Alexia's nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protec...
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Fifteen
Unexpected Guests
Salty air grazed his skin as Kiren circled the fountain in the garden, listening for the whisper of feet.
There. Softly, growing louder. He halted and slid into the shadows.
The lady of the house stepped into a circle of moonlight, head down as she wandered forward, her eyes heavy from the lack of sleep, her mouth weighted by sorrow. A white dressing gown hugged her form, setting off her loose raven locks. She sat on the fountain's lip, gazing into the water. Her fingers skimmed the surface and she leaned in, studying her countenance.
Kiren stepped up behind her, soundlessly. "Hello, Sarah."
Her eyes shot wide in the water's reflective ripples. She twisted, jaw slack.
He nodded in greeting.
She shuddered, and wrapped her arms about herself. "Have you come for me? To punish me?"
"No."
Her eyes squeezed closed, head bowing.
He sat next to her and slipped his hand around hers. "I understand you did what had to be done, and you were well within your rights. But now is a dangerous time for you."
She shivered and lifted her eyes. They glistened beneath her lashes, the shadows of a summer canopy where dangerous things happened. He could become trapped there if not cautious, locked in the memory of another mesmerizing stare.
One long lost to him.
A spark of hope shot through her eyes. With a quick intake of breath, her lips parted.
She wanted him to offer again.
He groaned inwardly. It was not too late to change her path, but her disappearance would raise so many questions—having been such a prominent member of society.
Her mouth closed, a hand lifting to cover her face. She had made her decision. He remembered her strangled "yes" at the marriage alter, a single word that had taken all of her resolve to utter. The Earl had discovered the poor girl's weakness—her niece—and threatened to ruin the child if Sarah did not consent to be his wife.
Charles should have prevented that from happening.
Pulling her hand free, Sarah focused on the still, dark water.
"It would be best if you leave this place after the funeral." He rose. "And take care of Alexia."
She blinked up at him. "What does she know of us?"
"Nothing," he said.
"But—"
"It must remain that way," he stated firmly.
Sarah frowned.
He wished he could explain. "Believe me when I say this is for the best."
