I’ve touched myself before, but it’s never felt like this. I pant heavily as I come down from my pleasure while Ryvan withdraws his hand. He smooths my skirts back into place. His gaze holds mine as he brings his fingers to his lips and closes his mouth around them.
Closing his eyes, he groans as if I am the best thing he’s ever tasted. He leans in and kisses me passionately. He brushes the hair back from my face as he stares down at me, his gaze full of fire and possession. “I want to bind you to me, Ella.” He drops his head to the curve of my neck and shoulder. “But we must wait. I need to speak with my father.”
Worry fills me. “What if he does not agree to our bonding?”
He lifts his head, and I touch his cheek. Desire still burns in his eyes, but he moves off me and pulls me to my feet beside him.
He wraps his arms and wings around me tightly as he kisses me long and deep. When he pulls back, he gently rests his forehead to mine. “My father loves me; I will make him see reason.” He presses a tender kiss to my lips. “Wait here, my love.”
My brow furrows. “Where are you going?”
“I am going to bring my father out here so we may give him our news in private.” He grins. “I will return shortly.”
I watch his retreating form disappear into the castle. I’m nervous about meeting Ryvan’s father. I understand his hatred of humans, but I pray that he accepts me. I love Ryvan. I want a life with him.
The fluttering of wings draws my attention and I lift my head to find Eryl flying toward me. He lands in front of the bench, cocking his head to the side to regard me. “What are you doing out here, Ella?”
My cheeks flush at the memory of what Ryvan and I did only a few moments ago, and I send a silent prayer of thanks to the gods that Eryl did not find us then.
“I’m waiting for Ryvan to return.”
He glances back toward the castle. “It may be a while.”
My brow furrows. “Why do you say that?”
“Father has found a match for Ryvan.”
I still. “He has?”
“Yes. Father is convinced she is a good match. He wants to announce it tonight at the ball.” Eryl sighs. “I doubt Ryvan will agree to it even though it may be best for him. Her Light Magic is very strong. Father believes it will be a good balance for Ryvan’s Dark Magic.”
“That’s important?”
“Very. Her magic could help him control his so that his abilities remain hidden from our people.” His eyes search mine a moment as if considering me before he continues. “You saw Ryvan’s powers. His Dark Magic is… strong. More so even than the last Dark Fae King Erebyr that once ruled these lands.”
Dread fills me as I think back on what Eryl told me of this king. “You said he nearly destroyed the entire kingdom.”
His gaze holds mine. “Then you understand how important it is for us to hide what Ryvan is. All Dark Fae are put to death immediately upon discovery because of this.”
I shake my head. “I don’t understand. Why would this be an automatic death sentence? Ryvan is a good person. He would never do something like that.”
With a slight clench of his jaw, Eryl lowers his gaze. “That is the danger with Dark Fae. Their powers must be carefully controlled for they have the ability to overwhelm and consume them. This is what happened to Erebyr. “His powers were so great, even his bondmate’s Light Magic was unable to balance him.” He pauses. “He lost himself to the darkness within and he destroyed everything that he loved, including his family. He went mad and would have razed the entire kingdom of Anara to the ground if his brother had not killed him first.”
Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them back. “This woman your father has found for him… she could help him avoid such a fate?”
“Yes,” he replies solemnly. “I understand why my brother does not wish to bond with anyone. He believes he is cursed. Perhaps father is right, and bonding with someone strong in Light Magic may be the answer to keep him balanced and prevent him from following in the path of King Erebyr.”
His words hit me like a physical blow. I do not possess inherent magic like Ryvan’s people, and can do nothing to help counter his Dark Magic. I cannot bond with Ryvan. Not when it could put his life at risk.
It is almost midnight and the enchantment concealing my true form will fade away when the clock strikes twelve. I have to find Ryvan before then, and tell him that we cannot be together. I cannot allow him to risk his life by bonding to me.
I turn to Eryl. “Please, you must take me to him. I need to speak with Ryvan.”
He nods, and then leads me back to the palace.
