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Valen considered his limited options. No, they weren’t limited. They were nonexistent. He would have more luck trying to battle against a hurricane than to contain the wild magic.
Accepting that he could stand there and witness Peri’s death, or join her, Valen squared his shoulders. The decision was easy. He didn’t want to continue in this particular existence if his beautiful mage wasn’t at his side.
Walking steadily forward, he didn’t allow himself to think about what was going to happen. It didn’t matter. Not as long as he was with Peri.
As if sensing his approach, Peri lowered her head, her eyes widening as she caught sight of him. Her features twisted into an expression of horror as she frantically shook her head.
He ignored her terror, each step taking him closer and closer to the lightning that sizzled around her. And with each step he waited for the strike that would bring an end to his current existence. But it never came.
Tightening her jaw, Peri visibly battled to keep the magic from touching him, weaving a tunnel that allowed him to reach her with nothing more than a few scorched spots that would heal.
His relief, however, was tempered by the sight of Peri’s ashen face and the deep circles beneath her magnificent eyes. The magic was draining her at an alarming rate. Unless she gained control it would kill her.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her tight against him. “Peri, let go.”
She clutched his shoulders, the scent of her panic wrapping around him. “I can’t.”
“Yes, you can.” He buried his face in her hair. “I’ve got you.”
She stubbornly shook her head. “You have to get out of here.”
“Release the magic, Peri,” he whispered in her ear. “I won’t let you fall.”
For an agonizing moment, Valen feared that she wouldn’t be capable of shutting off the power that was killing her. Then, with a primal scream that came from the depths of her soul, Peri released one last blast of magic before collapsing against him. A blinding light exploded through the cabin and Valen heard Tia cry out in pain, but a second later the light was gone and darkness filled the cabin as Peri fainted in his arms.
* * *
Peri was floating in a vortex of lightning, the power thundering through her like a hurricane. It was glorious.
This is who you were meant to be…
The strange voice whispered in the back of her mind, and Peri laughed with joy. Yes, she’d always known that there was something different about her. Even after she’d transformed into a mage she’d suspected that there was a magic inside her that was unlike any other. Even Maya.
She didn’t know how or why she’d been born with the ability to tap into her wild magic, but it’d always been there. Just waiting for the right moment to reveal itself.
Reveling in the sense of immeasurable power, Peri abruptly realized she was no longer alone. The cool, utterly male scent teased at her before she caught sight of him walking toward her. The joy was replaced with horror as she watched the lightning slam into his body with devastating force.
“No!” she screamed, holding out her hand in warning. But still he came, the flesh melting from his face as he grimly battled to reach her. “Valen.”
“I’m here.” Gentle fingers brushed over her cheek, the cool touch thankfully penetrating her nightmare.
With a low groan, she wrenched open her eyes, baffled to discover Valen seated on the edge of the bed, leaning over her. He looked as beautiful as ever with his golden hair gleaming in the muted light and his eyes shimmering like liquid mercury. But, oddly, he wasn’t wearing one of his expensive tailored suits or a soft cashmere sweater and slacks. He had nothing on but a loose pair of workout shorts that hung low on his waist to reveal the vast expanse of his hard, chiseled chest. It was shocking to see him in such casual clothing.
And more than a little arousing.
Feeling a blush stain her cheeks, she wiggled until she was sitting up with a pillow propped behind her. Then, clearing her throat, she glanced around. The bedroom was as large as most New York apartments, with a glass wall that overlooked the city. The vastness of the space was emphasized by the silver carpeting that matched the walls and ceiling. Even the furniture was painted with a silver luster. The only splash of color was the navy blue comforter that covered the king-size bed.
The stark, elegant style suited Valen.
She glanced back, meeting his watchful gaze. “I assume this is your penthouse?”
He held her gaze. “Our home.”
“Our.” Her heart zigzagged out of control, trying to lodge in her throat.
“That’s the hope.”
Peri glanced down. She couldn’t think when she was lost in those silver eyes. That’s when she realized she was wearing an unfamiliar silk robe and nothing else.
