“Like wispy strands of magic coiling around the core of my abilities,” I said quietly. “They’re pulsing with power. Your powers.” I reached for the one with a more solid link, noting Shade’s essence as I carefully stroked through our connection.
He shivered in response, his blue eyes gleaming brightly. “That’s your Quandary Blood ability,” he whispered. “I can’t see our connection at all. Not like that.”
“What do you see?” I wondered out loud.
“You,” he said softly, his palm caressing my cheek. “Or rather, I feel you. Inside me. In my mind, my heart, my soul.” He leaned into me, his lips brushing mine. “I can sense your emotions. I know when you’re in pain or aroused. Not exactly your thoughts, but close. Like our souls are joined in a way that makes you easier to read. And, of course, I can play in your dreams.”
Entertainment teased his full lips, causing them to twitch as I rolled my eyes in response.
“I’m going to prioritize learning how to block you all,” I muttered. Maybe Ella could tell me. Or one of my textbooks.
“Mmm, I’ll just counter-spell you, little rose. Or maybe I’ll just play with you in reality.” He drew his teeth along my lower lip, his touch promising.
“I don’t know,” I replied, wanting to tease him. “You might not
live up to my dream expectations.”
He chuckled, his breath a kiss of mint against my tongue. “Darling, I’ll surpass every single fantasy, including the ones you shared with Kols.”
I shivered at the thought, recalling the one the Midnight Prince had inflicted on me last night. “That might not be possible after last night.”
“Why? Because he allowed Zeph to join him this time?” Shade appeared darkly amused. “I know my skills, and they absolutely measure up.”
“Right now, you’re all talk.”
“Says the female who came against my thigh last night from just my mouth touching hers,” he replied softly, kissing me again, this time with purpose. “Keep this up, little rose, and I’ll provide you with a demonstration instead of letting you sleep.”
“You’ll probably provide one in my mind anyway,” I retorted.
He smiled against my mouth. “Likely.” Another kiss. “Absolutely.” This time with tongue. “Definitely.” I drifted off in his arms once more, this time with an odd satisfaction lingering in my chest.
One that disappeared when I awoke alone in his bed to find his half of the mattress cold. A black rose rested on his pillow with a note beside it.
Something came up. Dream of me later, little rose. —S
I snorted. “All talk,” I muttered, pushing myself upright to take in the fixtures of his room. They were elegant in a way I sort of expected from him. Dark, too. All obsidian wood with violet furnishings. Very Shade.
But there weren’t any personal items. No photos. No little knickknacks, just the essentials required for living.
Perhaps he didn’t spend much time here.
As he skipped class regularly, that would make sense.
I stretched and slipped from the sheets. The boxers and shirt he’d offered me last night were folded on his bathroom counter with another black rose. I took it as an invitation to shower and change, which I did, his shampoo smelling minty and fresh, just like him.
Tying my hair up into a knot with my long strands, I pulled on his clothes and studied myself in the mirror.
My collar was gone.
I hadn’t noticed it before.
Had it fallen off last night, or had Shade removed it?
Likely last night, which explained how my Elemental Fae abilities had returned. I closed my eyes and smiled as the source welcomed me with an aromatic kiss from the earth. It sort of reminded me of Zeph and his woodsy scent.
Actually, it smelled almost too much like him.
Almost as if—