“You haven’t even tried!”
“Some things aren’t possible for magics.”
“Says the person who’s had Essence for a week!”
The fear in Fenn’s eyes mirrored her own. “I won’t risk you being crushed.”
“I’m not leaving you!” Serenna shrieked, her voice echoing against the silent squeeze of stone. Horror twisted through her gut, breaths coming in too fast as her panic spiraled out of control. “I’m not moving until you make me.” She swallowed against the tightness in her throat, choked by everything she’d left unsaid—the truth. “And you’re only going to dothatif you warp us away.”
Fenn released a dark chuckle through his clenched fangs, clearly at the end of his battle. “Take the key around my neck and release yourself. Don’t you have shield magics? Wrap one around yourself and get out of here.”
Serenna snatched the Heart from the ground, clutching it to her chest. “I don’t know if I can tap into both powers at the same time—it’s something I’ve never tried before.”
“And yet you’re asking the same of me,” Fenn growled, a rightful accusation.
“I’ve seen Lykor warp and wield Essence.” Serenna chewed at her lip, considering Fenn’s argument while his body strained under her fingertips. “So you’re capable too.”
Fenn’s eyes dashed around the cavern, searching for another option.
“Warp us, Lieutenant,” Serenna hissed, on the verge of tears, her voice clogged with emotion. “I’m going to lose my hold on the magma as soon as you jump us, but you have time before the fire floods this chamber.” Her fingers tightened against his arm. “Use it.”
The cavern shook. Fenn’s power faltered, rocks slipping past his wavering control of force. “I’ve told you before to not ask of me—”
“I’m not asking. I’m telling,” Serenna snapped, struggling to see through the burning in her eyes. “Two jumps,” she said, squeezing him tight. “One to the top of the stairs. And one up to the bridge.” A tear fell and she angrily wiped it away. “Fenn,” she whispered. “Please.”
Something broke in his gaze, and it shattered her heart. Serenna knew she had him. This was her fault, manipulating him to the point where he’d accepted her power. And now she was pressuring him beyond what his capabilities might be.
Serenna moved her palm to cradle Fenn’s cheek. Her chest caved in as his eyes searched hers, silently pleading. Unable to speak, too scared to put her thoughts into words, she did the only thing that made any sense in the chaos of her confusion. It could fracture his concentration. But if she was going to die here, she wouldn’t do it without—
Serenna kissed him.
Fenn sharply inhaled sharply against her mouth. A part of her almost wished that he’d push her away. Scorn her. She didn’t deserve his feelings for her. Not after selfishly using him to twist together a plan that failed to unfold.
But his lips pressed back into hers, stealing the air from her lungs. The way their mouths met was soft. Sweet and tender, soothing like a spring rain. It was easy. Carefree. Just like everything else about him.
Somehow, despite the peril, Serenna felt safe in a way thatshe never had before. And those complicated thoughts she’d kept buried—denied all these weeks—bubbled up in her chest like the magma threatening to envelop them.
Serenna flinched as she heard the chamber crash in around them.
CHAPTER 47
SERENNA
Fenn seized Serenna’s waist, hauling her into a whirlwind of darkness. Her knees buckled as the world spun. Vision swimming, Serenna tumbled through open air until she landed on a hard surface—spared from the magma.
Through the haze of her panic, she slowly blinked her surroundings into focus. Chest heaving, splayed on her back across the stone archway, Serenna reflexively reached out, searching for Fenn.
Finding him sprawled out beside her, no sooner than their eyes met, they both burst into laughter. Whether it be from the brush with death or simply joy from still being alive, she couldn’t say.
Feet nearly dangling off the edge of the bridge, Fenn dragged his claw over his face, still chuckling. Panic lifting from her chest, Serenna salvaged her breath, staring up at the cavern ceiling. A swirl of snow spiraled in through the natural openings, melting before it reached them. The magma hissed below, settling back against the stony floor.
Serenna uncoiled her fingers from around the Heart stillclutched to her chest, setting the relic aside. Glancing over at Fenn, he’d propped himself up on an elbow, angled toward her. The corner of his lip lifted in that quirky way she found endearing, eyes catching the flames below.
With the back of his finger, he brushed a stray strand of hair away from her cheek. “There’s my she-elf.”
Something settled in Serenna’s heart as it ceased belonging just to her. It was a gentle claiming, like a butterfly landing on a flower. Her mouth automatically curved in response as her gaze roamed over the face of a courageous warrior. Her friend, one who didn’t hesitate to throw himself in danger. A fearless protector—almost to a fault.
The chamber faded while what she wanted came into focus. Serenna’s eyes must’ve given away the rest. She didn’t know who moved first, but her mouth crashed into Fenn’s at the same time as his crashed into hers.
