Midnight Cove

Chapter Nine: Forest Floored

"Oh my..." The thought trailed off. My hands instinctively flew in front of my mouth. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Cove stood in front of me, the vision of a warrior faery. His sculpted torso was all the more intimidating with his immense wings towering over him. I took two steps back, attempting to get a better look.

His massive silk wings, like those of a butterfly, were an iridescent blue intricately woven on a black velvet background. They swooped up and out, away from his body. His lower set of wings matched the same shimmery pattern and stopped at his ankles. It was breathtaking, and tears streamed down my face. I knew I was in love with Cove, but looking at him in his faerie form was too much for any one person. I put my face into my hands and wept at his beauty.

Before I could stop myself, Cove's arms were around me, soothing me. I fought to control my emotions and I looked up into Cove's loving face. He looked so much like an angel, I couldn't help but feel in awe of him. He touched the side of my face with the back of his hand. His caress felt good and I leaned into it, he smiled down at me.

I cleared my throat, "I thought we were the same size when we're shrunk?" I said, trying to distract myself from my unwarranted emotions and his overwhelming beauty. I vividly remembered the first time he kissed me.

"Yes, well, as I said before, I wasn't really paying attention that time." He looked so cute as a sheepish grin crossed his face. I couldn't help myself, I reached up on my tiptoes and pecked him on the lips. The mild look of shock apparent for a moment, then his satisfied smile returned.

Cove stood up straight and his wings snapped to attention.  He pulled my body close to his and wrapped my arms around his neck.  My only warning, a sly smile lurking about his soft full lips.

"Hold on," Cove said, but we were already off the ground.

I squealed with delight as my stomach dropped and I became weightless. He was so much stronger than I could have imagined. Cove showed no sign of strain as we were projected into the air. My body's weight was an irrelevant factor for him. It was terrifying and yet, I was thrilled. Better than any roller coaster, but unfortunately the ride seemed to be just as short lived.

Instead of my feet hitting the ground, I landed amidst the tree canopy of the garden. I had gone from the bottom to the top in less than a minute but what unnerved me most was the leaf under my feet. It felt slick and bouncy. One mistake and I would be a bug splat on the path below.

Cove laughed, "You look worried." At least he hadn't loosened his hold on me. I was very grateful at that moment that he could read my feelings.

"I don't know if I can walk on this." My voice shook and I tightened my grip on Cove's neck.  He continued smiling down at me. I think he was enjoying my finally being intimidated by something.

"How did you feel about the flight?" Cove's eyes lit up.  He loved to fly. Even if I couldn't read his heart, I could read his face.

"I loved it," I said. It was a rush, and I couldn't hide my own pleasure.

"Really?" Cove said surprise coloring his tone. It was apparent, my answer thrilled him. "Would you care if I went faster?" He paused eyeing me cautiously, "Could you handle it?"

I was shocked, and mildly insulted that he thought I couldn't handle a little speed. I wanted to rebuke him for doubting me, but I preferred more to fly than to argue.

"Yes!" I was practically bouncing with excitement.

Cove seized the moment, quickly kissing me on the lips as he tightened his grip on my waist. "Hold on," he said.