A Clash Of Light And Thunder (War Of The Forgotten Lovers Book 1)

Where Allies Meet

Silver eyes pinned Aria to the spot. Her tongue twisted into a tight knot, halting her words deep in her throat.

She did not expect to see him ever again. Elvin's broad chest rose and fell to the rhythm of sharp breaths — like he ran for miles. His moon-colored hair stuck to the side of his sweet glistening cheeks. A red tint covered his sun-kissed skin. He looked so unpolished, unkempt.

Guilt spread through her entire body. She could only imagine what Elvin must have felt when he woke alone. The remnants of panic still labored his handsome face.

The silence lingered, widening the space between them — each refusing to acknowledge the strain between them. For once, they did... there would be only one outcome. One that would tear them apart.

Aria imagined anything from insults and curses to tears and hugs if she ever saw him. But not this. Not this unbearable silence. It tore here inside to stare into his pools of liquid silver and see the usual thundering energy be non-existent.

Aria's heart screamed, commanded that she go to Elvin and try to explain. But fear cemented her feet to the ground. But what did it matter, even if he understood, if he forgave her... she could not return with him.

He was a dream she was never to have.

Elvin turned to the still twisting crocodile. He grasped the end of the metal spear. Thunder ripped through his arm, down the stem of the weapon, and into the croc's head. The reptile went limp as Elvin wrenched the lance from the tree. Sparks of lightning spread through the spear as it transformed into a sword. Once transmuted, he swung the blade against the air, clearing it of blood.

Elvin's back straightened, his body becoming stiff as he turned his unswerving gaze to Aria again. His fine jaw clenched when his eyes noted the mud and crimson blood that covered her body. "You are hurt," he said, voice rough.

He stepped forward.

She stepped back.

"You shouldn't have followed me," Aria muttered under her breath.

"What am I to do when the female I just declared my affections to disappears in the middle of the night?" He made stepped forward but froze halfway. "Why, Aria? Was it something I did? Did I hurt you?"

"No, it was nothing you did. I overheard your conversation with the king about my sister. I can't let her marry that evil man... so I have to leave."

"So you needed a way out? Was that what I was?" The mask Elvin wore shattered into a thousand pieces. His lips bent into a thin line and silver brows furrowed. He glared at her as he stalked forward. "You shouldn't have used me. Tell me, Aria, was anything that you said real?"

Aria stumbled back. Her back pressed against the harsh bark as she stuttered, "I... I meant—"

Elvin growled. His face came to a mere breath away from Aria. Elvin looked repulsed as he said, "Or did you just feel like you had to fuck me? Was that it? You thought I'll open my legs for him and use his trust to leave?" His eyes saddened like he was in pain. "I should have known better than to let myself get wrapped around your fingers."

The words were like a dagger on her back. Anger fueled her hand, and before she knew it, her palm smacked hard against his right cheek. "You have no right to say such cruel things to me!" She jammed her hands against his chest, forcing him to retreat. "You know how I feel about you! I didn't sleep with you because I thought it was my way out; I did it because I wanted to, and I trusted you enough to give myself to you. Because I knew you would hold me with care... like no one else could. Because I love you."