42. Our Moment in Time
Our Moment in Time
Fintan
Without the smoke and oppression, Randale was a rather fair city.
Cahira twirled through the streets with the people.
A large glass bottle in one hand and the other wrapped around the shoulders of a man who lifted her off her feet, spinning wildly.
Her laughter was light and free, imprinting across his heart.
The man placed her on the ground and swung his next partner.
Fintan took the opportunity to sweep in and grip her around her waist. Blue eyes sparkled with merriment and the warm effects of too much alcohol.
“Isn’t this marvelous?” Cahira shouted over the lively music. “Look around, we’ve done this.”
Fintan nodded. At the moment, he was more concerned for Cahira and what state of mind she was in.
They had all agreed her father must die.
It had always been a careless idea tossed between the inner circle in hopeless jest. Now, it was as real as the woman in his arms. The realization scared him to death. He wondered what it was doing to her.
“I wish I could freeze time.” She rested her hands against her knees, catching her breath. “I would never leave this moment. Look at how happy they all are.”
“It’s wonderful,” he said softly.
Cahira’s face grew serious, her happiness replaced by misery. “It’s temporary,” she muttered under her breath. She took a long swig from the bottle.
His gaze roamed the street. They only had this night.
One night to cherish their victory and rebuild their foundations.
He could pretend time had stopped. This was the happy end they all deserved.
A cool breeze, void of smoke and debris, drifted across his skin drawing his attention to the outskirts of the city.
“Come on.” He wrapped his hand around hers and pulled her away from the crowd.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Just follow me.”
A giggle escaped her lips as they jumped over carts and pushed through people. They reached the edge of the city where the road was replaced by soft grass.
“Who knew Randale actually held beauty,” she said.
He looked at her. “Sometimes it’s not the city which makes it beautiful.”
Cahira threw him a knowing look but the subtle blush creeping up her neck, and blooming across her cheeks, brought a smile to his lips.
The moonlight shone down, creating a halo across her face and in her blonde hair.
Nothing was more perfect than this moment.
If he could freeze time, this would be his moment.
A field of winter flowers swayed around them.
She ran through the field, laughing as tiny firelights landed on her shoulders and arms.
“Catch up!” She ran through the branches of a weeping willow near a small stream.
“I’m coming,” he laughed, closing the distance.
He stopped in front of the willow tree, gazing in awe at the sky.
The moon had painted the heavens with cool hues of midnight and silver, starlight and moon shade.
The sun had made its descent hours ago. While the night had begun to chill, delicious promises warmed him thoroughly.
A light wind caressed the leaves of the tree, parting them.
He pushed through them softly and stopped at the sight.
Tiny firelights wrapped themselves around every branch and trunk.
Their luminescent wings shimmered like crystals casting them in a dazzling glow.
A soft giggle drew him toward the middle as he watched Cahira spin in awe.
Her gaze caught his and a heartbreaking smile broke across her face.
Her blush deepened as she took a step closer.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked sheepishly.
Fintan shook his head, closing the distance. “You know why.”
His heart raced as he drew her into his arms, pushing her against the solid tree.
His lips brushed against hers and he smiled at the softness of her lips.
He deepened the kiss, the need to feel and taste every drop of her raged through his blood.
Gently biting her lip he pulled, forcing her to lift her head.
He dipped his tongue, tasting the honeyed liquor she had gorged on.
A small moan escaped her, making every fiber in his body tense. His fingers ran through her hair, pulling her against him until every curve folded into him.
“Tell me anyways,” she broke the kiss to smile against his lips.
“I’m thinking of how you have bewitched me, Cahira.” He planted a kiss on her right cheek. “Oceane,” Left cheek. “Wren,” Forehead. “Valencia.” He claimed her lips. “Even the gods above are jealous of us — of me.”
Delicate fingers caressed his face as she smiled up at him.
“Then I should thank the gods every second for bringing you to me,” she whispered into his ear.
He chuckled darkly as she nipped his ear lobe playfully. His fingers caressed her high cheekbones and strong jawline, lightly tracing circles down her long neck. He felt her swallow against his hand.
“Promise me,” she said. “Promise me this is our forever. No matter what happens, between us, the inner circle, anything. This is our moment.”
Fintan gazed into her eyes. Trust and love sparkled as sure as the moon above them.
“I promise.”
He planted a kiss on her neck and trailed down to her collarbone.
With nimble fingers he unbuckled her leather vest. He reached for the clips in her hair pulling them out, relishing the soft thud as they hit the ground.
Blonde hair flowed down her shoulders in thick waves.
If he thought she couldn’t get any more beautiful, he was wrong.
“I want to always remember this,” she whispered against his chest.
“I’ll make sure I take my time.” His words claimed her heart, and with his lips he claimed her very being.