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“That’s a conversation for another time. Look”—he nudged his chin toward the center of the glade—“it’s starting.”
I wanted to ask him what he meant, but I didn’t want to upset him like that night in the courtyard. So, instead, I reluctantly followed his line of sight, not seeing what he did. “Where?”
He placed a gentle finger on my chin, his touch burning into my flesh, and moved my head toward the ray of light. “Right there.” His voice was a gruff whisper, and I pinched my arm, punishing my treacherous body’s reaction.
With a sharp breath, I observed the light, but only dust particles trickled through the stream.
I searched and searched, yet I didn’t see anything. So, I stood, my bones whining. “I’m going to get a better look.”
Talon nodded and remained where he sat as I wandered into the center of the glade. The faint tendrils of giggles grew louder the closer I got, as did the rapid sound of wings buzzing. I glanced back at Talon, and he smiled—the warm one that made my chest swell—as he encouraged me to keep going.
I bit my cheek and turned back around, my brows arching to my hairline as they came into view.
There were hundreds of them. Sprites of all varieties flew and danced in between the warm rays of light like a harp, their wings beating as fast as a hummingbird. They laughed and sang as they glided through the air, flipping and twisting with unadulterated happiness.
“Come here and see this!” I yelled.
I marveled at how some appeared sharp and angular, while others were softer and cherub-like. There were sprites that resembled leaves and twigs, and others shaped like insects and birds. All of them, however, were no bigger than the size of my thumbs, their wings ranging in all shapes and sizes.
Talon appeared on the other side of the stream and dipped his hand into the light. The sprites giggled and danced around his nimble fingers, and I stepped closer, following his lead. The sudden warmth traveled up my arm, down my spine, filling every empty nook and cranny of my being.
The flutter of their wings tickled the tips of my fingers, and I laughed, unable to contain it. I’d never seen or experienced something as mesmerizing or delightful in my entire life. Their blithe spirit unfolded like a flower, and joy glowed inside me.
My fingers accidentally brushed against Talon’s knuckles, and I pulled away, meeting his gaze under heavy lashes.
He kept his hand up, reading my reaction—waiting. Curious.
I bit my lip, slowly holding my palm to his until our skin nearly touched. The energy that crackled between us was almost as intoxicating as the warmth of the light. It forced me to draw a shaky breath, letting my fingers caress the tips of his. Over his callouses. Our gazes never leaving each other.
Though his face was unreadable, he didn’t move, didn’t retreat, allowing me access to touch. Feel.
The forest vanished.
The Flight of the Lumen faded into nothing.
The only thing that existed was me and Talon as I laced our fingers together. A sense of calmness washed over me, forgetting about every challenge and trial that lay ahead when Talon closed his hand around mine and squeezed.
His features softened, like he too had finally taken a full breath and, one step later, the distance between us closed. Our chests pressed together with each rogue breath, and I reached up, gliding my fingers down his jaw.
Talon leaned into my touch, pulling me closer until we shared a breath. My grip on his tightened, and I stood on my tiptoes, ready to give in to impulse, when the stream disappeared behind a cloud, leaving us in the dark. In the cold.
Reality slammed into me, the icy splash of air waking me from a stupor as if I’d been drunk off the light.
“Oh, my stars!” I jerked away from his embrace, slamming my hands into his chest, embarrassed. “What was that?”
Talon took a step back, his head cocked as he observed me, confused. Or was he also embarrassed?
My fingers traced my mouth, mortified we’d almost kissed, and I paced the forest floor—imagining if his lips were as soft as I dreamed about. No, no, no. I couldn’t think right. Crossing my arms across my chest, I ground my molars together to keep from shivering, missing the warmth of the light. Of Talon.
This wasn’t good.
He pushed a hand through his hair and let it linger at the nape of his neck. His thoughts and gaze were somewhere else entirely, and I craved to know what distracted him. Was he thinking about?—
No! I turned around, shaking my head. Shaking sense into my thick skull.
“Elowyn,” Talon tried, my name like molasses on his tongue, sending a pulse to my core.
I waved my hand. “Don’t.”
