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She glanced over her shoulder. Through the shrubbery behind which she was hidden, she could see a golden glow at the top of the gorge.
Margetta had followed them.
Though a thousand feet distant, the Ancient Fae was no doubt searching the shallow bank along the river. Regan wasn’t sure Margetta would actually be able to see them, but she didn’t want to risk being caught.
We have to leave, she pathed to Ian. Margetta is standing on the outcropping staring into the gorge.
Does she have Invictus with her?
No.
Then, we’re out of here.
Ian became one fluid movement as he pulled her against him, while holding her wrist tight to his mouth. He swept her swiftly downriver, flying close to the water through Dark Gorge. Faster and faster he went as her blood restored him.
Ian was one of the most powerful vampires in all the Nine Realms. Even if Margetta chose right now to summon Invictus to chase them, they’d never catch up.
Regan faced forward as Ian flew her to safety. Dark Gorge was one of the wonders of the Nine Realms. It spanned both Camberlaune and Tannisford Realms as did the Dauphaire Mountain Range. The length of the gorge was nearly two-hundred miles with a high plain on the southern slope and the tallest mountains of all the realms on the northern side. Because not all realm-folk could fly, dozens of bridges spanned the gorge.
With one arm wrapped around Ian’s neck, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this close to him. But it had to be centuries. She could feel his numerous thick rings as he held her wrist to his mouth.
The sensation of his suckling sent shivers of desire all along her arm. Being this close, she sniffed his skin at his neck. His cologne reminded her of the forest, deep in the darkest places where the soil was rich with life-giving humus. She wondered what it was called. Whatever it was, it did something to her and she might have to buy a bottle just to enjoy the fragrance now and then.
She couldn’t believe she was here, in Ian’s arms, or that she’d escaped the powerful Ancient Fae.
For a month, she’d lived under Margetta’s rule and some of that time had been physically painful. Now she was flying through Dark Gorge and she was safe.
Tears of relief and gratitude stung her eyes. She took deep breaths to calm her spirit and silently sent prayers of thanksgiving to the Goddess.
She also couldn’t have done it alone. Thank you for being there, Ian. I’d still be a prisoner otherwise. Thank you so much.
You’re safe. That’s all that matters.
Though she sensed he was no longer in danger of sliding into a coma, she was glad that as he flew he continued taking down her life force.
After a moment, her thoughts turned to the first day of her imprisonment. Though it wasn’t the most significant thing that had happened, it had meant everything to her. Margetta burned my clothes when I arrived, including my coat.
Continuing to suckle steadily, Ian pathed, The black leather one you were wearing when I saw you in Swanicott?
Yes.
Was it the same coat you were trying on at the open air market, what, thirty years ago?
She turned her face toward him a little. I’m stunned you remember. But yes, that’s the coat.
He chuckled, a low seductive sound that reached into her chest and grabbed her heart. I watched while you bought it then put it on for good. It looked great. You know that’s something I always liked about you. Here you were this serious fae teacher, almost a prophet among the Fae Guild circle. Yet you didn’t mind wearing black leather and a lot of make-up. I always thought you’d look good on the back of my Harley.
Her hand touched his bare shoulder, reminding her he never wore the traditional woven shirts all Guardsmen sported. The Guard coats hung to mid-calf but were sleeveless. I had no idea you’d stuck around to watch me.
Oh, I did. Had a good long look. I almost headed back in your direction about a dozen times. Now here we are, flying down Dark Gorge together.
Yep, here they were, but she had no idea what would happen next. They’d spent the last few centuries in strained silence because of their previous relationship. It had ended with a lot of blame on his part, and heartache on hers. Now he’d rescued her from Margetta’s fortress.
We’re getting close to my house. You’ve never been here, have you?
No, never. But I heard Zane talk about it a lot, especially when the house was under construction. I understand Mastyr Seth inspired you.
He did. Absolutely. Though half my home sits on solid rock. Seth’s hangs off the side of the Walvashorr gorge. I also have a view of the mountains beyond and as I recall Seth’s is smack up against the forest.
