I felt myself melting in his gaze. Craving him closer to me, but here in the open it couldn’t be risked. Anyone could see if I so much as held his hand.
“Lioran…” I whispered.
He angled himself toward me as he whispered back, “Yes?”
“I wish we were alone together.” The words felt dangerous as they left my lips. I had never said that to anyone, but with him it was different. I needed him closer. He brought me to life.
He inhaled deeply. His words releasing with an exhale. “When you are ready for it, we will be.” My eyes met his for only a heartbeat. A slow but steady grin spread across his face. “For now, it’s safer for us to remain here.”
“You don’t think I’m ready?”
“I want you to be sure of it.” He thrust the bow back into my hands, but lingered at my side. “Focus on the target, Aelira.”
The arrow settled on the bow as he exhaled sharply.
“I would be happy to, but you’re standing too close to me.”
His eyebrow rose as he stepped back.
“I didn’t say I wanted you to move.”
“I can’t take you hinting at anything else. Just focus on the target.”
“Oh I am.” My shoulders relaxed as I held the stance, the string gnawing at my cheek as I released the arrow. The tip plunged into the center of the target.
“You’re unbelievable.”
“Well thank you.” I leaned the bow leaned against the tree, sitting in the grass beneath it.
“Planning to grow some flowers?” He sat beside me.
“We haven’t tried our magic together since we healed the tree.”
“Would you like to?”
“Eager to make something bloom?” I chuckled. “It’s all I really know how to do.”
“That is not what Cora tells me. I hear you also make willow tree branches grow.”
“Yes, most impressive.”
“I’m just teasing you, you can do so much more.”
“I want to call the little bird like you did. Will you show me?”
“Of all the things, I can do…that is what you wish me to show you? You know we could practice calling for magical creatures like the sylkren instead.”
“No…I think I’ll let you handle that one.”
His melodic laughter boomed. “I’m sure the little bird would be delighted to see you again.”
We slid behind the massive tree beside us. His fingers cradled mine, until my palm settled into his. For a moment, no one could see.
“Relax and imagine the little yellow bird.” He braced my hand, and didn’t move from my side.
Nothing happened.
He closed his eyes, his magic sifted over my hand like a gentle trace of his fingertips.
