length under his armpits.

The little boy smiled and pointed to the tub. Rhuul carried him to the edge and watched as he shot flames from his palms against the water’s surface. The act of directing the flames seemed to take no effort. He was calm and grinning, as if this was an everyday occurrence. Like the other Omala, the little boy showed no signs of fear or hatred in his presence. Rhuul couldn’t help listening for the sound of his mother, wondering when she’d realize where he was, and rush in to snatch him away.

After a few minutes, curls and wisps of steam rose into the room. When he was satisfied, the tiny, flame-haired wonder stopped his fire and clapped his hands. “It’s hot now!”

“Thanks for that.” When Rhuul put him down, he ran out of the room and back down the hall.

He kept his ears trained, listening for any sounds of a potential threat as he sank into the water. All was quiet as he sat down on the raised area Lea had made for him in the deep tub. He’d known her in his dreams for three days, and in person for four. Now she was nowhere to be found. He didn’t know why it felt strange to not see her nearby. He shifted in the tub, unable to feel settled. He pictured her green hair, smooth skin, and sharp tongue. He’d never admit to it out loud, but he missed the feisty woman.

Stretching his wings out to his sides, he rested his head against the curled leaves that created the edge of the tub. Why was he so drawn to her? Why was he having such a hard time sitting still without her? Why was she being so nice to him? Why did it feel like he went crazy whenever he was around her?

He wondered again if she could be manipulating him, but thought better of that. “I may not know her well, but I don’t think she has a reason to do that. She has nothing to gain by tricking me. I … I have nothing to offer her.” He hated the doubts she created in him, making him feel as if he was lacking, while at the same time filling him with the need to be better.

He finished his bath in silence and wrapped a towel around his waist. The sound of footsteps sent a surge of anticipation through his belly, and he turned to face the door. “Lea?” When an Omala female entered the room carrying a pile of neatly folded clothes in her arms, he frowned. “Where’s Lea?”

“I don’t know, but I can help you.” She wasn’t as tall as Lea, but she was beautiful in her own way. Long, brown hair hung down the front of her curvy body. Full lips shone as if coated in oil. Her top was opened far enough to give him a good view of her cleavage, and she leaned forward just enough to let him see even more. But there was a problem. She wasn’t the Omala he was looking for. “Can I do anything for you? Anything at all?”

“No.” He took the garments from her and held them up, giving them an inspection. The cloth pants and tunic were cream-colored with green embroidery. The style of dress for the Omala was different than what he was used to, but it would do.

“Is there something you’d be willing to do for me?” She opened her top, her full breasts on display. Their roundness, her pebbled nipples, the way they swelled with her breaths; the sight should have captivated him. But it didn’t. She walked closer, wrapping her fingers around his towel. A quick pull, and it was tossed to the floor as she stepped in and pulled him into a kiss.

Her movements were passionate, but he didn’t reciprocate. When she ran her tongue across his lips, he took hold of her shoulders, prepared to push her away.
I should want this. This is what I needed. Why don’t I feel anything?

The sound of a throat clearing pulled his attention to the door, where Lea stood with a look of pure fury, her eyes narrow. The flames on her head whipped high, almost touching the vaulted ceiling. “The elders have asked to see you too, Rhuul. Shall I tell them you’ll be late?”

He pulled away from the Omala woman as if she was diseased and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Lea, I…”

“My father can show you the way.” She turned, her gait heavy as she walked away.

The look in her eyes made him feel something he wasn’t prepared for. Guilt. “Wait.”

She looked at him over her shoulder, her irises flickering with malevolence. “Put some clothes on before you show up.” Her gaze moved to the Omala female, and her features hardened before she rolled her eyes and headed for the hall.

“Gods!” The Omala in front of him shrieked. Out of nowhere, her clothes were on fire. She slapped at them in a desperate bid to stop the flames, but it wasn’t working. Her squeals grew louder until she jumped into the tub.

Lea rushed back into the room with wide eyes. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to … Let me heal you.”

The Omala sputtered and shook her head. “It’s okay, hot stuff. I’m all right.”

“What did you just say?” The heat of a thousand suns filled Rhuul’s body as he grabbed the woman out of the tub by her throat. “I should take your fucking head!”

She morphed in his grasp, changing into the form he knew. “Oh come on. You need it. I want it. What’s the problem?”

“Talloc? Why would you … Never mind. I’ll be with the elders. Don’t keep them waiting.” Lea left, but he couldn’t tell if her raised brows were the result of continued anger or relief.

“She needs it too, so why haven’t you made a move?” Talloc’s gaze was on the door, as if he was still watching Lea’s face.

Rhuul squeezed the Bruna’s neck with one hand and conjured his sword into the palm of the other.

“Hey, hey! The elders are waiting, remember? She’s waiting too.”

He released Talloc and sent his sword away. He pulled on the long cloth pants, and after further inspection of the shirt, elected to go without it. “Don’t you
ever
take Lea’s form.”