He glanced at Devon as she stood between him and the ala. She stared at the ground, her arms wrapped around herself and her shoulders slumped. Another sharp pain lanced through his chest.
While Peklo was his playground, it was her prison. If he took her back to his bed, she’d enjoy being with him, but her heart would always seek … something else.
He wasn’t sharing her heart with Ulterra. He’d own all of it.
Was he really considering letting her go? He sighed. If he spoke to the other immortal mentally, would she receive it? Some communicated through the mind, and some didn’t.You’ll take another toll and let her pass.
The ala tilted her head.Hmmm,she responded.What are you offering? You have the power of fire, but I have no need for that.She waved her hand.Plenty of fire around here. Your illusion magic is powerful … but that doesn’t tempt me, either.She raked her gaze down his body.Turn your attention to a more worthy partner, yes?
The ala had a unique beauty all her own, but his lust, always a flame ready to turn into a fire, didn’t flare for her at all. He glanced at Devon again.I’ve found the one I want.
That ala’s gaze burned into his, her milky eyes glowing.One night with me, and I’ll change your mind. And I’ll let her leave with her memories.
Fire flamed from his fingertips.You don’t barter with a god. I’ve offered to pay the toll. Take it. I’ll only offer once.Whatever this ala said, whatever measly thing she’d want, it was nothing. A mere trifle.
He sensed the ala’s lust increasing, and it made his tongue want to curl backwards in his mouth. If he hadn’t been certain before, now he knew for sure. His lust would only burn for Devon for the rest of eternity.
When his kind found their mate, there was no other. He was willing to tie himself to yet another boon, only for her.
I can’t leave my mountain and there is something I’d like. Agree to get it for me and she can go, but I’m still taking her memories of you. No one tells me no. If she’s truly yours, then she’ll return to you, won’t she?The ala glanced at Devon.Or maybe not. Mortals seem more inconstant than immortals, don’t they?
He jerked his head in a curt nod.Fine. We have an agreement.
He pushed the barrier he’d created around Devon out farther to surround them both, forming a barrier so they could speak in private. He turned her to face him. A quick flash of his magic, and the dust in his palm turned into a ring again. He slipped it back on her thumb and the word etched on its surface winked in the murky light. He stroked his fingertip over it. “Did you read it?”
She nodded. “Apo—”
He placed his finger on her lips, even though the ala couldn’t hear them. “My true name.”
Her eyes widened. “What—”
“Go to Ulterra.” He held her hand between his and ran this thumb over the ring. “See what it offers, and you’ll realize nothing compares to me. Speak my name and we will reunite.”
A sheen appeared in her eyes. “But I’ll have forgotten you.”
“No one forgets me.” His gaze fell to the pink of her lips. How would they feel against his? They’d done many things together over the past day, but he hadn’t kissed her. What would it feel like to kiss someone?
He slid his hand into her hair, holding her in place, and bent his head so his mouth was only a fraction away from hers. Her lips parted and their breath entangled.
He closed the distance and brushed his lips over hers.
A wrench twisted in his chest, and sparks exploded behind his eyelids. Had the volcano erupted around them? He grabbed her hip and hauled her against him. She belonged here, pressed against his body.
All he wanted was more of her taste on his tongue, so he feasted. He sucked, nipped, then ran the tip of his tongue along the seam of her mouth until she opened for him. She whimpered, and the blood pounded in his ears.
Maybe they were in the underworld, but this was heaven.
He explored her mouth, every nuance of her addictive taste. Delving deeper, he gripped her harder, and she moaned. More. He needed more. There’d never be enough.
As he plundered, he let his magic out in a single small thread and let it seep into her ring. He poured his memories of the past day they’d spent together, from her freeing him from the obelisk, to waking up this morning tangled together. If she forgot, when he kissed her again, it would all return.
With a jerk, he pulled back.
She panted, her lips swollen. “How will I know to say your name if I don’t remember this?”
“You’ll know.”
The ala stood with her arms crossed, staring at them, her face more pointed and feathers cropping up on her shoulders. Hail showered around them.
“It’s time for you to go. Soon the ala will anger me so much I’ll toss her out of her mountain and take it for myself.”
Devon turned and looked over her shoulder at the entrance to the cave. She caressed his ring. “Thank you.”
And Devon walked away.
The ala put her hand on Devon’s shoulder, and a milky vapor drifted from Devon’s head. He watched as they entered the cave and disappeared.
Rerek crossed his arms. He’d get whatever the ala wanted and in the meantime, take over the underworld. Afterward, if he had to burn this place to the ground to get to Devon, he would.
Devon was his and he wouldn’t remain parted from her for long.