Valdjan Read online

  Looking down into Ithyll’s upturned face, he realized that she was also depending on him. His chest grew tight. She was so beautiful. This task was so important to her. He didn’t want to let her down. An old, familiar fear made his stomach tighten. Jessa had also depended on him, and when she’d needed him most, there’d been nothing he could do.

  Suddenly, he couldn’t breathe and was stumbling back from her. “Fresh air. Please.”

  She nodded, heading quickly for the entrance.

  He set the sword down carefully on the table and followed her outside, where the cool breeze chilled his body. He drew in deep gulps of air, which soothed the tightening around his lungs.

  She stood close to him, but not too close. “There is a lot of pressure on you, Valdjan.” Her words were soft. “It’s been a long time, but I remember what that’s like.”

  “You do?”

  She nodded. “My parents wanted me to stay on the homeworld, to take my mother’s position in government when she retired. Everyone expected it. But I-I didn’t want to stay. I felt the call of distant lands, unexplored worlds. So I defied them and left the pressure of the homeworld to come to Aurora.”

  He examined her for a moment, trying to fathom that she was fifteen hundred years old. He couldn’t see the age, although he could believe she was from another world. Her hair was lustrous, her skin smooth and almost glowing. Not even the lines around her eyes betrayed her.

  He turned his gaze back to the sky. The sun was going down, and the first stars were beginning to appear. From the bottom of the canyon, they seemed impossibly far away. “I can’t believe your people used to be out there, building an empire between planets.”

  She kicked a tiny pebble into the water. “Like the Ardaks?”

  “No, not like the Ardaks. The elves weren’t slaughtering people on every planet they discovered. I don’t believe that those generals meant for this to happen, and they didn’t know how to handle it when it did. They were doing what they could, what they thought was right. And one thing you can’t forget—the elves might have made the Ardaks what they were, but they are choosing who they are.”

  Ithyll didn’t meet his eyes.

  “This happened before your time, Ithyll. It isn’t your fault.”

  She nodded slowly. “Logically, I know that. But still, it makes me wonder. If I had stayed, would it have made a difference?”

  Valdjan shook his head. “We can never know what might have been. But you know what? You are making a difference. Being the guardian means that you’re helping to ensure that the crystals’ power is used wisely. And now that you know the power can create magical creatures, you’ll be even more careful.”

  She was silent for a few moments, obviously thinking. “I guess that’s why the puzzle was about the magical creatures. So we would know what the crystals are capable of. . .and respect their power.”

  “If that’s the case, it definitely worked.”

  She stepped closer to him, and he put his arm around her. It felt natural, just as talking to her made this surreal situation more bearable.

  He glanced down at her, closer than he had ever been to her face. For a moment, her eyes were open, the look on her face was one of someone in need, yearning for companionship and conversation and friendship.

  Even though she had survived alone for longer than he could imagine, he was certain that Ithyll needed someone.

  For a moment, he wanted to be that someone. To be the man she needed. But as he looked into her golden eyes, he tried to fathom the man he would have to become to be worthy of her.

  She was unlike any female he had ever known. He was facing the tests with a time limit, but she’d been living down here for a thousand years. She had fortitude and resilience, and dedication to her cause. She needed someone like her. Intelligent, deep-thinking, and . . . reserved. Ithyll had a presence about her, a grace that only came with centuries of existence.

  Could he be that man if he passed the tests? If he became the Protector?

  He honestly didn’t know. But the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to find out. For the first time he wondered whether it was the Ardaks, or Ithyll who was driving him to complete the tests.

  Whichever it was, he had to get some rest so he’d be ready for the next challenge. Valdjan sighed and stretched his arms, trying to release the tension.

  She stared at him for a few seconds more, and he wondered if she felt as he did.

  Be realistic, Valdjan. The only reason she’s looking at me is because she hasn’t seen a man in a thousand years.

  He couldn’t forget that she was one of the elves from the village. Once she was free, she would find another elf, and he would be alone again.

  Yet he still found himself staring at her lips.

  He had to think of something else, before he did something he would regret. “Do you know what the second test is like?”

  She tilted her head. “I have no idea.”

  “I know you don’t know the specifics, but do you know anything about it? This one was . . . not what I expected.”

  She tilted her head to the side, her golden eyes fixed on him. “What did you expect?”

  “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Something more . . .”

  “Physical?”

  “Yes,” he admitted.

  She pushed her long white hair back over her shoulder and smiled. “Ever the warrior. But while physical tests are good for strength, it takes more than that to really lead.”

  “What does it take to lead?” He found himself genuinely curious about her answer.

  “I don’t know. A good head. A good heart. The ability to stay cool under pressure . . . and . . .”

  “Balls?” Valdjan finished for her.

  She burst out laughing. “That was not what I was going to say.”

  “Maybe not, but every leader needs the ability to command, and that takes balls.”

  “Then I guess we can assume yours will be put to the test.” She looked pointedly at his crotch before she turned and began to stride toward her cave. “I hope they’re up to the task.”

  He spluttered, tripping over a rock in disbelief as he followed her.

  She glanced over her shoulder and gave him a distinctly knowing smile. “Not what you expected, either, am I?”

  “Nope,” he affirmed. “But, then again, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ithyll

  Ithyll served a hearty soup and watched Valdjan devour it with obvious delight. It had been so long since she’d seen a male, she’d forgotten how they could eat. And Valdjan was the largest male she’d ever seen. By a long shot.

  She tried not to stare at him, to give him space. But the more time she spent with him, the more attractive he became. She wondered if he also found her attractive. She still felt warm from when he’d put his arm around her.

  He had wit and charm, but beneath it was a man with determination and intelligence. His words outside had made her feel better. He didn’t blame her for creating the Ardaks, and realized she had been too young to change it. After everything he’d been through, she wouldn’t blame him if he did—she found it hard not to blame the elders for their mistakes.

  “This is the most delicious soup I’ve ever tasted,” he stated after taking his first bite. “But I guess you’ve had a thousand years to perfect your recipe.”

  Her lips tightened. “Unfortunately, that’s true.”

  Valdjan took another spoonful. “Have you really been alone here all this time?”

  “Yes, except for Paradiso, who visits regularly. I didn’t know it would be so long when I was offered the position.”

  “Who is Paradiso?”

  “He’s my best friend, a bird of paradise. I’m sure you’ll meet him. If you succeed.”

  “I can’t believe your mate would want you to stay here for that length of time, even with such a long life span,” Valdjan muttered. “I would have found a way in.”<
br />
  Blood heated her cheeks. Perhaps he did find her attractive. “I’m not mated.”

  She could have sworn he looked pleased at the fact, but he quickly covered it with a question. “Weren’t you five hundred years old when you became the guardian?”

  “Yes, but back on Melamar, it was very young. At a thousand years was when we would typically choose a mate, and our life spans typically exceeded three thousand years.”

  “Three thousand years?” His expression was incredulous. “Such a life span seems impossible. Almost eternal.”

  “Yes. But it is theorized that our life spans are going to be shorter on Aurora because this planet lacks the intrinsic magic of the homeworld.”

  “Your world has its own magic?”

  She nodded, relishing the chance to talk about her homeworld. “It was so long ago, but I remember its natural beauty as being exquisite. Everything seemed to glow with the magical life force. Outside the cities, the trees and animals would speak. Even the smallest spider spoke to us in a language we could understand.” She glanced around the cave. “This planet is so different. I’m not sure I would want a longer life span on Aurora. Even a thousand years has felt eternal here in Dor Lorien.”

  “Is that the name for the canyon?”

  She nodded. “Yes, the name for the canyon. It means the echoing place.”

  He grunted. “That’s beautiful.”

  “Hmmm.” The sound was noncommittal. It had been more beautiful when she first arrived. But over time, the beauty of the place had become lost to her as she chafed at her confinement. “A canyon might be safer, but a mountaintop would have had more of a view. Anyway, had I not accepted when I was chosen, I probably would have mated in the next couple of centuries. Are you mated?”

  Valdjan coughed and set down his spoon. “I was.” He grimaced before clearing his throat and continuing, “I mated young, and she passed away a year before the Ardaks invaded. We weren’t even a hundred yet.”

  “Is that young for your race?” She didn’t know much about the mountain people, save rumors of their size and strength . . . and stamina. She tried to ignore the rush of blood to her face at the thought that he was also unmated. Ignore the shame of thinking of him like that while he spoke of his lost mate.

  “Yes, kind of. The oldest of us live around five hundred years.” He bit into the bread. “I never thought I would lose her so young.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.” Simple words that she meant to the very depths of her soul.

  “Thank you.” He cleared his throat. “It was a rarity at the time. But during the Ardak invasion, I saw so many of us lose our mates. And children. It made me glad I had never had children.”

  It sounded like there were few children left. “I suppose your attitude toward offspring will have to change once the war is over.”

  “Why?”

  “Continuity of the species, right?”

  He had taken another spoonful of soup and choked. “Why don’t we just see if I can pass these damn tests first? Once I succeed, then we can discuss my offspring.”

  He was correct, of course, and she had no business trying to discuss his future possible offspring.

  “Anyway, you should be looking forward to the same thing. When you leave here, you can have offspring of your own. After you find a mate.”

  It was her turn to grimace. “I saw Nirhjar yesterday while you were in the test. He offered to take care of both of those issues.”

  “What?” His eyes narrowed. “Who’s Nirhjar?”

  For the first time, she thought he might be jealous. “The king of the mermen.”

  “He was here?” Valdjan scanned the cave. “How did he get past your magic?”

  She wished she hadn’t told him, because now she’d have to admit that she didn’t know. “I have no idea how he got past the magic. Paradiso is investigating it for me.”

  “What did Nirhjar say, exactly?”

  “He offered to make me his queen if I would teach their children magic and give him the crystals.”

  “What?” Every muscle in Valdjan’s body tensed. “What did you say?”

  She wondered if he was jealous. “I accepted with open arms and left this tiny cave to live the lavish life of an underwater queen.”

  As his expression grew distant, she realized he didn’t know she was joking. A soft scoff rolled from her throat. “What do you think I said? I declined his offer. He wasn’t happy.”

  Some of the tension left him, and to her relief, he smiled grimly. “I can imagine. Why did you reject him?”

  “I don’t know.” She shuddered. “There’s just something about him that I don’t trust. And he wants the crystals, which are not in my power to give.” She glanced back at the wall. “Not even I can open the chamber. A champion has to win the key for it to open.” She paused. “Also, even if I could give him the crystals, Nirhjar wouldn’t be able to use them himself. Only elven females have an affinity for using crystals, and if the merpeople evolved through elven magic, I would assume they are the same.”

  He had been watching her closely, his brows furrowed with concern. “How angry was he when he left? Do you feel like you’re in danger?”

  “He was fairly angry. But no—” She hesitated. “Maybe. The best thing you can do is pass the tests. Then we can both get out of here.”

  “I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” he promised. “You let me know if he bothers you again.”

  She was touched, and from the look in his eyes, he meant what he said.

  “Anyway, back to our earlier conversation—I’m fairly confident about passing the final two tests. I’m also pretty confident I can help repopulate the species.” He gave her a sidelong glance, with an expression of interest she’d never seen before.

  She knew she was blushing this time. “Don’t look at me. We’re not even the same species.”

  He clapped a hand over his heart. “That hurts. Are you saying you don’t find me attractive?”

  Was he flirting with her?

  Perhaps mentioning Nirjhar had been a good thing, after all. She inadvertently glanced at his lips, which he saw, and his face lit up.

  “I’m the only man you’ve seen in a thousand years, and I’m not even a little attractive?”

  She relented slightly. “All right, I’ll give you that. You are . . . attractive.”

  He put down his spoon. “How long has it been since you danced?”

  “Danced?”

  “Yes. Swayed to music under the stars.”

  “A few days.”

  “With a partner.”

  Oh. Well, that had been a bit longer.

  “That was what I thought.” Rising, he grabbed her hand, not giving her time to think about it. “The stars should be completely out now.”

  “You want to dance? Together? Now?” She didn’t resist as he pulled her toward the entrance, his strides shortened so she could match them. “I don’t know if I remember how.”

  She waved her hand as they reached the door and then they were both outside under the stars. The moon was half-full, lending its light to their path, and the rush of water was its own kind of music.

  Valdjan stopped and turned to her before sweeping his arms out and gave her a gallant bow. “Shall we?”

  She was silent for a few moments, watching him. This was dangerous. So dangerous. She knew from heartspeaking him that Valdjan had been through his share of grief. The loss of his mate, the Ardak invasion. But even after all of that, his heart was true.

  If he fell for her, he would protect her, defend her, and never let her go.

  It was tempting. She’d been alone for so long, but she’d been alone for a reason, one she couldn’t forget.

  She was the guardian of the crystals.

  She couldn’t leave. Wasn’t free to fall in love.

  Unless he passes the tests.

  Which he might.

  When he held out his hands and stepped closer, she found herself
powerless to tell him no. If he was going to die tomorrow, then at least he would have one recent memory not filled with loss.

  She was mesmerized by his bright brown eyes. He didn’t move away, his focus completely on her.

  When she took his hands, he began to move. He hummed a gentle tune, his steps easy for her to follow. They glided down the bank of the river, his wordless melody guiding them. When he spun her in a circle and then caught her in his arms, she lost her breath for a moment.

  Then he swept her away again, his arm around her securely, his gaze focused solely on her.

  She was breathless, but not from the dance. Every time his body brushed against hers, she felt more conflicted. She was the guardian, and he was the champion.

  Yet there she was, falling deeper and deeper under his spell.

  When the dance finally ended, they stopped, their arms still around each other as if neither of them wanted to let go. His eyes found hers, his gaze inscrutable.

  Very slowly, his hand rose to the side of her face, and he closed the distance between them. His lips covered hers, and she forgot to breathe.

  Tingles spread outward from her lips, up to her head, making her feel dizzy before moving down to her stomach and spreading warmth through her.

  His lips were soft, warm, moving against her own in a hesitant, feather light coaxing until her lips parted and his tongue could quest inside.

  She felt awkward, as if her body didn’t know what to do. It had been longer than a thousand years since she’d been kissed. Since she’d been touched.

  Was it ever like this?

  She couldn’t remember, but she didn’t think so. Her magic had never tingled before.

  Valdjan held her gently, as if she were the most precious thing in the world, as his lips teased at hers, encouraging her to take him deeper. There was hunger, desire, but there was tenderness, as well.

  This was a man who had been a good mate. She could feel the caring in his touch as he caressed her back, made her feel comfortable in his arms even as he roused her desire.

  She savored every sensation, every moment.

  He broke away, and it was almost as if she were entranced. Bemused, she looked up at him and realized the tingles weren’t going away.