Winters awakening, p.11
Winter's Awakening, page 11
“Now he wants to know? The pain in the butt…” The low, irate words reached Sebris as she shoved back the silky, night-dark hair framing her striking but annoyed face. He absently rubbed an old scar on his lower abs. This female. She dared things he wouldn’t tolerate from his warriors or the denizens, yet he allowed it from her.
Her gaze slid to his hand, then lower to his groin, and she hastily looked up, a tinge of red scoring her cheeks. Not that he hid what her stare did to him. He merely cocked a brow.
She scowled. “You brushed aside my explanation as a fanciful thought when I explained I heard a whine and how I ended up outside.”
“It’s the wind,” Xever said. “It does sound like an animal, and the heavy breeze would shut the door, too.”
“No.” She shook her head at his second. “It was after the winds had stopped. I thought your wolf was locked outside.”
“Tiber was with me at the indoor training arena.” The wolf let out a low whine at hearing his name.
“I know that now.” She exhaled loudly. “Look, there was some kind of animal out there, almost invisible at first, but when I touched it…” Lines marred her brow. “The creature took form. It appeared like a cross between a serpent and a…a giant, scaly lizard, sort of like Godzilla.”
“What?” Sebris’ brow creased.
“Never mind.” She waved his question away. “You won’t understand. It’s a movie with a fantasy creature—a human thing. But this was like a mixture of them both. Way taller and bigger than any lizard I’ve ever seen, but with scales. Anyway, it curled around me, and its scales were so warm like a heater…”
Sebris narrowed his eyes.
Xever gaped.
Her gaze darted between them, and then she clamped her lips together in an irritated line, her back going ramrod stiff. “Yeah, yeah, the ice probably froze my brain. Why I bothered telling either of you anything beats me.” She flounced off then spun back a second later. “I. Didn’t. Go. Outside. I only opened the darn door a little when something—a breeze swept past me, and I stumbled out and slipped on the snow. The door shut behind me!” Shooting Sebris a scorching glower, she whirled away and swept out like some fiery earth flame.
“Well,” Xever said, smiling and staring at the empty doorway. “She’s certainly got fire. Do you think it’s true what she said?”
“I don’t care if the realm’s entire extinct Drega species haunts this place,” Sebris snapped, straightening from his desk. “She’s far too important to Dregarus. She cannot put herself in heedless danger.”
“Understandable,” Xever agreed, expression thoughtful. “But Tiber whines whenever the winds blow. You think he senses what she told us? Could it be true their spirits still linger here?”
“They would have connected with Adara first. She’s a powerful priestess.”
“Yes, but Brenna possesses ancient blood magic—one that belongs to this world.”
Indeed, there was that. Then what exactly was her ability? “According to that difficult female, she possesses no psychic powers at all.”
“But she supposedly can find our missing artifact.”
“And she could die because curious noises beckon her outside…” Sebris reiterated. The thought of her harmed had him growing cold. “Get Adara to scry for any strangers or anomalies in the area. Also, get Roic or Loetor to keep an eye on Brenna at all times, discreetly. I don’t want her alarmed.”
“On it. Oh, the weapons master awaits us at the workshop to check out the rest of the prototypes. I’ll deal with the protection detail for Brenna then meet you there.”
Sebris nodded, and as they headed for the door, Xever asked, “So, how did you know she was in trouble?”
“I sensed her fear.”
Xever lifted an eyebrow. “You did?”
“Don’t go there,” he snapped. “I tasted her blood. It’s what alerted me.”
“Not even gonna try,” Xever murmured.
Annoyance pitched through Sebris at the quiet amusement rolling off his second. “Let’s get this done. We leave for Earth in two days. I cannot risk waiting any longer, not with all the shit flying about right now.”
But at the thought that Brenna would soon be gone from his world, his gut twitched. Sebris slowed to a halt. Xever lifted a brow.
He ignored the question on his second’s face. “Give the go-ahead to start with the weapons approved,” he said. “I have something important to take care of.”
Chapter 10
At the knock on her door, Brenna broke her glaring at the flames and shot to her feet. Any distraction so welcomed to get her mind off this beastly day, even if it was just the kitchen staff serving her meal.
She hurried to the door, flung it open, and that foolish blood-pumping organ in her chest leaped to her throat.
Sebris stood there, fully clothed, in his usual demon black, a long, leather-like cloak flowed from his shoulders, appearing more intimidating than usual. His glimmering hair pulled into its typical stubby tail the only bit of color.
“What?” She scowled, still mad at him for brushing off what happened as her being reckless.
Reckless? The word pinged inside her head, hiking her resentment. And yet, her thoughts dragged her mind back to the grotto, crushed against that hard, naked chest, his mouth on hers—God! She inhaled a sharp breath, trying to shut of her thoughts. It didn’t help when his quick perusal over her body sent a traitorous bolt of heat down her spine, desire like molasses slid warm and heavy to her core. Gah!
“Get your cloak, and let’s go.”
“Why?”
Without a word, he strode into her room, to her closet and came back with her blue cloak while her feet remained nailed to the floor, her mouth hanging open.
“Wh-what are you doing?” she spluttered.
“Avoiding a long, useless argument. You, it seems, don’t know how to follow instructions.”
She fish-gaped at him then shut her mouth. Sebris swung the warm cloak over her shoulders and fastened the thing at her neck, his warm fingers grazing her skin, scattering her thoughts and sending a flush of heat through her body. She barely suppressed a moan—er, groan of irritation, yes it was irritation—not desire she felt right now! “I’m not one of your warriors.”
“Indeed. They wouldn’t dare the things you do. They know better.” With that stinging remark, he nudged her out of the room and shut the door behind them.
Brenna glowered at him, but it bounced off his broad back. Ugh. But curiosity won, and she hurried to catch up. “Where are we going?”
“I want to show you something.”
She slowed her steps, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “What? You plan on locking me up in your dungeon after my reckless escapade?”
“No.” The corners of his mouth quirked. “It’s something you’d like, I think.”
She would?
Brenna trailed him into his private study, across to the outside doors—hell no! She faltered at the doorjamb.
In the light of day, the railless balcony, so high up, appeared like she would topple to her death any second. A warm hand engulfed hers, large and comforting. “We have to dematerialize, but from here onward, stay close to me.” He added dryly, “And don’t try to break free of my hold.”
Brenna barely heard him. How could she? When her heart took up space in her brain, and its rapid thundering drowned out every sound at what he said. Dematerialize? She swallowed. Awesome.
He paused to pull her fur-lined hood over her head. And there, in the doorway, he drew her close, then dematerialized them in a swirl of molecules.
As they reformed moments later, Brenna grimaced, bile creeping up her throat, so dang grateful for Sebris’ firm hold on her waist, keeping her from falling at his feet. But his nearness caused a yearning to take hold.
“You okay?” he asked her, grasping her hand again.
God, no. She wanted to pull free of his grip, find her equilibrium, and staple it back in place. Instead, she nodded, glanced away from his concerned features. He was only doing his job. Keep the chosen safe—bah!
Whoa. Brenna gaped. Towering mountains enclosed the valley, and amidst them were statues. Ice sculptures. “This is so beautiful. What is this place?”
“Valley of Dreams.”
She blinked. “It is?”
He shrugged one muscled shoulder, looking around. “Nature has an odd sense of humor. It shows you beauty—then rips it away. This place is scattered with stalagmites. After every ice storm, new shapes take form. “Come. Just don’t touch anything.” He pulled her through the statues, avoiding the spikier ones. “It’s treacherous. It’ll glue your fingers to the ice, and if you do manage to break free, you will leave not only skin behind but flesh, too.”
At the warning, she hastily thrust her free hand into her cloak pocket. Usually, she liked touching things, savored the tactile feel of them.
“This isn’t what I want to show you,” he said, his grip tightening on hers, and she became aware of his immense warmth surrounding her. God, she needed her calm center desperately. She inhaled deeply, the chilly gulp of air focusing her back to where they were going.
As they neared the footholds of the soaring mountains, Sebris paused and waved his hand. The granite creaked and groaned, revealing a cave-like entrance. They walked further into a narrow tunnel, down a few roughly hewed steps, and out into a humid wonderland.
Trees and blooms of unimaginable colors grew, casting dancing, luminescent lights, brightening everything.
“Oh, wow!” She laughed, shoving off her hood and gaping at the iridescent flowers and blindingly bright plants. Most of the lights came from the huge, neon yellow and blue shrubs throwing out the glow and turning the sky-high dark granite above into a neon green sky.
Hardly any true greens anywhere, but still… “This is incredible. Those colors! How is this possible? Nothing grows out in the open.”
“Time, effort, and patience is what it took to get what you see today,” he said. “As the temperatures grew colder, the plants on the surface started to succumb. We transplanted whatever we could here. This place already had an underground river.” He nodded beyond the scrubs where steam curled into the air. “The heated water’s fed from the geyser lands and keeps the temperature stable and the vegetation flourishing. Most of the plants and flowers changed color over time, probably due to the sediments deposited in the riverbed.”
Her gaze shifted back to him. “This has something to do with the missing Stone?”
“In a way, yes. As the magic fades, it grows even colder. Living things die.”
At his tight expression, she figured there was much more he wasn’t telling her. And sorrow filled her that such beauty had to remain hidden.
“It’s warm here. Wow, never thought I’d say that.” Brenna let go of his hand, flexing her tingling fingers, and wandered through the rioting plants and flowers, needing a little distance. She stopped near the banks of the gloomy river where steam rose in swirling wisps. Denser heat enfolded her. Sweat beaded on her brow, and she swiped her face.
Hoping to get a broader view, she scrambled up on one of the wet flat rocks, when Sebris grasped her hand and helped her up. She cast him a quick look and her “thanks” dried up in her throat when she found him watching her in that way he did…dark and intense.
Her heart clocking like a racehorse, she hastily glanced away, refocusing on the otherworldly beauty around her. Far safer, she reminded herself.
A crimson flash in the distance caught her attention before it faded, leaving behind an eerie darkness, then the ruddy glow appeared again, lighting up the woodlands.
“What is that?”
“Dangerous.”
Brenna barely held back a snort. That seemed to be his favorite word when it came to her. She jumped down before he could help her and pivoted in the direction of the red light, but Sebris grabbed her arm. “The woodland has always been there. It’s wild and unattended.”
“I only want to see what plant is emitting the light. Not explore. Sebris, I own a flower shop with plans to open my own nursery—it’s like a plant farm. So yes, I’m curious.”
“Very well.” He waved her on. “But stay close to me.”
Like she’d stray. Yes, she loved the incredible beauty found here, but being under a mountain had edginess creeping into her. She inhaled deeply to push off the suffocating feeling.
As they drew closer, Brenna stopped a few feet away to examine the deep blue, ivy-like plants covering some of the lower ground, and the oval bulb growing from them. About ten inches tall, a pale wine with darker veins of chlorophyll—wait, chlorophyll should be green, right? Clearly, the pigment wasn’t what helped sustain this bulbous plant. Still, it was striking. Different.
“It looks like a…” Whoa. She bit her lip, trying not to smile. Yep, a phallus-shaped plant. She shifted, her boots disturbing the cover trailing across the ground. The plant—bulb—thing shot up to double its length, the top widening at an alarming rate. Sebris hauled her back several feet as the tip of the bulbous head split open, spitting out a spray of reddish, glue-like substance.
“What is it?”
“A carnivorous plant. Its sap immobilizes you first. It cannot swallow you whole, but it will latch on and feed until there is nothing left.”
Holy crap. She kept a cautious distance from the predatory penis. The bulb crawled around the surface, probably searching for prey, before resettling elsewhere. This place must have some fleshy critters then, undoubtedly hiding from this carnivore.
She couldn’t resist. “So, you brought me here to show me a dick? I’ve seen those.”
He didn’t rise to her baiting. The man had caught onto her favorite pastime of needling him. “You were drawn to it. I wanted to show you the gardens.”
She shrugged. “Not going to deny it. I love plants, and yeah, I’m drawn to them.”
“What? Dicks?”
She huffed out a laugh at his unexpected humor that reflected in his light eyes. God, he was devastating when he let the icy facade crack.
“You are too impulsive,” he said, putting his palm on her back and ushering her toward the lit gardens.
Impulsive? Yeah, he would be right. After all, weren’t flowers her downfall? She’d scurried off to look at some African Violets, and somehow ended up falling and hurting her head, setting her on a path that changed her life. Heck, the accident had pulled her out of her safe zone, hauling into a dangerous world.
“But I wouldn’t have let it come close to you,” Sebris said as they made their way to the tunneled exit, his fingers gently stroking her spine as if to soothe her. Her faithless body stirred, craving the connection, craving more. She sought refuge in her questions. “Why didn’t you show me your towns—your city?”
“Not with rebels straying into them. They hear of you, they will come after you. They would stop at nothing to bring down Dregarus.”
On that terrifying note, she was grateful not to be in their sights.
Sebris waved his hand, and the granite wall groaned and sort of curled up into itself, revealing the exit out into the blinding white snow. “The rebels have contributed a lot to the magic fading even faster,” he said, his jaw as hard as his eyes.
“And destroying the holy forest,” she murmured. “Don’t you have any more Rean trees?”
“We do. The northern one is intact and under heavy guard. Most of the eastern side was destroyed, but there are still a few miles of forest that escaped the fires.”
He lifted a hand, brushing her bangs from her eyes. Her breath stuttered in her throat at his brooding stare. She blurted, “You aren’t going to let the rebels win, are you?”
“Not as long as I breathe…” He frowned, his attention shifting to the entrance. “Wait here—” In a flash, he disappeared toward the narrow cave mouth, leaving her alone in the dense silence.
What the heck? Damn immortal speed.
Brenna hightailed it after him, panting at the stitch in her side from her short sprint. He pushed her behind him and cursed in his language.
“What is it?” She peered around his body. In the distance, a line of darkness approached, like a dark gash in the pristine whiteness. A harsh war-like cry rang out.
“Who are they?” she rasped, fear cascading through her.
“Rebels. They must have been watching this place. Go to the garden.” He flung off his cloak, and then he put something in her hand, the dagger she’d last seen on his study’s desk. “Keep this.” He pushed her back the way they’d come. The air glimmered, and a huge sword appeared in his hand, the weapon almost as tall as him. “Go.”
“Oh, no, I’m not staying in there alone.”
“Dammit, Brenna—” His gaze snapped to her. “I can’t fend them off and keep you warm or safe.”
“Inside there, one of your treacherous plants could accidentally kill me.” She glared, frustrated with her so-called shortcoming of being human.
“Now,” he bit out the icy order. She’d seen him cold before, but at this moment he appeared as if cloaked in darkness, his eyes like glaciers dropping the temperature even further. She swallowed, her tummy cramping. Mouth pinched tight, without another word, she stomped back into the tunnel.
Screams echoed. Swords clanged. Her fingers clenching the weapon; she slowed her footsteps. The grating and shifting of rocks moving resounded in the dense air. She spun back.
“No—nooo!” She raced back as the reforming entrance sealed up, shutting her beneath a bazillion tons of granite. “Sebris!” she screamed, pounding her fists against the rough surface, pain rushing up her hands. “Let me out, let me out! Oh, God, please don’t leave me in here—”
Her throat closed off. Her breath rattled in her chest as if an asthmatic attack had started. No, no! She shut her eyes and sagged against the granite rock face.
Inhaling slowly, she paced her breathing. After several minutes, the panic eased. But her heart remained wedged in her throat. Fearing the total darkness in the tunnel, she picked up the hems of her cloak and dress and gingerly made her way to the brightly lit gardens and river.
