AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Raine eased off the rock, wading to the middle of the pool. “You’re right, I hate that idea, but it’s likely our only option.”
Dannika moved to join him. “What do you think he will want? What can we trade?”
Raine glanced at the corner of the cavern. “There are some gems in the cavern. Perhaps the Bokor would accept a monetary payment.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” she said.
They made their way from the pool, using their shadows to dry the water from their bodies before getting dressed.
Raine led them through the mini pools to the cavern entrance. Once outside the mouth, she could see the iridescent circle. She reached out to touch the light.
Her hand burst into flames.
CHAPTER13
Raine grabbed Dannika’s arm, pulling it up as the orange flare illuminated the room. Shadows flickered against the cream rock like iridescent tongues lapping at the night.
Dannika’s jaw dropped as she pushed the breath from her lungs. The flame took one last cursory caress over her fingers before dying off, leaving her skin unmarred. “What was that?”
Raine inspected her skin, looking for any imperfection. “I’m not sure. I’ve never seen that kind of reaction to a light circle, but it didn’t burn you, so you’re not a reaper.”
She pulled her hand away. “Yet.”
Raine grabbed her face with both hands. “I will never let that happen. Tell me about the fire. Did it hurt you?”
She glanced at the muted glow from the cavern floor. “No, it didn’t burn me. Could have given me a heart attack, though.”
Raine smiled. “On that, we agree.”
He couldn’t express what those moments in the cage were like. Raine had been able to use his power to prevent the reapers from biting him, injecting him with more venom, he had been too weak to break from the cage. While his body purged the dark blood, he had created the mirage of black veins using his power of mirrors. He’d had enough power for one trip into the pathway, but he couldn’t leave without Dannika. He’d thought her drinking Killian’s blood was the worst thing he could witness until she’d agreed to the mating ritual. To save him.
“You’re sure you’re alright?” he asked.
Dannika rubbed her hands together. “It’s weird, but I feel energized.”
“If I had to guess, I’d say it has something to do with your ancestor’s blood. Perhaps the light circle recognized you.”
She glanced around the cavern. “Where are the gems?”
Raine went to an opening in the rock and worked his hand inside, grabbing the gems. The emerald and two sapphires were of the highest quality. He had stashed them in the cavern years ago.
He gave them Dannika.
She ran her fingers over the glossy surface. “These are beautiful. It’s a shame we have to give them to the Bokor.”
He took her hand. “Not really. We have many more.”
He shifted to shadow form, waiting for Dannika to do the same. A part of him wanted to control their passage in the pathway, but he suspected Dannika wouldn’t appreciate it a second time. Her independent nature was both a gift and a curse.
He entered the slipstream, allowing his body to dissolve. The wrenching pain reminded him he was still a shadow warrior, still whole, and just a little human. The pathway vibrated as Dannika entered. Soon they were whirling towards the Bokor’s shop.
They exited the pathway at the corner of the building, the same location as last time. Hakim had not let his security go lax. If anything, the wards seemed stronger.
Raine took Dannika’s hand and led her to the entrance of the shop. The door chimed as they entered, and the familiar smell of burning herbs wafted in the air. The cluttered shelves full of mason jars and wooden bowls remained in place.
They approached the front counter as the TV in the back shut off.
Hakim’s yellow eyes bulged when he saw them. “I want nothing from you. Go now.”
