"No more than Tharen could," the female replied. The Prima’s name was a bolt of lightning racing under Luella’s skin. "Prima mages control only the four elemental magics. We do not control the powers of Solis or Luna. That is entirely up to her. Though, there are no more glamors, and no outside sources to affect her powers." Once more, she met Luella’s eyes. "So long as you train and truly want to master your power, you can and will. I have faith in you."
Bastian sighed, and the sound drew Luella’s attention. The vampire passed a hand over his lower face. Luella had the sense this was not the information they’d been hoping for; though, Luella would not fault Emarelia for it. She seemed kind, she had known her mother, and she had tried to keep Luella safe in the best way she could—that alone was enough for Luella.
They continued to talk. Mostly Vale and Emarelia, but every once in a while, Bastian chimed in. Az and Graves stayed utterly silent, like Luella.
Vale was cryptic when the nature of Luella’s powers was brought up, merely sharing that the Fates were involved and there was a prophecy, to which Emarelia replied, "The Fates are fickle. Better not to test them."
And that was that. No more questions, no more prodding. Just understanding and curiosity.
Luella had never felt ashamed of her Vincire before. The female’s unwavering attention on her and how Az kept a firm grip on her ankle, Vale a hand on her thigh, Bastian giving a sensual smile and wink when Luella met his gaze—even thoughthe vampire seemed wary—and Gravesalwayswatching. She could not help but shrink back. This wasn’t normal, was it?
Who was she to know what normal was? She had known nothing forever, trapped in her tower.
"Where is Merath?" Graves asked, and Luella could not help but flinch from the sound of his rasping voice. He stood close by, arms crossed, wings outstretched.
"I did not want her to come." Emarelia smiled. "Can you blame me, seeing as you ambushed me as soon as I arrived?"
"We wouldn’t hurt her," Graves said plainly.
"I know. But would you risk it forher?" Emarelia inclined her head toward Luella. When Graves tensed, she laughed darkly. "I thought so. I will let her come next time. I think she’d like to meet you, dear Luella."
Luella nodded. "Okay." She was unable to dredge up any more words. All she could think of was where Tharen had gone off to.
As they conversed more, Luella found her eyelids slipping shut with drowsiness. Az’s gentle strokes on her ankle only made her body sag more. It was comforting. Vale’s hand on her thigh never left her, his thumb gently rubbing in a soothing back and forth motion, making the thin fabric of her skirt rustle faintly.
Her jaw threatened to crack with a yawn, and she raised a hand to press it over her mouth.
Vale was so warm, and even in the heat of the Isles, the night made the air cool. She shivered, leaning closer to the dragon shifter to seek his warmth. Through the billowing curtains leading outside, the drone of insects buzzed.
Luella jerked when she found her head falling against Vale’s shoulder. He stilled mid-sentence with Emarelia, squeezing Luella’s thigh as he said, "Rest, darling. You are safe here."
She grew tense. She would notleanon him.
"I can see you are tired." Emarelia stood, smoothing over the fabric of her gown. "I will take my leave. It is late." Her dark hair swished around her chin as her roving head paused on Luella, nestled close to Vale. "I will return to you, however, dear Luella. I believe we have much to discuss."
After Emarelia left, Vale had urged Luella to stand, and Az had quickly taken her hand, looming over her as he’d helped her to her room.
But not before Bastian had found her and pressed a gentle kiss to her brow, the subtle prick of his fangs against her temple like a warning, murmuring, "Sleep well, pet. I believe I have a vow to hold you to. Soon."
So, now, she was wound up, and rest seemed a far-off thing.
Az lounged on the bed, the white sheets pooling around his waist, his chest bare, muscles gleaming and tempting in the little candlelight.
"Come to bed, angel," her demon beckoned with an outstretched hand.
Her bare feet traced a restless path on the stone, leaving only invisible footprints. Back and forth. Back and forth. Hand against her mouth, teeth digging into lower lip. Mind wandering, and feet unsteady.
Luella did not stop pacing as she said, "I cannot sleep." Her wings fluttered behind her, the soft rustling noises barely able to be heard over the crashing waves beyond the curtains or the thick breeze gusting against them.
She felt the sudden, pressing urge to be out there. Right in the midst of it.
Her feet took her to the curtains, and she pulled them aside, the heavy wind immediately assaulting her and making her nearly tumble back from the force of it.
She breathed in, drawing it deep inside her, feeling her chest expand.
"Lu," Az called gently, "what can I do to help?"
She turned, shaken from her trance of staring at the seafoam curling against the rocks. Each crashing wave sent spray upwards. It was too far away to feel, but she imagined it would tickle her skin.
