Page 285 of Volik

His body is covered in a robe that looks real. As real as the sword lying on the slab beside him.

He’s tall. Lying flat on his back. Hands hidden in sleeves but folded over his stomach.

The man’s hood is pulled up, and the dark fabric covers every bit of him.

Except his face.

And his face is… handsome.

My gaze trails over his features.

Closed eyes with long dark lashes. Masculine cheekbones and a strong jaw covered in a beard.

His lips are slightly parted. And they look soft.

He looks relaxed in sleep.

My brain worries that the word might be death. But my heart rejects that finality.

His hair is long, trailing down over his shoulders, and dark to match his lashes.

I need to see more. Need to see through the shadows his hood is casting over his face.

My eyes bounce all over his features as the need to memorize every inch of him takes over my actions.

I swallow as my pulse vibrates in my throat.

Something is sticking through his hood.

Something shining in the dark.

Something pointy and black and…

I have to see.

I stretch my hand over the man’s face, reaching to push back the fabric.

I need to see.

Need to know if those are… horns.

But when my hand is over his face, I freeze.

And…

My heart stops.

Panic flares through my body.

My heart just stopped.

My hand stays frozen.

My heart has seriously stopped.

Why has my heart stopped!?

Panic blends with fear as my chest tightens. And feels heavier?