Chapter 6 – Alex
Chapter Six
ALEX
Sun, moon, and stars above, that kiss was my undoing.
My arms ache as I pass bucket after bucket until the flames finally die down, my thoughts consumed with nothing but the sensation of her lips and when I might possibly taste her again.
Is she finally coming around to the attraction between us?
The banter and jibing finally leading to what we both clearly want?
I scan the hall for her, but she’s nowhere to be seen.
My heart sinks as the bell tolls the hour.
Night has come, and she’s lost to the swan once again.
True love’s kiss, my ass. Clearly that is a joke meant to remain in fairy tales.
But isn’t she a fairy tale? And where the hells did that fire come from?
I’m mad at myself for not finding her earlier in the day, but after Father demanded I return home, I knew I couldn’t keep putting it off, especially if there was any chance of us traveling together. I don’t know if Rae was able to convince her to go.
“Alex!”
I turn and am immediately met with Kian’s concerned gaze.
“Is everything all right? What in the hells happened here?”
“I wish I could tell you,” I reply, pulling him away from listening ears. “One second I was kissing Sera and—”
“You were kissing Sera?” Kian chokes out. “By the gods, that is the absolute last thing I expected you to say.”
I run a hand over my face. “You and me both.”
“It was so hot, you both went up in smoke?” Kian teases.
“Something like that.” I laugh.
“Where did she go?”
I nod toward the gardens. “It’s time.”
“Damn. Not going to lie, a part of me was hoping a kiss might have broken the curse.”
“We’re not in some fairytale, Ki, though it’s cute you thought that.”
“One can dream.” He lets out a slow breath.
“Walk with me? I need to change,” I grimace, looking at my damp, singed clothing.
“Sure.”
“Where’s Rae?”
“Resting before she takes her shift.”
“Is she all right?”
“Oh, she’s all right.” Kian winks.
“Hells, keep that shit to yourself. She’s my friend now so it’s weird.”
A laugh bursts out of him. “Sorry, I just can’t get enough of her.” He bumps my shoulder with his. “Who knows? Maybe Sera will finally come around and you can spend your nights—” Kian’s face falls. “I’m sorry, that was super insensitive. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s fine, Ki, I knew what you meant, but I don’t think Sera and I will be sharing any nights together for quite some time.”
“Of all creatures, why did the fae curse choose a swan?” Kian asks.
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “Oddly enough, it fits her. She can be just as biting and cantankerous as a swan, that’s for sure . . . not to mention graceful. The way she moves is like water. So fluid.”
“Be sure to tell her that tomorrow when you see her.”
“If I see her. It’s been almost impossible to catch her. She’s been avoiding me.”
“Can you blame her? You were so pissed after all the betrayals. Perhaps she was merely trying to give you space.”
“Perhaps.”
“Not to mention, she’s dealing with a lot.”
“You think I don’t know that?” I growl. “Of course she’s dealing with a lot. It would just be nice if, for one godsdamned second, she would let me in. I want to be there for her and find a way to help.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t think this will be as simple a solution as a kiss or some magical tonic.”
“No, I think this will prove far more complicated.”
“Would you like to go out tonight? For old times’ sake?” Kian asks.
“I thought you were retiring the mask?” I say under my breath.
“There’s always some justice to be served,” Kian quips. “At the very least, we can go to Lou’s and eavesdrop a little. Perhaps there are other ways the Shadow can be of service.”
I nod. I could use the distraction, and Kian’s alter ego could definitely provide that.