Chapter Nineteen

Callan was upset with me.

Judging from the sound that rumbled up his throat and the tightening grip he had on my shoulder, I’d say he was very upset.

After sharing “I love yous,” Callan and I had been making good use of the bed. And the floor, and the wide windowsill.

Now we were back to the bed for another round.

I chuckled as I continued to tease him by slowly easing my mouth down his shaft and back up, flicking my tongue over the tip while my hand kept a firm but not too tight grip at the base.

Callan lay across the bed, his pants fueling my mischievous torture.

“Penn…Penn.”

The way he gasped my name made my body clench in the best way.

I finally stopped teasing and started to jerk him with my hand while my mouth moved faster, my tongue gliding up and down as I worked him, making sure there was no more than a gentle caress of teeth as I took him as deep as I could. His sounds of frustration became sounds of pleasure, and the hold on my shoulders a delicious pressure as I enjoyed knowing how good I was making him feel.

He gave a gentle tap to let me know if I didn’t stop he’d finish, so I slowed my movements and eased my mouth off with one final lick. I rose up and straddled his waist, sitting up straight, my palms flat against his abs.

“Hi.” He bit his lip as his eyes roved up and down my body. He placed his hands on my hips and kneaded my skin as he took his time enjoying the view.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

I dropped my body, locking my lips to his and falling into a tongue-tangling kiss. Callan’s hands rounded to my back and slid to squeeze my ass, and it was his turn to chuckle at the sound I made when he brought one of his hands back around and slipped it between my legs.

I shifted them open and he slid his finger inside. I bit his bottom lip as pleasure radiated through me and my arousal increased. Callan’s fingers were slick when he pulled them out and I was ready to ride him until I got the release I wanted.

He gripped the back of my head as we kissed, exploring each other’s mouths like they were uncharted territory.

“Kiss me,” he rasped when we broke apart. I gave a little laugh.

“We are kissing.” I kissed around his mouth, flicked my tongue over his bottom lip, nibbled at it like he was my favorite treat.

“Mm…” He moved his hand between my legs again, staring into my eyes as he watched my reaction to his touch. “Kiss me.”

“Oh.” I smiled, biting my lip, then straightened and moved up while he moved down. I straddled his face and he made a contented sound off a deep exhale as he opened his mouth and started to tongue my other lips.

And damn was he good at it.

I rode his mouth, one of my hands flat against his stomach, anchoring me so I wouldn’t fall off as intense, heady, all-consuming sensations thrummed through me. Callan’s tongue was fire as it tasted me, teased me. His lips were a soft caress as they molded to me.

I was hyperstimulated as he worked that mouth on me and I became nothing more than a panting, mewling creature. His hands tight on my ass, keeping me where he wanted me, eating me down until I came, my body shuddering as I threw my head back and sounded my pleasure to the shadows.

I wanted more.

I eased down Callan’s body, my eyes finding his and the devilish grin on his face as he swiped a hand across his mouth. He sat up and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he captured my mouth again, his hands sliding down my damp skin, mine relishing the feel of his; his biceps, the tight muscles at his back, the feel of his abs tightening against my belly.

“More,” I whispered. I rose up and took him in my hand, guiding him into me and lowering myself slowly, slowly, so he could feel every inch of him I took.

His eyes were hazy like he was drunk, but they never left mine as he held me close, as we pressed our bodies together like we could fuse into one.

“Penn.” He shuddered. He was as deep as he could go. I started to move, not too fast, just enough to get a rhythm going. He felt good, so good. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word was like a drug that made me crave him more.

He was holding the back of my head again. We broke from a kiss and he held my face close. Panted breaths mingling, faces close enough for our lips to brush with every inhale.

“You are perfect…for me,” he whispered.

My breath caught.

I was hyperaware of how connected our bodies were, of the rhythm of his heartbeat, of the beads of sweat that slipped down the side of his face. Of the love he had given me and the anguish that he couldn’t be a good enough partner because of the way he had to live now.

“Does that scare you?” His voice was soft and vulnerable. I moved back slightly so I could see him better, my hands cupping the sides of his face.

“No,” I whispered back. “Because you’re right, I am perfect for you.” My lips quirked.

He gave that half smile that I loved before he recaptured my lips.

The kisses were sensuous and deep, our bodies still making slow movements, his grip on my hips tight as I moved, feeling as though I was falling into depths that were both physical and emotional as I lost myself in how it felt to have Callan inside my body and my heart. He held me against him like the world had cleaved apart and he had to keep the pieces together.

I let myself feel him, truly feel him. Let myself be anchored in this moment where we shared the most intimate parts of ourselves with each other. Let myself forget all the devastating ways we could be lost to each other. There was only us, here and now.

I moved faster, riding him hard, enjoying the way I knew he was mine, could feel it in the way he touched me, kissed me, as we made love and he found his release, breathing hard against my neck, his arms crushing me to him as he came.

We fell to the side, tangled in each other, nothing but hard breaths and slick skin, hands that didn’t want to stop touching, mouths that couldn’t get enough of each other.

We basked in the afterglow, and for the first time in a long time, the only emotions I felt were good ones.

…

I gently extricated myself from Callan’s arms, leaving their warmth and protective feeling, and slipped back into his shorts and T-shirt.

The room was dark, making the slant of moonlight that shone through the curtains look stark against the wall and floor.

My lips twitched as I tuned into Callan’s gentle snores. Nowhere near as rumbling as Ashe’s, for which I was grateful. He lay half on his side with one arm flung out, the other draped over his bare chest, the blanket down at his waist.

I had fallen asleep feeling comforted, but it had been a fitful sleep and I finally had to admit I was restless. It would be nice if a romp with your man could magically cure all your issues, but alas, it could not. I was happy for Callan to get some rest though.

I padded out to the living room, not bothering to put on any lights.

Ashe still lay near the sofa, sound asleep. I ran my hand through her fur before I picked up my armor from under the coffee table, remembering that my cell phone, which was likely very dead, was stashed in an inner pocket. I fished around for it and pulled out not only my phone but a small hard object.

It was the pendant Queen Rubiyana had given me. I had completely forgotten about it. I put it down on the coffee table and continued searching for my phone, finally coming to the pocket I’d put it in. Callan’s phone charger would work on mine, too, so I plugged it in then headed to the kitchen for a glass of water.

When I came back to the living room I sat on the couch and glanced at the pendant, which wasn’t much to look at. Well, I’d find a spot for it in my jewelry box and promptly forget about it again.

I reached for it to stuff it back into a pocket in my armor, but as soon as my fingers brushed it, a spark erupted and I released a yelp and snatched my hand back. It had felt like strong static shock.

My eyes widened as I realized the stone was glowing. Then it started rattling against the table. Pressure built up around me like the air was growing thicker, similar to how Temporal magic felt. I rubbed my forearms as an uncomfortable itch settled on my skin.

Magic was rising from the stone in bands of dark red smoke.

I got up and moved away, putting some distance between me and the coffee table. I looked over at Ashe, but she was still asleep.

The red smoke looked like old blood. It coalesced above the stone and hung in the air like a writhing cloud, twisting around itself.

I watched with wide eyes and an open mouth as a form was carved out of that smoke.

A being with a long, sinuous body appeared, seeming both solid and incorporeal.

Its anatomy reminded me of a dragon, complete with a large, crested head around which that red smoke billowed like a mane. Luminous golden eyes pierced the darkness as the strange smoke creature zeroed in on me and a beguiling smile curled its wide mouth.

Its body looked bejeweled, like there were precious stones embedded in it, their colors flashing beneath the smoke that constantly roiled around it.

I wanted to run but felt rooted to the spot. Wanted to shout for Callan and Ashe but couldn’t make my lips move, couldn’t find my voice.

It spoke instead.

Hello, Pennnnnrae, was it? Its mouth didn’t move, but its voice was in my head. Its voice was a papery hiss, like the sound of dried leaves blowing across the ground. I’m sooo glad we’re finally alone. I’ve been waiting to speak with you.

It twisted itself until it was upside down and moved closer to me, continuing to turn its body like it was riding the air currents. My limbs unlocked and I backed away. It laughed, a sound like a gong was hit inside my head.

Fear is not needed, just here for a chat. Think I mean harm? After what I’ve done? What poor treatment, I must say…

“What do you mean after what you’ve done?” I finally found my voice and it thankfully wasn’t too shaky. “Who or what are you…” I stared at the stone, trying to grasp that this…whatever this was…had risen from it like a genie from a lamp.

Good lord, here we go again with some magical nonsense.

I wish…I wish…I wishhhhh, it drawled. You wish…I grant.

My mouth fell open and my eyes widened. Its golden eyes pulsed at me.

Connection…have you made it? Am I known to you now, Penn, Penn, Pennnnn?

There was an item of legendary magic said to be found in Drisdari Forest that had the power to grant wishes. The legend of it had existed even in my first lifetime. I looked at the stone again, my eyes widening.

“Is that…are you…is that a Pfura Stone?” I could hardly get the words out. Queen Rubiyana had given me a Pfura Stone? Most of Drisdari Forest was under her territory’s jurisdiction, and Jarron had lain accusations of poor border patrol, which led to plundering. Was she plundering it too? Did she know she’d given me a Pfura Stone?

What the hell was going on with that queen?

I refocused on the strange entity that billowed a few feet away from me. That was the more pressing issue. Rubiyana and her possession of a Pfura Stone would be a question for tomorrow.

You wish, I grant, it had said. Something clicked and my eyes widened.

“I wish I could get free…”

“I made a wish.” When the Discordant Dark had been about to kill me, I’d spoken those words.

Holy shit.

Yessssss… It drifted closer.

The smokiness of its form wafted against me, bringing a cloying scent like dead flowers. I stood still. It spiraled down my body before floating away, back toward the coffee table where the stone lay.

“You…live inside the Pfura Stone?” I glanced at Ashe again. How was she sleeping through this?

Will not wake, it said as though reading my thoughts. We must meet alone.

“You’re keeping Ashe and Callan asleep? What are you? And what do you want?” Because entities that magically appeared before you always wanted something, and it wasn’t a cup of tea and a chat about the weather.

Guardian, the world slithered through my mind. I am Pfura, of the Stone. I give one for free, any more and you owe me…

“Wait, what?” My brow furrowed. Why did enigmatic entities always speak in riddles?

It turned itself over again, looking at me upside down, those golden eyes shining like headlights. One wish, no price to pay, it said. Make another? You must give what I require.

“And what will you require?” Was I surprised the wishes weren’t free? No. Maybe I was even a little relieved. It meant the power of the stone could be kept in check.

I do not reveal until it is time to collect.

My frown deepened. “You’re saying if I make another wish, I will have to pay a price I won’t know until after the wish is granted.” It reminded me of the deal you entered into when you went to a Diviner for a card reading. Either you abided by whatever they prophesized or went against it and suffered a magical blowback.

“So you’ll give me an eye infection, or split my tongue in three, or…”

It made a disgusted sound. Pain. Infection. You think me so primitive? No. It chuckled, a dark, grating sound. Why would I hurt your form when it will not make you ask for more?

I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean…”

When you wish, I gain, it whispered. But make no mistake, I will not carve my price out of your flesh, but the things I will ask…you may not want me to get. I will come to know you, deep within your soul, Pennnnnrae. My price will be something you hold close. So beware…but do not hesitate to whisper to me for I will always be near…

A cold feeling spread through me. The way Pfura looked at me made me feel as though it had already burrowed deep within my psyche and knew things about me that even I didn’t know.

I can make your family live again, it said, golden eyes flashing. My mind raced as that possibility spiraled through me. Mother, Tsula, father, Dwinor, and pretty, little sister, Kinariiii. I can make them appear…right here…

My mouth was dry, my hands balled into fists. Could Pfura really give me my family back? Give me a lifetime to spend with them?

“I…” Shook my head. This damn entity had slithered into my mind and pulled out the one thing I would want more than anything else. I gathered as much internal strength as I could. I would never stop yearning for my family and the life I would never get to have with them, but I was not about to enter into an agreement with a powerful entity like Pfura.

Only one wish is free, free, free. Its voice was a singsong whisper in my head. Another one and you will owe me.

“And what if I refuse to pay?” Because there were always two sides to every magical coin.

Its smile grew, lips curling cruelly. It wrapped itself around me again and I couldn’t move. I was engulfed in dark, dark red, its scent clogging my nose. I coughed and sputtered but it kept twisting around me and I couldn’t escape.

Then you are mine, came its voice. Inside me, all around me. I take you, you become of me. We, Pfura of the Stone, for all of time.

It slithered away and I was left with that cold feeling and hard truth settling on me.

It was hovering over the Pfura Stone again, its form becoming more shapeless as it began to channel itself back into the stone.

“I’m going to make sure you get back to Drisdari Forest where you belong. I won’t need to make any more wishes.” If I ever came across Xythen again maybe I could give it to him.

Although I couldn’t help but think that a wish or two would solve several serious issues I had on hand. Could I wish away Gideon’s time-walking? Wish for Callan to be able to leave Bastillen and not be Erased? Wish for the Gladius back?

Get rid of the Discordant Dark?

I swallowed again. I was not usually swayed by power, but I couldn’t deny the temptation to use the stone. This was why it was kept in Drisdari Forest. In the wrong hands, the power of the Pfura Stone would be catastrophic. Hell, it could be chaotic even in the right hands.

It laughed again. Keep me near, throw me wide, the bargain is set, one wish has been met. Wish again and I will appear no matter when, no matter where.

Fuck. Getting the stone back to the forest wouldn’t detach me from it? Fantastic.

I hardened my resolve. Sure, there were a few problems in my life a wish could fix, but I was not about to sacrifice any part of myself to make those wishes come true.

Will I see you again? It was almost completely gone, back into the stone.

“No. I don’t need any more wishes.”

Its mocking laughter was still in my head after it was gone.

The pressure eased and I sagged against the wall, clutching my chest where my heart was beating too fast. I wanted to pick up the Pfura Stone and fling it out the window, but I knew that wouldn’t make a difference.

This would have overwhelmed me if I wasn’t already overwhelmed. I steeled myself, then checked on Ashe to make sure she was okay. She roused at my touch and made a sound that conveyed how much she didn’t appreciate being woken up. Okay, she wasn’t in a magical sleep.

Sleep. Sleep sounded good. I stashed the stone back into my armor, then quickly made myself the same draught I’d given Gideon and headed back to Callan, snuggling into his arms and waiting for sleep to take me so I could get Pfura’s golden gaze and unnerving laughter out of my head.

I would always be grateful I had the stone’s help to get away from the Discordant Dark. But I would never use it again.

The echo of Pfura’s laughter chased me to sleep.