Panic and regret flooded me as I continued to push more magic into her. Why had I refused to accept the soul-bond? I was a fool. A stupid, weak fool.
The goddess had gifted me the most perfect, beautiful mate in the entire universe, and I’d thrown that gift away.
Please come back to me.
Her limp body twitched in my arms.
If you die, I will follow you beyond the veil.
Her chest rose and fell.
You are my mate.
One breath, and then another.
You are mine, and I am yours.
Her pretty violet eyes opened and stared at me in shock. I broke the seal between our mouths, and she gasped.
“I can breathe! How is that possible?”
Her arms snaked around my neck, and I pulled her closer, pushing more magic into her to warm her icy body. There were more effective warming spells, but my magic reserves were now so low I didn’t want to risk her losing the ability to take in oxygen underwater. Being able to breathe was the most important thing.
“Magic.”
“Is this why we can speak in our minds?”
“Yes.”She shivered and clung to me while staring around the cavern, taking in the glowing walls.
“It’s beautiful down here, but so cold.”
“I know, my sweet witch. Let me check to see if the cetus has gone, then we can head to the surface and get back onto the boat.”
“Is that the thing you said would attack me? The monster from your vision?”
I nodded. “I saw a bridge over a gorge in my vision, but the decisions made prior to the event can change the final outcome.”Her whole body trembled, and not only from the cold.
“Stars above, I hope I never see that thing again.”
I’d make sure it didn’t survive a second encounter. At least I’d badly wounded it. It would likely die from its injuries. Or another predator would take advantage of its weakened state and kill it for me.
“Wait here for a moment. I’ll be right back.” Raven kicked her legs and nodded as I released her. With a powerful flick of my tail, I swam to the cave’s opening and peered out into the gloom. A few salmon appeared, their iridescent scales shimmering as they swam in lazy circles.
The cetus must have gone. The salmon knew better than to hang around a predator.
Some of the tension left me. I swam back into the cavern and took Raven’s hand.
“Climb onto my back and wrap your arms around my neck. Whatever happens, do not let go.”
“I won’t let go.”
“Raven, I promise nothing will happen to you.”
“I know, Kai. I trust you.” She chewed her lip for a moment before lunging forward and kissing me. The shock of her lips touching mine caused me to freeze before the magic between us flared. Instead of pulling away as I would have done before, I tightened my grip on her slender body, marveling at how perfectly her curves fit my hard lines.
Now that I had her in my arms, I vowed never to let her go again.
30
