Shadow Fire (12 page)

"For Shadow. I doubt there's anything to hunt other than rats within these walls. He doesn't strike me as the type to dine on rats," Zane says, handing the small package to me.

He stands, holding out his hand to help me up from the bench. Silence permeates the air on our walk back to the room. I'm too tired to think about the options right now. A good, long rest in a soft bed should clear my head. When we enter the room, I toss the steak to Shadow, paper and all. He whines in appreciation and takes it to a corner to eat. Zane leads me over to the bed. I fall over face down onto it.

"You're exhausted," he notes. Turning my head, I gaze up at him. "I'm sorry for springing this on you." His eyes hold sorrow in them.

"Don't be," I say, desperate to erase the sadness. I offer a weak smile. "Come curl up with me. I sleep better in your arms."

He smiles as he turns off the gas lamps on the tables on either side of the bed. Pulling my boots off, I throw them in the corner hoping the stiletto doesn't slide out. Right now I'm too tired to care, but I'd rather not step on the sharp blade in the morning. I roll over onto my right side as Zane climbs onto the bed and pulls the covers over us. Taking my cue, he moves over next to me, spooning my back. He wraps his left arm around me, and I snuggle a bit closer. Relaxation comes quickly in his warm embrace. As I drift off to sleep, I'm comforted by the knowledge that he included himself in both options presented. I'm not ready to let this enigmatic man walk out of my life.

Chapter Ten

Decisions

When I wake in the morning, I’m alone in the room. Zane and Shadow both appear to be missing. My gaze flies to the corner were Zane had tossed his gear last night. The loud sigh of relief that escapes my lungs when I see his armor leaning against the wall makes me cringe. Sheepishness at my actions creeps in. Zane wouldn't just leave me behind.

Stretching my aching muscles, I slowly sit up and revel in the quiet of the morning. When I manage to drag myself out of bed, I notice a plate of pastries and a carafe of fruit juice on the table in the eating area. As I sit down, I see the small note Zane left for me by the plate.
Shadow and I went out for some training. Be back for lunch. Zane.
Since I have no idea what time it is, I decide to go ahead and enjoy the breakfast he left for me.

The morning flies by. My trip to the hot spring is relaxing and allows time for some introspection. I'd like to provide Zane with an answer to last night's question when he returns for lunch. The sun is nearing the midday position in the sky so I need to come to a decision soon.

I have the hot spring all to myself. Leaning against a smooth rock, I soak in the soothing water and consider the options. Ever the rebel, my mind ignores the quest and drifts to Zane. I can't deny my feelings for him. The thought of being without him is almost unbearable. How could I become so attached to him in such a short time? My brain tries to argue, tries to offer reason, but my heart already knows the truth.

I'm falling in love with Zane.

I force my mind back to the matter at hand. Zane expects an answer to his question, and I'm running out of time to decide.

If I continue this dangerous journey, will I die? Or worse, will Zane die? Is it right to ask him to risk his life for a mere relic? But if I abandon the quest for the Goddess Statue, I can never return to my home. I doubt the people of Verdane would forgive me or understand the reasons behind my betrayal.

A nagging voice in the back of my head points out something I didn't want to contemplate.
Loki is living proof the Goddess was here long ago. What if the Goddess Statue is everything the elders claim? What if the town and the entire continent are suffering due to its absence?

I may not wish to die but can I live without seeing anyone in my family again? Can I allow them to believe I'm dead? My eyes open, a peaceful feeling settling over me. Deep down I always knew what I needed to do. I've made my decision.

****

The waiting is driving me mad. My restless pacing will wear a hole in the already thin carpeting if Zane doesn't return soon. A rapid heartbeat hammers in my chest. I'm anxious to let him know my decision, though doubt clouds my mind. Will he be angry? I have to continue this journey with or without him.

It all comes down to one inescapable truth. If I abandon this quest, Verdane will send out more defenseless girls every five years. Perhaps I could live with myself if an acquaintance or even a friend was chosen. It would be difficult and painful, yet my heart would survive. But what about my sisters? Celeste is too old; she'll be twenty-one in another five years. Brinda and Molly, on the other hand, are five and eleven years younger than me. They'll both be eligible to be considered as Chosen, Brinda in five years and Molly in ten. I couldn't live with myself if either were chosen by the town.

This cycle of selecting a girl to retrieve the Goddess Statue must end. I'll do everything in my power to find the relic and return it to the Goddess Shrine.

When the door opens, I manage to refrain from pouncing on Zane. It's obvious he can sense something's bothering me since his eyes never stray from mine as he places his cloak and sword on a chair by the table. His scrutiny causes me to fidget, my earlier resolve taking a nosedive. At last, he breaks eye contact and crosses the room to the small sitting area. Somewhat reluctant I follow, sinking into the couch next to him. I can feel his gaze on me, but I continue staring at the floor.

What's wrong with me? Then it hits me, I'm afraid he'll leave. Deep down my heart is already aching at the prospect of his departure. I force myself to lift my head and gaze into his eyes. They are pensive with a touch of worry.

"I've made my decision." I try to continue but the words catch in my throat.

"Are you going to share it?" he teases when I continue to remain silent.

"I'm scared," I admit, refusing to meet his eyes. He places a finger under my chin, gently forcing my face up to meet his garnet gaze.

"What are you afraid of?"

I'm silent for a moment, unsure about revealing my feelings. The emotions I have for him are raw and new. I've never felt this way before about anyone. I don't know if my heart would survive if he left me. When I still don't speak, he takes me in his arms and pulls me up on his lap.

"Please talk to me," he murmurs, resting his cheek on top of my head.

"I'm worried you'll leave me," I mumble into his shoulder. His body shakes in what I realize is laughter. "What's so funny?" I demand, nursing my bruised ego.

"Ashlyn, I'd follow you to the ends of the world," he says, his eyes still twinkling with mirth. "Now would you be so kind as to share this decision you've made."

The look in his eyes is so sincere. Reaching up, I brush the fall of auburn hair from his left eye. I can't help but grin when it rebelliously falls right back down again. My fingers lightly trace his cheekbone then follow the line of his strong jaw. My lips follow my fingers, trailing tiny kisses down then back up the side of his face. When I move to his ear, he moans beneath me. I tease his earlobe with my tongue before giving it a gentle nip.

There's a sudden a flurry of motion. I blink up at him from my new position flat on my back on the sofa, his face inches from mine. Closing my eyes, I wait for his lips to meet mine. Nothing. I crack my eyes open. He hasn't moved at all.

"You drive me to distraction, little nymph," he says in a husky whisper, his eyes glowing like twin fires. "But not this time. I have you trapped. You won't escape until you talk to me."

"What makes you think I wish to escape?" I ask in a throaty purr, entwining my fingers in his hair.

His eyes widen a bit, in surprise or desire I'm not sure. I try to pull him down for a kiss, but he captures my wrists with his hands, pulling them up over my head. He lowers his head to trail his lips along my neck. For one brief moment, adrenaline-fueled panic surges through my body while my mind screams at me to fight. Just as I'm about to take action, he sighs.

"Please don't make me tickle it out of you," he whispers into my ear as his fingers brush against my side. Those words remind me that this is Zane, and I trust him with my life. He would never hurt me. His idea of torture is tickling me, and as I try to twist away from his fingers, I realize it's working quite well.

"I decided to continue the quest," I blurt out through my giggles.

"I know," he says between kisses. He releases my hands and I bury them in his thick hair. I'm still trapped under him as he kisses his way from my ear back down my neck.

"What do you mean 'I know'?" I ask, squirming against his body.

"Just what I said," he replies. "There was never any doubt in my mind. It's who you are — what makes you so special."

What kind of answer is that? But I find it impossible to think when he runs his right hand down my side in a light caress. I can't stop the tiny whimper in my throat. My body is trembling under his adept ministrations.

"Hey, didn't you say you'd let me go if I told you my decision?" I accuse. He moves away from my neck and captures my lips with his.

"Nope," he replies against my lips. "I would never say something so foolish."

"Good. Like I said earlier, I have no desire to escape," I whisper, losing myself in his embrace.

****

A light scratching at the patio door intrudes upon our quiet solitude. I reluctantly release Zane and he walks over to open the door. Shadow races inside panting, his eyes dancing with obvious excitement. He must've found some children to play with. I'm still sprawled out on the sofa on my back, too content to move. The wolf nudges my dangling hand with his head, forcing it into his soft fur. My stomach rumbles, demanding attention.

"Zane, can we get some lunch?" I ask. He's still standing at the open door staring outside. The door closes and he crosses the room to my side.

"Actually, dinner would be more appropriate," he says smirking.

"Dinner? What about lunch?"

"Judging by the sun's position, I would say lunch came and went quite some time ago." He gives me a sly grin. "I guess you were just too preoccupied to notice."

The rest of the evening passes quickly as we prepare for our departure in the morning. Our food stores have been replenished. There's enough bread, cheese, fruit and jerky for several days. Our clothes have returned from the laundry fresh and clean. I feel a touch spoiled since I'd expected to wash them in whatever water source I managed to find. A girl could get used to this luxurious treatment.

Zane has disappeared again, off to see the resident blacksmith. Some of my arrows need new arrowheads, and I could use a spare string for my bow. In my haste to flee Verdane, I forgot to bring one. With the packing finished, I sit down on the sofa and fiddle with my bow. Checking the linen string, I note it's still in good condition. However, I'm known for breaking them frequently. I tie the bow to my pack and lean back on the sofa. There's nothing left to do but wait for Zane to return.

****

He walks through the door about an hour later carrying several wrapped packages in his arms. The packages are dumped on the table by the sofa. He drops onto the sofa next to me with a relieved sigh and starts sorting through the bundles. Six arrows with brand new arrowheads go into the quiver on my pack. He bought three extra linen bowstrings. Wow, either he expects me to use the bow a lot or he thinks I'm quite clumsy.

"This is for your sword hand," he says, pulling out a leather half glove. "It helps you grip your sword better."

I allow him to slip it onto my hand. The fit is perfect. I clench and release my fist several times. The leather isn't stiff but soft and pliable. After removing the glove, I place it on the floor with my gauntlet.

"This is a gift I had commissioned for you. Close your eyes."

Another gift? I close my eyes and something cold touches my wrist. Then his warm fingers run light caresses up and down my forearm.

"Okay you can open your eyes now."

My eyes blink open, then widen in surprise at the exquisite link bracelet on my right wrist. It's a snug but comfortable fit; making me wonder how he knew the correct size. Runic markings are etched onto four of the silver links. In the center of the fifth link, there's a crescent moon made from what appears to be lapis lazuli.

"The runes are for strength, protection, wisdom and love. The lapis lazuli in the center is a symbol of protection, enlightenment and healing," he says, pointing to each one in turn.

My heart feels like it leaps right into my throat, leaving me in stunned silence. Never would I have expected such an incredible gift, the sort one would give their sweetheart. My head is spinning while my heart is wrapped in chaos. The tender touches, the passionate kisses, and now jewelry… could Zane be in love with me too? Glancing into his eager eyes, I wrap my arms around his neck, lightly kissing his lips.

"Thank you. This is the finest gift I've ever received," I say. My fingers trace along the runes. "Do you suppose it really works?"

"The accessories creator here is a witch. I've known her a long time," he says, stroking his hands up and down my arms. "When I told her you were the Chosen of Verdane, she was quite adamant the bracelet include both a stone and a rune symbolizing protection."

"The mere mention of using magic is forbidden in Verdane," I say, somewhat distracted as I play with the bracelet on my wrist. "There was a boy born about a decade ago. He and his family were driven out of town when his magical 'talent' manifested. Of course that was entirely Mayor Franklin's doing… most of the town supported the family."

"Hmm. Remember when I told you I'd teach you how I started the fire so easily?" he asks, eyes gleaming with undisguised mischief.

"Yeah. You gonna show me in here?" I ask, laughing at the absurdity.

"Yes. In fact you don't even have to get up. I'll show you right now."

The suspense is killing me even though I think it must be a joke. How's he going to start a fire inside with me sitting on his lap? I watch as he holds out his hand palm up. To my amazement, a tiny flame appears just centimeters above his open palm. It dances and flickers until he closes his fist, extinguishing it. Reaching out, I grab his hand and examine the skin. Running my fingers over his palm I realize it's not even warm.