FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls

Whitwood, Isle of Wight

LUCIEN

Mera assumed she’d ridden for several hours. Yet she found it futile to escape the thick cloak of fog or the eerie silence it carried. Her stolen mount shied, she reined him in. Pulling him to a stop she stroked his mane while speaking softly to him.

The horse shifted restlessly. Snorting and shaking his mane.

Mera heard an odd sound. Reminding her of a ship’s sail snapping in wind. She squinted into the fog.

A shadow appeared and disappeared into the clouds.

“I-is someone there?” Despite trying to shout, her voice emerged a choked squeak. There came only an overwhelming absence of noise. Looking around she waited for it again. When nothing happened, she urged the horse forward. The stallion commenced a gallop.

The sound above her resumed.

The fog closed in.

The shadow drew nearer.

Flirting with danger, she pushed the mount. Trying to beat out the thickening fog.

Her thoughts poured to Lucien. She was wondering if the Fogdragon was whatever moved above her in the mist.

It most certainly is. He gave a toothy grin.

The steed stumbled over a fallen tree and toppled. Throwing her.

Rolling her head struck a log and she was instantly unconscious.

Oh shit.

She woke slowly to a chill. Opening weary eyes, she found the fog heavy around them. A tall shadow in a hat and overcoat standing over her.

She knew the deep timbre. “My Lady, you hurt yourself attempting to avoid me. A man could grow insulted at your lack of response to his attentions.”

“I should say not. I’ve responded duly! I’ve fled you, rejected you, and spurned your attentions. How could you indicate a lack of response?”

Quiller-cat. He didn’t miss her scathing tone as she squinted around her.

“I can’t see you?” Rising to her feet unsteadily she put a palm to her forehead. Not seeing him now.

“Steady now.” He warned.

Putting a bracing arm around her shoulders. Don’t fall.

She leaned away from him and he let her as she tipped to balance against the tree.

Despite herself, she’s relieved I’m here. He sensed it as strongly as he’d felt her terror an hour ago.

When I flew overhead.

“Every response you’ve shown is not based on what you desire...” He pursued the banter. “But what you think you shouldn’t…” Facing her, he blew a heavy breath. Giving her energy through his magic. Sending gray dust flakes floating to her from his exhalation.

Her back straightened as her strength returned. “Oh, please My Lord…” She drawled. “Tell me what it is I desire...”

He was quiet. Leaning against a tree leisurely as he watched her massaging her forehead. He saw clearly through the mist as though it moved to allow his gaze.

Eyes narrowing into the taunting fog, she called. “I know you’re still here.”

She feels my presence. That’s good. It means she’s aware of me.

“Well that’s good news, at least.”

Freezing, her body went taut as she sensed his nearness.

She doesn’t know how close…His chest almost pressing her shoulder blades had her scent teasing his nostrils.

She knows I’m here. She’s wondering if I’ll touch her. He heard it in her thoughts. And he was sorely tempted.

Would she slump back against me or jerk away like I’m repugnant?

Probably the latter.

Inhaling the alluring aroma of lilac, he impulsively leaned forward to just let warm lips brush her exposed throat above her collar. Keeping his hands a hairsbreadth from touching her as he framed her neck, shoulders, and arms. The heat of his palms radiating soothingly against her skin.

She moaned softly. Head involuntarily falling back to rest against his shoulder.

His cheek dropped to rest aside her forehead. “It’s me that you desire.”

I’ve made my point. She just melted into me. He wasn’t expecting her head to shoot up and her eyes to snap open.

“It’s not!” She denied, turning to face him and retreating a step.

Ready to scratch my eyes out.

Hellcat. But a smile made his lips twitch.