Her gaze locks onto mine and her mouth rounds into a little “o” of surprise, and I swear I feel a jolt, like whatever wrapped itself around my heart decided to give it a good yank. I’m stumbling out into the aisle before I even realize what’s happening, no control over my steps, no way to fight the current pulling me toward her. I’m desperate to turn around and look at Drae—to see if he’s as hypnotized as I am—but the idea of tearing my attention from her for even onesecondis unbearable.
A tremor rolls through her body, making the flower petals quake, and I reach for her, so close my fingertips brush the lace covering her arm—
“Augustine.” Drae’s grip around my wrist is painfully strong, jerking my attention away from the girl.
The spell shatters. Westlyn gasps and lowers her eyes, quickly resuming her march toward the altar.
Toward the groom awaiting his bride.
The haze lifts, that crushing force finally releasing its grip on my heart, but a strange feeling lingers.
“I… I miss her.” I press a hand to my chest and turn to Drae, shocked by the strangeness of my words. By the hollow emptiness sweeping through me where only seconds ago there was… something else.
“Drae? Did you feel the… Did you see…” I trail off at the sight of his tightly clenched jaw. At the deadly cold warning in his eyes.
Something is wrong.Verywrong.
“Stay here,” he whispers urgently. “I’ll return as soon as I can.”
“But where are—”
“Augustine.” He grips my shoulder once more, his tone almost desperate now. “Whatever happens, donotlet that girl out of your sight.”
Chapter Eight
WESTLYN
What. In the name of the triple goddess. Wasthat?
Those men... As soon as I felt their eyes on me, I swear my heart stopped. Time stopped.Istopped. For those few breathless moments, I wasn’t even in control of my body. It was like fate decided to take the wheel and bump me out of my own driver’s seat.
I’ve been waiting for you…
Sounds crazy, but those were the exact words that came into my mind when the man with the hazel eyes reached for me. I almost said them out loud too, but right before I found find my voice, the strange, mystical tether so firmly connecting us snapped.
The whole thing was over in a handful of heartbeats, but now, even as I pass the aisle and continue my death march to the end, I still feel the heat of their intense gazes.
Somehow, it feels familiar. Safe. Like a slightly more intense version of the inexplicable connection I felt with the man in the park.
My nerves tingle at the reminder of him, my avenging knight…
No. No, no, no.
Goddess,what iswrongwith me? I’m about to be married to another man. A prominent shadow mage whose family has the power to ensure no harm comes to me or my father ever again. A shadow mage who can provide for me and keep me safe, whether or not love is ever part of the equation.
It’s the best I can hope for, just like everyone always said. And Eloise was right, too—I’mnota child. There’s no room in my life for pointless fantasies.
Resisting the urge to turn back for another look, I take a deep breath, readjust my bouquet, and recommit myself to my family. My duty.
Head held high, happy face locked and loaded, I quicken my pace toward the altar.
But after just a few more steps, I’m nearly breathless again, my throat closing against the cloying scent of the flowers. The distraction with the guys gave my highly-sensitive senses a momentary reprieve from the assault, but now my eyes are watering so badly, I can’t see straight. The cathedral’s legendary beauty is totally lost on me. If Dad and Eloise are in the front pew, I can’t pick them out of the lineup. My groom is no more than a smudge in a tux peering down at me from the altar, the High Priest equally dark and shapeless.
By the time I reach the end, all I want to do is lie down on the floor, press my cheek to the cool stone, and fall into a deep sleep.
Wake me when it’s over.
It’s not until the pipe organ fades and I hear the sharp clearing of a throat that I realize I just said that last part out loud.
