Holly
the fourth day. No fae rescuers have arrived yet and likely never will.
I can’t stop thinking of Mother and my sister, Rose, who has little patience for tinctures and compresses and no love of wandering through forests in search of herbs.
If we’re not going to be guided back to Gade’s kingdom shortly, then I’ll need to seek a way to return home by myself. It must be possible. And it makes no sense to wait here in this hut forever, staring at the faery like a besotted fool.
The fae has spoken of portals and the mages who control them and also admitted that these doorways sometimes form naturally, and a person has only to stumble through one to be transported somewhere in the seven realms.
It would be risky to leap through time and space to an unknown destination, but also cruel of me to leave the still-healing fae alone in the middle of nowhere. But if I want to see my family again, what choice do I have?
Images of Gade’s strong features spring to mind, his intense blue gaze, the tiny dimples that frame his mouth on the rare occasions he forgets to be fearsome and smiles. The brisk, hard movements of his warrior’s limbs, powerful even in their diminished state when he chopped wood this morning, after first making me wrap his wound up tightly.
Restored to full health, he would be a vision to sustain me during the long years of spinsterhood that likely stretch before me when I return home. Half of me hopes I get to witness it, and the other part quakes in fear of his replenished beauty and power, and I’m not sure which outcome I prefer.
The polished wood of the table is smooth and comforting as I stroke it slowly and stare at the flames leaping in the hearth.
“What are you thinking about?” comes a deep voice that jolts me from my daydream.
I look over at him lacing his boots on the edge of the bed. Other than a loose bandage, his torso is bare. Doesn’t he notice the cool air?
“Nothing that would interest you.” Never have I been so glad to expel a lie as easily as a sneeze. “You should put your shirt on.”
“I don’t feel like it. And you’re a liar. You seemed to be pondering something delicious, a sweetmeat dripping honey and sprinkled with candied sugar. Or perhaps you were ruminating upon my form. Living in such close confines with a fae must be overwhelming to a human’s senses.”
“Now you’re fishing for compliments. Don’t be desperate. If you must know, I was thinking about finding an open portal in the forest. Of going home, seeing my family.”
“And here I was certain you were thinking of my charming face.” Boots thud rhythmically as he paces across the room, rubbing his stomach in a distracted manner.
“Yes, I was imagining the joy of never having to see it again.” I rise from my seat at the table and grab the ointment from the cupboard. “You need more cream. And a large slice of humble pie.”
“I’m fine, and I’m not hungry. When did you bake a pie?”
“There’s no dessert. It’s just a way to say someone’s too arrogant for their own good. If you want the wound to turn foul again, then, yes, I agree, it is fine.” I reach for his arm to stop him pacing. “Here, Gade, let me—”
“I can do it.” He snatches the clay pot and sits on the bed, scraping his nail across the contents, barely collecting any.
I watch him dab it on his wound. “That’s not enough,” I say.
Iolite eyes hold my gaze as he smears ointment over his skin more roughly.
“Are you trying to annoy me? That will only stretch the stitches. If you’re not going to do it properly, then, please, let me.”
The pot hits my boot then rolls over the floor. “Did you throw that at me?”
He smirks. “No, I just dropped it on purpose.”
Don’t react. It’s what he wants.
I collect the pot, sit beside him, and scoop out a large dollop of comfrey-infused lard. I move the bandage lower and apply the cream, the material of my dress scratching my hot neck.
“We need to leave here soon before we murder each other.”
“Agreed,” he says, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths.
Sitting so close and touching his skin has a peculiar effect on me, causing my own breaths to be short and ragged and the warm buzz in my chest to scare me senseless. But it’s as if he has mesmerized me like I’m prey, and I don’t want to move away. Not yet.
“Does this hurt?” I ask, wondering if pain makes his stomach muscles clench under my touch.
“No,” he snaps, his gaze dropping to my mouth. He moves closer, only a hairsbreadth, but panic spikes through my veins.
My breath snags in my throat. “What—”
“Do you realize, Holly, how fortunate you are that you weren’t found by a less honorable fae than I? One who wouldn’t let your sharp tongue and somber nature deter them from taking what they want, using you for their pleasure.”
The bed frame protests as I jolt backward. “That’s a horrid thing to say. That you even think such things is very revealing.”
“Revealing?” His stare penetrates, peeling through layers of clothing until I feel bare before him.
His gaze tracks from my throat to my chest, spreading unwanted heat along its path. “I have never met a human before you,” he says in a husky whisper. “I’d been led to believe they were plain, even disgusting creatures. But I admit you are not without your charms.”
Heat scalds my cheek as he strokes it lightly, the room spinning around me. I should slap him for the insult. Push him away.
“Do not fear me, little human. I never take more than what is willingly given.”
Fire emanates from his body as he gently, carefully, folds me in his arms, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that shocks and sears.
My heart stutters, blood rushing to pool in my stomach. I can’t think. I can’t move. I can only melt like hot candle wax, butter left out in the sun, honey on warm bread.
Heavens, what is happening to me?
His lips press warmth and sweetness into my mouth and a strong emotion akin to joy. It’s the very opposite of what I should be feeling. I must be under a spell because instead of stopping this madness, I melt further into his embrace, relishing every moment of my first kiss.
The heat. The heady, giddy sensations of desire.
My first kiss… with a supernatural being…
No, this cannot be. I’ve started down a path that can only lead to madness and ruin.
“Stop.” I push his chest. “Please. This isn’t right.”
Wet lips parted and his eyes glazed, he asks, “It was… unpleasant?”
“Yes. I mean no. Well… it’s not appropriate for a fae and a human to… It’s not natural.”
“Be quiet,” he snarls out, staring wide-eyed at the pulsing star tattoo on the back of his hand.
Muttering incoherently, he flicks his fingers in front of his bare chest, and a stream of water shoots from his palm into the pot over the fire. “Draygonets, what sorcery is this?” he says, leaping off the bed.
I stare in silence, the sight as shocking as the first time I saw his magic, when he captured me by the oak and conjured water to quench my thirst, then again at the creek, and with the annlagh.
He flexes his hand again, and this time, water only drips down his arm. He curses under his breath. “Come here, mortal.”
“No. Absolutely not.” I scramble off the bed and scurry behind the table, not at all liking the direction of his thoughts.
He takes two large steps and grips my shoulders, pulling me against his body. Warm hands bracket my face, and his head dips. Then he whispers against my firmly closed mouth. “I am sorry for this, but I must test a theory. You have my word no harm will come to you.”
Then his lips take mine and pleasure winds through my stomach again, coiling in on itself until it’s as tight as a strung bowstring.
His kiss is featherlight and slow—until suddenly it’s not. I cling to his forearms as fever claims me, not to drag them down and away from my face, but to keep them there forever.
He tilts my head, deepening our kiss. The sounds of our ragged breathing, his soothing whispers, weaken my legs, and a tremor builds over the fae’s body, the scent of burning flesh filling my nose as he begins to shudder hard.
Without warning, he breaks away, leaving me swaying on my feet.
“Son of barghest,” he says. “Holly, look. Look at this!” The outline of the star symbol on his hand glows like molten silver, tendrils of smoke rising in the air. With both hands, he reaches toward the fire, and the flames disappear.
“You… you put it out,” I say. “What’s a barghest?”
“Indeed we did.” He casts a distracted glance in my direction. “A what? Oh. It’s a fae-eating hound.” Those rare dimples sparkle as he laughs. “This is extraordinary. My power stabilizes when we…” He moves his palm between us. “Kiss. Is that what humans call it, too?”
“Yes. That’s the correct word.” My skin blanches, then flushes hot.
He steps closer. “Do not worry. This is a wonderful development, human. We’ve found something that stimulates my power—physical interaction between us—and if you’re willing to test how long it lasts, we may be able to travel safely tomorrow, whether my people arrive or not. Don’t you see? We’re unprotected while I have barely any magic, but this gives me hope.”
What? Might I have to kiss him all the way back to his city? I reel backward on my heels, panic muddling my thoughts.
“Come with me, Holly.”
“Can you please put some more clothes on first?”
“No. I cannot.”
A warm current sizzles over my skin as I take his hand and follow him into the sunlit clearing in front of the hut. The air is still and cool. The sounds of the creek, frogs croaking in muddy bogs, and the fragrance of pine leaves travel up the valley, a pleasant and comforting mix.
“Stay there and don’t move,” Gade commands, striding ten paces away before turning to face me.
With his arms spread wide, he tilts his face toward the strange, purple clouds feathered over the sky. Insects with pink wings, little green faces, and long elven ears swoop from the direction of the trees and fly around his limbs. He clicks his tongue in annoyance, and they flee, the sound of tiny laughter tinkering in their wake.
A flash of silver light arcs between Gade’s palms, forked like lightning and quickly fizzling out. He spits out a curse. “I’d hoped the charge would last longer. Take three steps closer to me. Hurry up.”
I trudge forward. “Yes, sir. Whatever you say.”
He smirks. “At last you address me in a respectful manner.”
“Used to other castle guards following your command, are you?”
“Yes, you could say that,” he answers, staring off into the trees. He takes a big breath and spins in a circle, his arms lifted again. This time, when silver shoots from his palms, the light is weaker and doesn’t meet in the middle in an arc of power like it did before.
Scowling, he stalks forward until his sword hilt presses into my stomach and his hand cradles my head, pulling me in close. The scents of leather and smoke wrinkle my nose. It’s intoxicating. Stupefying. I should step back, but I’m too flustered to move.
“Pardon the trespass.” He kisses me, and the land spins, tumbling me in a barrage of wild emotions that I don’t understand nor attempt to escape.
The frightening truth is I have no desire to run from this feeling, and I want to stay in his embrace for as long as possible.
Soft, warm lips tease mine until they part, gentle, but insistent. A hoarse noise sounds in my throat as the fae’s teeth graze my skin. I’d like to imagine it’s an expression of disgust. But, of course, it’s not.
My fingers twist into the pliant leather of his sword belt at his hips, and I lean closer, eager to learn the rhythm of this new dance. My body trembles as if what we do is too much and at the same time, not nearly enough. My stomach coils tighter and tighter, seeking release from the agony—from the joy of each sensation.
Without warning, pain sears across my skin where his body touches mine, my stomach, shoulders, the back of my neck and head, all burning, the worst scald on my lips and inside my mouth. With a yelp, I spring backward, gaping at what I see—Gade transformed into a magical creature, an aura of golden light pulsating around his body as if he is the sun itself.
“That hurt,” I say, rubbing my lips.
He grins. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect such an incredible surge of power. Next time, I promise to take more care. But look what we did together.”
The glyph on the back of his hand flows bright orange as he turns it over to show me. His body appears taller, his features elongated and eyes glowing a bright green. “Fire—heed me,” he says, and knee-high flames leap, making a circle of fire in the grass around him.
“Your eyes have changed color,” I point out.
“Yes.” He beams a smile, flashing sharp teeth. “Because the elements course through me.”
“Impressive.”
“Earth, form for me,” he booms. Unpolished crystals shake their way from deep in the soil and swirl in the air above Gade’s head. He snaps a finger, and they crumble to flakes and float onto his palms.
He steps over the flames, strides up to me, and paints a line of sparkling dust from my forehead down to my bottom lip with a single stroke of his long finger. “Now you look ready to attend a fae revel, pretty human.”
Pretty? The power surge must have scrambled his senses and confused his mouth into emitting an accidental compliment. In the short period I’ve known him, he’s spent most of the time frowning and curling his lip at me. I don’t believe he finds me the least bit attractive.
A preternaturally beautiful faery flirting with a human that no villagers ever bothered to gape at is a ridiculous notion.
If it’s so ridiculous, my conscience asks, then why do faeries steal humans and trick them into prolonged dalliances in their realm?
I study him as he walks away, then spins in a slow circle, tiny vortexes of wind twirling in the air above his hands, dissolving almost as soon as they appear. The fae scowls and shakes his arms, attempting to reignite the magic.
I clear my throat. “Gade?”
“What?” He draws his sword and marches toward me, slashing it in a complicated pattern, the final flourish ending with the tip pointed at my heart.
“Do fae ever take humans as partners?” I ask.
His lips twist. “Partners, no. Lovers? Yes. Many fae do so if they can find willing mortals or ones who are susceptible to our trickery.”
“So the tales of stolen maidens and youths in their prime are true?”
“Indeed they are.”
“No beauty surpasses a faerie’s. Why would you do it?”
Harsh laughter sends chills down my spine. “Why? Because we can. And it is fun.”
“I see. Have you captured a human before?”
“Before you? No. And while I have you, I have no interest in any other.”
I glower and try to decipher his meaning. Am I to become his plaything? A pet that he plans to torture to death when we return to his city?
Exhaling hard, he folds his arms over his bare chest. “Why do you ask? Has the kissing made you worry about what might be in store for you?”
“Perhaps,” I admit.
“Well, push that idea from your mind, and know this; when I want something, I take it. If you become prey, mortal, there is no speed you could run or place you could hide that would prevent me from finding you.” He leans close, and whispers in my ear. “Or from having you.”
I shove him away, and he taps my nose as if I’m a child. “Best to not think about it. Be glad that right now, I have no interest in torturing you.” He smirks. “Nor do I want you, little human.” He winces and stumbles over an indent in the ground, righting himself quickly and rubbing his temple.
Strange. From what I saw, he didn’t injure his head. Perhaps he has a headache from using magic.
“In my realm, I’m not thought of as little,” I say.
The fae sheathes his sword and grins. “Do not look so dour. If you will give me a little honey from your lips in exchange for my protection on the journey, we will soon be at Castle Black and celebrating our triumph.” He rubs his hands together. “All we need to do now is some more tests.”
My shoulders slump. “You mean more kissing?”
A crooked smile flashes over his face. “Of course.”
“Let’s get it over with, then.” I roll my eyes and move closer to him, disturbed by the warmth in my belly, the erratic beat of my heart. Pull yourself together, my brain orders my body. But my body has a mind of its own and refuses to listen.
This testing business goes on for an excessive amount of time, and it’s only when the sun’s rays slant low through the nearby lattice of tree branches that he concludes our work with a soft, lingering kiss.
He has the audacity to lick his lips as he moves away and with the flick of his wrist, spins leaves of every color, weaving them in a beautiful pattern around me. He shoots them into the air, shapes them into a fire-breathing dragon, an eagle in flight, sets them alight, and finally dissolves them in an iridescent bubble of water magic.
“I think we can call our experiment an outstanding success, mortal.”
As far as testing how long a kiss powers his magical abilities for, I would have to agree. The effect seems to be cumulative—the more closely spaced the kisses, the more inner heat they create, the longer his power lasts. But as for my determination to remain unaffected by his attentions, well, in that regard, I failed completely. And even now, I feel heat rise to my cheeks, no doubt painting them deep scarlet.
Unconcerned by my humiliation, he paces back and forth, grinning. My eyes catch on the gold and garnet ring he wears on the middle finger of his left hand, the stone glowing as if alive.
“This is brilliant,” he exclaims proudly. “I can recharge my magic as needed. We could leave tonight, should we wish to.”
“I don’t think you’ve thought it through properly,” I say. “If we come across danger, an enemy, for example, you propose to stop regardless of what’s happening around us, kiss me, and then go on to save the day. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?”
“Granted. There will be challenges. Still, it is better than lying in bed waiting to be attacked, is it not? The annlagh could have flayed you alive yesterday and currently be sucking the marrow from your bones. Is that a more appealing alternative than kissing me several times a day?”
“Possibly.”
“I have a theory that the more often I kindle the force between us the longer it will last.”
“Why would a kiss affect your powers, Gade?”
“Why?” He squints at me. “Are you really so naive?”
If he’s referring to the mysteries that lie between a man and a woman, then, yes, I most definitely am. I shrug and kick stones with my boot, refusing to meet his haughty stare.
A loud sigh draws my attention back to his face. “The force that drives attraction, craving, and desire is the most powerful, creative energy that exists. It generates life and all forms of magic—dark and light. Trust me when I promise I can return us safely to my home if only you will bear my kisses when I request them. If you do this, then I will vow to take no more from you. I am fae—for us, bargains are a pleasure to make. Strike one with me, name your price. Please, Holly. Will you do this for both our sakes?”
There he goes calling me Holly again. I’d be lying if I said that hearing him use my name and beg in that deep, earthy voice didn’t affect me. I shake my head and snap out of it. The fae has offered to bargain, and I’d be a fool to squander the opportunity.
But if I can ask for one thing and one thing only, what should that be?
A breeze blows a golden pear leaf into my hair, and inspiration strikes. Above all else, getting home is what matters. “Fine. I agree to kiss you as many times as needed without complaint if you’ll vow to allow me to return home to my mother.”
Dark eyebrows knit together as he puts his hands on his hips. “But not before we’ve made it to Castle Black.”
“All right. Not before then.”
“Consider it done.”
“So, you promise you’ll let me leave?” I ask.
“I do.”
“Say it out loud,” I order, knowing he cannot lie.
Aggravated, he scowls at the sky, then fixes me with a steady gaze. “Human who calls herself Holly, I, the fae who stands before you, do solemnly vow to allow you to attempt to return to your mother once you have resided at Castle Black for seven days and seven nights.” He smirks and flourishes his hand as if he has done me a great honor. “There. It is done. Our bargain is struck.”
“Wait a moment. Seven days and seven nights? That wasn’t part of the deal.”
“It is now. Take it or leave it. Make up your mind quickly and state your wish before the chance to do so closes.”
“For what possible reason do you want me to stay there for that period of time?”
“That’s my business. And if you do not like the terms, I shall rescind them immediately and take what I require from you regardless.” He spins on his heels and marches off, black hair flowing behind him like a sheet of rippling midnight sky.
“Wait! Gade, please.” I bolt after him and tug on his arm. He keeps walking. “You stupid, stubborn fae. Stop. Please. I’m begging you.”
Slowly, he turns, arching a raven brow at me. “Do continue. I enjoy the sound of a female begging. And after insulting me so severely, you have much to atone for. Now begin.”
I’d love nothing more than to punch the smug smirk off his face. Instead, I draw a breath and swallow my pride. “I’m sorry for what I called you. It was impolite of me. Please, Gade, I beg you to listen, and I promise I’ll accept your bargain and the terms exactly as you’ve spoken them.”
The smile twitching the corners of his lips turns sly. “Good. Let us seal the contract.” Before I know it, his mouth is on mine, pressing a rough, quick kiss that is over before I can even think to shove him away.
“That was unnecessary,” I say.
“I agree. Unnecessarily delightful.” Laughing, he strides up the hill in the direction of the hut.
He glances over his shoulder to check if I’m following along like a lost lamb, which I am, then his voice echoes through the valley. “Don’t tarry. We must prepare for our journey. We’ll leave at first light. And do try to look a little happier or at least somewhat grateful. You’re considerably closer to seeing this ailing mother you’re forever going on about. That is, if the sorry tales you’ve spun happen to be true.”
“Of course they’re true.”
As I reach the top of the hill, our little hut comes into view, along with two unfamiliar horses tethered outside the stable—a tall brown and white roan and another whose tawny coat shimmers like gold in the dusky light.
Gade curses as I come up behind him.
“Do you know who the horses’ owners are?” I ask.
“Yes. Be at ease. They belong to my sister and our cousin.”
Hope quickens my pace, and for once, I manage to keep up with Gade’s long steps. “A rescue party, then? Finally, some good news.” Especially if it means I won’t have to kiss him again.
He shrugs and pushes on the door to the hut. “That remains to be seen. You haven’t met my sister yet.”
