The Land Of Shadows (18 page)

I still hold on to my stubbornness for a few more minutes but then I give in and hide my face in my hands. “It burns so much, Storm.”

His body and hands go a few degrees colder still. It is such a relief to be held by Storm.

Storm pulls back from me and I drop my hands from my face to see what he’s doing. I watch as he starts to unbutton his shirt. My mouth drops open as he throws the shirt to shore. I can’t even blink as I stare at his muscled chest.

He pulls me back and a wave of shyness heats my cheeks. The second I feel his cool skin, I forget about being shy. Storm lifts my legs and I wrap them around his waist. I lay my head on his shoulder and soak up his coolness.

~*~

Storm~

Holding my wife so close to me is all I want. Luna falls asleep against my chest, but I fear if I move she will wake up.

I don’t stop caressing her wounds. I find the more I touch them, the faster they heal. A shiver runs through Luna and I realize the cold of the night is setting in. As slow as I possibly can, I move back to the shore and lie her down on a patch of grass. I make myself comfortable before pulling her closer and laying her head on my chest. She will never leave my sight again.

The stars are very bright as they sit scattered across the heavens. I search for Luna’s moon but there’s no sign of it. She had no moon to fight with! I left her totally unprotected.

I close my eyes as the thought lashes at my already guilt-ridden mind. Mara managed to corner Luna … but, thankfully, she didn’t know of our bond. What was her reason for doing this?

I won’t find the answers tonight, and I allow the weariness in my bones to guide me into a blessed slumber.

The moment Luna stirs, I wake up but I don’t move. I’ll give her time to wake first. When Luna lifts her head slightly, she exhales over my chest. I didn’t expect her to try and destroy me with one breath.

“Storm.” Her sleepy voice is almost my undoing.

Awo only knows how I keep from exploding into action when her tiny hands fan out over my chest. She presses the sweetest of kisses between my ribs and I can’t hold still anymore.

“I’m going to kiss you.”

I push her onto her back and my body covers hers. Luna is everything I want and need in my life. I am alive because of her.

~*~

Luna~

I still remember clinging to Storm in the cool water and then I must’ve drifted off. I can’t believe I slept right through the night. Waking up in Storm’s arms like we used to in the desert, brings back the fondest of memories.

He still seems fast asleep as I peek up at him, and my stomach flutters as the idea takes flight.

“Storm.” The whisper is hardly loud enough to stir him, but even so he responds with a soft moan that causes my insides to curl.

With his even breaths assuring me he is fast asleep I smooth my hands over his chest, savoring the feel of his bare skin. My heart begins to pound as I explore him with my fingers, and before I can resist the temptation, I press a feather soft kiss against his chest. He smells like rain on a hot summer’s day, calm and reassuring of promises to come.

The air rushes from my lungs and my insides clench with desire. I know I love him, but never did I expect this intense wave of desire that I feel – this absolute need to be his.

“I am going to kiss you.”

My eyes widen, like a child caught red-handed. Storm rolls me over onto the grass and covers me with his large body, and I can’t keep myself from trembling with both anticipation and nerves. I can’t believe this is happening!

He takes his time staring at me and I wonder what he sees. It can’t be much after last night, but still the look on his face is tender. When he lowers his mouth to the faint blemish where the bite used to be I notice it’s almost gone.

“How did it heal so fast?” I reach to touch it but Storm catches my hand.

“It kept fading during the night while I caressed it.” He presses my hand against his chest. “I rather liked it when you touched me.”

“You were awake!” Embarrassment heats my cheeks. A shy smile pulls at my lips as I bring my other hand to his chest. Just as I think Storm is going to kiss my shoulder he dips lower and presses one dangerously close to my breast.

“What are you doing?” I can’t keep the fear from trickling into my question.

Storm lifts his head lazily but the look on his face is determined. “I did not say which part of you I was going to kiss.” Just like that a seductive smile plays over his face and he kisses the base of my throat where my pulse is beating rampant. “I am going to kiss every inch of you, until you know only the feel of my lips.”

“You are?” I swallow nervously. His words make me squirm and my stomach flutters in the most enjoyable way. I lick my lips to moisten them and the movement catches Storm’s attention. He moves higher, and finally I can see his eyes in the meager light the stars offer.

Fear bubbles up in me. Not again! “Your eyes are blue!” I cry out and try to push him away.

‘It is me. Can you really not tell the difference?’
His words come with his cool breeze that only intensifies the moment so much more.

“But your eyes?”

“Raighne’s eyes also changed back to their original color once he was able to heal Alchera. It must be the same for me,” he explains, and it all makes sense.

He presses a tender kiss to my forehead and it relaxes me. When his fingers skim over my hip, my heart sets off at a wild pace. His lips find mine, and when his tongue slips into my mouth, I feel myself melting with desire.

Suddenly, his mouth pulls away from mine. His hand slips under my top and rests over my ribs. When my breathing all but ceases, he smiles. All my attention is focused on him.

‘That is more like it. Think only of me, Love.’

He doesn’t take my mouth again. Storm moves his hand up and gently trails his fingers between my breasts. My chest rises and falls as if he is commanding my every breath.

“Luna, I cannot resist you! You were made for me in every way.” His words are a low growl from deep within his throat. His mouth finds mine again and he kisses me thoroughly.

I savor the feel of him beneath my hands and press myself up against him. I want him now.

Storm starts to lift my top off and my arms lift by themselves. He tosses the material aside. He glides his hands down my arms and sides and I experience the most sensual feeling leaving me wanting so much more.

Storm removes my undergarment and I can’t bring myself to look when he removes his pants. I close my eyes in shyness and wet my lips again as I wait with a thundering heart for his next move.

“It has only ever been you.”

I open my eyes just as he lowers himself over me and the feeling of pure desire explodes within me. Need pulls us together in the most enchanting of ways.

Remembering that he wants me to touch him, I place my hands hesitantly on his sides. I lift my head a little and place my own kisses at the base of his neck, but when he freezes I stop.

“Now is not the time to stop.” His breathless plea is all the encouragement I need.

I dig my nails into his back and move closer still, so I can kiss his throat. When Storm’s hand skims over my breast, I surprise even myself as I arch into his feather soft touch.

I bury my face in Storm’s shoulder when he explores my body. All I want to do is hold on tight to the man who not only holds my heart, but will soon own my body and soul.

He positions himself at the valley between my legs and as he enters me, his eyes find mine. My body soon matches his rhythm and I get lost in Storm.

~*~

The first lie in life is to say that there is such a thing as trust.

Can you truly say you even trust yourself?

Storm~

I’ve snuck off so I can practice my new ability while Luna is still asleep. This time I’m keeping my mind wide open to her every emotion and thought. I don’t want a repeat of yesterday.

I’m working with this idea that maybe, just maybe, I can transport us faster to those forsaken Shadowlands by way of lighting. I want to start my life with Luna, but with such a dark cloud hanging over us it’s nearly impossible.

The motivation of a life with Luna is enough to get me going. I focus on the exact point in my chest where the pressure started to build up the previous time. After a few minutes all I have to show for my effort is a current of electricity buzzing over my skin.

“What are you trying to do?” I didn’t hear or feel Luna approach and for a moment I find myself staring. She looks different. Her hair is wild with sleep, and although she’s dressed in her slacks and cami again, there is definitely something different about her appearance, almost a radiance that wasn’t there before.

“Peace be, wife of mine.” I can’t resist the greeting and the blush it brings to her face is reward enough.

The look in her eyes softens, and again I’m tempted to take her and run. My first responsibility is to protect her. Is it so wrong to want to keep her from harm?

“Peace be, husband of mine.” A smile spreads across my face when she shyly glances at the ground, her words a soft murmur. My Luna, a warrior, but still so innocent.

“I am trying to recreate the lighting from yesterday. I wonder if it is at all possible for us to transport to the Shadowedlands by using it.”

Her head snaps up, her eyes wide with hope.

“Do you think you would be able to transport us both?”

“We are the same. I do not see a reason why not. The only problem is creating it again. When it happened I had a lot of motivation to get to you.”

“Maybe I should run again.” Luna’s face takes on a mischievous look that spreads warmth through my body.

I take the few steps needed to close the gap between us, and looking down at her I still can’t believe she vowed to be mine. Luna lifts her face and places a tender kiss on my lips.

“This is how I want to start every day with you. I will get the fire ready and prepare the hare I caught yesterday while you freshen up. After we break our fast I can try and figure out how this new ability works.”

~*~

Luna~

This time I bathed in my clothes and it turned out not to be such a bad idea. I’ve hardly finished, and just made myself comfortable on a boulder where I can dry, when Mara’s voice rips me from my daydreams.

“Now that you have accomplished the first part of your destiny I suggest you clear your mind and concentrate solely on what lies ahead.”

I shoot up. All the previous feelings of wonder I used to feel in her presence are gone. I search her face but there is no sign of the hideous sight that is Varia. Are they really the same being?

“You say I have completed the first part of my destiny? What do you know of my destiny?” I want to scream the words at her. One of the few I trusted and she also betrayed me!

“Everything and more.” Mara raises one eyebrow derisively.

I frown at the angel’s reaction. I expect anger from her, rage even, but not sarcasm. Something is very wrong.

“Mara … or, should I say Varia? Who are you really?” Fear ignites in my belly and I take a step back.

“You are learning fast. Seems I can only fool you once.” The angel’s appearance becomes instantly distorted and I can feel the blood drain from my face as I stare at the creature I have been told to kill.

It’s too soon! I thought I would at least have a few more days with Storm.

“Do not call your guardian! I am not here to hurt you. Last night was only a warning.” Mara speaks quickly, her face no longer covered with the mask of vengeance I saw when she posed as Varia.

I take another step back, not trusting the peace for one second. I summon my energy to my hands. Well, the meager energy I have left. With my moon on the other side of Vaalbara I have little to no energy to fight with for the next few days. But it might just be enough to fight off an attack.

“Be quick.” My voice is curt, a sure threat lining my words.

“I am on your side. And if the truth be told – I am the only one. Your people have been lying to you since your first breath. It is I who gave you a reason to live again.” Varia’s black eyes flit between me and the trees behind me, as if she expects Storm at any minute.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” I know I shouldn’t listen. I should call Storm and run, but my legs won’t follow my rational thoughts.

“The true reason Raighne treats you like the outcast you are is because they knew since the day you were born you would be the one to destroy my father. Your elders chose you as sacrifice and he found out. The whole village knew you would die one day and raised you for the eventual slaughter. The time has now come, and look how easily they are handing you over to my father. If you want to call that love, then so be it.”

Varia takes a step forward as she watches the bitter reality of her words sink in. Isn’t this what Raighne told me yesterday? It really shouldn’t hurt anymore.

“They said I must kill you.” My revelation is barely a whisper.

“And can you? I, the one who came to you when you needed someone the most, the one who gave you purpose as well as a destiny – can you now kill me? Why listen to your Awo and the people who shun you, when I have always been there for you?” Mara holds her acid breath as she waits for my response.

It is true what she says. No matter her appearance – whether repulsive, or not – she has been there for me.

“No. I cannot.” Besides, does it matter whose side I choose? The village that treated me like an outcast, or, Mara – would either of them be a better choice?

“So you are Varia as well?” I ask again. I can hear the anguish I feel creeping through in my voice.

“Yes, I could not very well come to you looking like myself. I only deceived you with my appearance and name. I am Mara but this is my true form.” For a moment Mara looks like a tragic figure. She still looks monstrous with her ashen hair, blazing black eyes and vile looking skin, but one can’t choose their appearance.

“What do you want with me?” I need to understand why she keeps coming to me.

“I need you to destroy Void. I never lied to you.” Varia saunters closer and this time I don’t move away. “I want Carter, and as long as Void is around I cannot have him. Carter and I belong together. I guess that is why your people want me dead, so they can kill Carter as well. Help me so I can protect them. If you destroy Void, you save Alchera and Carter. We will both win. Well … sort of. You will still die in the end. I cannot do anything about that.” Varia babbles on, showing a flicker of fear for the first time.

“So what happens to me when I die?” My glare is a cold one. “You said you will be there to take me.”

“I will be there to take you, but it won’t be to a peaceful place. You will join Void and Adeth – in the pits.”

I can only stare at Varia. The pits! To be tortured by your darkest fears for all eternity. What is my darkest fear? I look up at the sky and realize my fear is being without Storm and my moon … alone and without any light. Not having any hope of ever seeing him again. Of course, when I die, that will happen no matter where I go.

“On one condition.” Varia lifts her chin to hear my demand. “I have heard you are sister to Azreal. Help release Aurian and King Eryon from the pits. They do not deserve to be there.” My voice is firm. There is no need to further discuss my own demise.

“I will do so when you kill Void. It will be the encouragement you need to bring him to a quicker end.” Varia’s eyes flit to the trees behind me again. “Luna, just because I am an angel of death does not make me a monster. I love, and it is because I love that I ask you to sacrifice yourself. Last night I lost my temper with you. Today, I thought I would try a more civil approach.” I watch Mara as she begins to shimmer but halts midway. “Do not let my one moment of weakness fool you. I
will
kill you myself should you fail me.”

I watch Mara shimmer away with an utter feeling of dread and loneliness. Those closest to me have deceived me. They have been plotting my death all along while pretending to care for me. Tears push up my throat but I swallow them down. I will be strong now. This is for Alchera, and just like Alchera I will give my all, only there will be no one to save me.

I stare long at the place where Mara was standing while trying to gain control of my emotions. I can’t let Storm know of her visit or of what she told me.

Storm. Has this all been a ploy on his part to get me to trust him? Is it true that they want to kill Carter? Who do I believe in all this madness?

~*~

Storm~

With the fire well under way I try to focus on creating a lightning bolt big enough to transport us. Simple concentration won’t do, so I bring up every thought I have of Luna ever being in danger. I should have done this the first time, because the pressure in my chest crushes the very air out of my lungs.

Again, I’m not prepared for the deafening sound and it leaves my ears ringing while a damp cold clings to my skin. The second I come back to the ground, I fight to stay on my feet and not to sprawl across the ground again.

The first breath I take burns my throat and as my blinding white light dims, it makes way for a more ominous one.

The Shadowlands. I did it! I raise my eyes to the colossal fortress before me. Alchera is in there! I can do this by myself. Go in and get her. There is only one problem left. How do I get her home?

I hate leaving Alchera here but I need to go get Luna. There is no getting around killing Mara first, maybe then Carter will be able to help us get Alchera home faster.

I bring up the same memories of earlier and return back to the camp, hoping I wasn’t gone for too long.

As soon as my light fades I see the lining of trees that surround our little campfire.

“Where did you go?” I turn my head slightly to Luna’s voice. Is it just me or does she sound wary of something?

“I got it right.”

“I can see that.”

There is definitely something wrong. I turn to her where she’s sitting by the fire, her face turned away from me.

“Where did you go?” she asks again.

I let the fire die down and place the hare over the simmering wood.

“I managed to strike down in the Shadowlands, as I hoped I would.” I’m not so sure about telling Luna. She might not understand why I left Alchera there.

“You were there?” Her voice doesn’t alter, but I’m not convinced it’s a good thing.

“Only for a moment. I’m of no use to Alchera if I can’t bring her back. We must go together so you can take care of Mara. I was thinking Carter might be able to help us bring Alchera back faster.”

The way Luna looks at me doesn’t sit too well with me. I try and feel for her but there’s nothing. She’s closed herself off.

“What happened while I was gone?” My question sounds rather intimidating but it’s because there’s a million things running through my mind of what could’ve happened here while I left her alone. I know it’s not the way to approach Luna, cold and calculated never works with her.

“I bathed and then I sat here … waiting.” Her movements are mechanical as she reaches for the hare to turn it over. “So just to make sure I understand you, Storm. We go to the Shadowlands and I kill Mara. You then get Alchera and Carter. What will happen to Carter then?”

Her sudden interest in Carter further unsettles me. “Well, I feel that would be a matter between Raighne and Carter. If a man almost killed you, I would want to kill him.”

Luna gets up and takes a deep breath before her eyes come to rest on me. “So that is what you and the rest of the village have planned for Carter? Death?”

~*~