Zaro and Anthony connect hands and make their way into the illuminated waves. As they walk deeper, vibrant blue streaks follow behind them before eventually returning todarkness. Nightling must be activated by movement, which explains why the shore is glowing and not the rest of the sea.
“Come! Join us!” Anthony motions to the beach and one by one guests begin to descend into the water.
“It’s tradition,” Danielle says, grabbing Reign’s hand.
The rest follow, still fully clothed in gold. Squeals and whimpers escape their throats when they’re met with the icy chill of the Infinite Sea. Danielle releases Reign and joins her brother a few feet away.
I watch from the shore as Reign submerges herself completely. When she comes back up, electric blue water drips down her body in a way that reminds me of our time under the glittering fall the last time we visited.
She’s mesmerizing underneath the moonlight. Stealing my breath away with every move she makes. Her hands take turns activating streaks of Nightling as she spins in slow circles. I’ve never met anyone who appreciates the world like she does. Maybe it’s because of how she grew up or because she died, but she doesn’t take moments for granted. She takes them in like she’s etching each one into her memory.
I’m so captivated by her that my heart skips when she catches me watching. She smiles softly, nodding for me to join her. It’s the only invitation I need. I would follow her anywhere and everywhere if she let me.
“Isn’t this amazing?” she asks, filling her palms with a pool of water.
“It is. I’ve never seen this before.”
“Really? I would’ve thought you’d have seen everything by now.”
I put my hand over my heart. “Was that a shot at my age? Are you calling me old, Miss Calloway?”
“Not old, simply…experienced.”
Her smirk widens into a smile when I scoop her in my arms and spin her around in the water. “You’re right. I am experienced.”
Her cheeks quickly blush, and I take it as my victory, releasing her from my grip. Not because I want to, but because I’m trying to respect her boundaries in front of Damien.
“I have a question to ask you,” she says, still staying close to me.
“Mhm…” She giggles like she’s embarrassed to ask and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. “Yes, Princess?”
“Do your shadows work underwater?”
Not in a million years would I have guessed that was going to be her question. Then again, that’s just another one of the many things I love about her. Always keeping me on my toes with that beautiful, wondering mind of hers.
“You tell me,” I say as I begin running one up her bare leg that is hidden beneath the dark sea.
Her jaw drops open and her eyes go wide. That is, until my ribbon of shadow reaches the inner part of her thigh. I pull it back before I get myself into any trouble and she almost looks disappointed when I do. I can tell by the rapid rise and fall of her chest that it was enough to leave her wanting more and cruel satisfaction settles within me, watching her try to compose herself.
However, the charged moment is cut short when Amaya and Zane come running over. Their timing, though inconvenient, is probably for the best. The others quickly rejoin us and as the group grows so does the distance between me and Reign.
Once the night has ended and we’ve all dispersed to our rooms to dry off, it still feels like there’s unfinished business. I try. Ireallytry to respect her boundaries, but I only have somuch willpower left and it’s just not enough to stay away from her.
When I appear in her room, she doesn’t look the least bit surprised. In fact, it’s almost as if she was waiting for me, still dressed in the gold gown that was perfectly made for her body.
“I know I shouldn’t be here but—”
“Shh.” She places her finger over my lips, stopping me. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Suddenly my heart is beating out of my chest.
Is this it? Is this where she chooses Damien over me? Is this where she says she doesn’t feel the same way?
Her hands work their way through my hair and slowly trail down my chest, pausing in the middle as she looks up at me with that heart-stopping gaze that haunts me every time I close my eyes.
“Let me start by saying that I know I’ve been selfish lately. I needed time to work out my feelings and I know that hasn’t been easy on anyone.”
“You don’t have to do this,” I say, placing my hands over hers. “I understand.” I begin to remove her hands from my chest, but she fights me, pushing them back.
