Chapter 16

Alaric woke in the darkness. Elowyn was stirring against him and he stared anxiously at her.

“Hi.” She smiled faintly at him.

“Hi. Do you feel better?”

She moved cautiously. “Aye. How is Torren?”

“He’ll live, thanks to you.”

She turned her head slowly, groaning a little, and he sat up.

“Should I get Seraphine?”

“No. Please—lie back down with me. It helps.”

He relaxed back against the pillow and she curled up against him, staring up at him. He cupped her face, stroking her pale cheek with his thumb, and then dipped his head and placed a gentle kiss on her mouth. She returned the kiss, smiling a little, and he kissed her again.

When she didn’t resist, he turned until he was facing her and tugged gently on her braid until she tilted her head back. He kissed her neck, sucking and licking at the soft skin until she was moving restlessly against him.

“Alaric.” She sighed and he captured her mouth with his, kissing her until her l