Its pulse strengthened, trailing through my veins, winding around my heart, steady and sure.
I was eager to see what I had created, but when I opened my eyes, the land was still—it hadn’t changed at all. But someone was standing in front of me—Lioran.
He studied my expression and held out a cautious hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
The vibration, the feeling—it wasn’t the land at all.
I felt his presence like it was my own.
Cora’s lips pursed.
“Aelira?” Lioran waited.
My throat grew dry, the words faltered as they trailed over my lips. “Sorry, I…I felt…”
“You felt what?”
“You.” I knew the moment I said it that I shouldn’t have.
Lioran’s lips parted. “You felt me?”
My skin simmered with a rising heat. “I think so…” I didn’t even know what it meant.
“Aelira…” He reached for me, but I stepped back.
“No. I’m just tired. Maybe I need to take a break.” Sweat glistened over my palms. I tucked them inside the pockets of my tunic, to conceal everything I felt.
Cora nodded.
Their voices trailed further behind as I stepped onto the stone bridge until only the sound of the rippling stream greeted me.
Cora had moved around the tree, but I didn’t feel her movement at all.
Only his.
Fyn’s words replayed in my mind.
“I’m surprised to see you alone.” The fae lord with the silver hair was standing inches from me. I hadn’t even noticed him approach.
“I was enjoying a moment to myself. I’m sorry, my lord, I don’t recall your name,” I said.
“It’s Lord Elric.” He stepped closer. “It must be a little unnerving to be amongst the fae after growing up in the human realm. I hear Bailoc differs greatly from Nythrel.”
Lioran must trust him. We had discussed how important it was to conceal my identity here, but he knew everything. “Yes, very different.”
“If you ever need someone to show you around the Heart, I am happy to do so.” Lord Elric watched me carefully as he spoke.
I crept backward until I collided with someone—warmth greeted me. Lioran let out a low groan. He folded his arms across his chest as his body pulled from mine.
“I will show her around.” Lioran’s tone was sharp.
“You should rest.” Elric’s gaze flickered with something unspoken. “My offer stands, my lady. If you find yourself in need of company.”
“I will walk you back.” Lioran pressed his hand lightly against my back as he stepped forward. His palm lingered as we stepped away.
I couldn’t look at him.
The water trickled steadily down the stream alongside the path we followed back to the castle. The same energy whirled around me—his energy.
