Page 106 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

Irritated by his own thoughts, he muttered, “Move faster.”

Amelia tore her attention away from the markings and shot him a sharp look. She resented being bossed about, but he didn’t care. His priority was ensuring their survival.

Further along, the tunnel split into three paths. After a brief exchange of glances, they chose the leftmost one. The passage opened into a small, cosy chamber, candlelight flickering across the walls. A wide leather mat and a woollen blanket lay in the corner, suggesting someone had been sleeping there. Nearby, a stone shelf held two metal mugs and a glass bottle filled with red liquid.

Amelia pointed to the far side of the room. “There’s something over there.”

Mikhail approached the crevice in the rock. It formed a narrow alcove about the height of an average man. Inside, someone had chiselled compartments into the wall, each holding rectangular tiles.

Amelia stepped into the alcove and pulled one free, running her fingers over the engraving on its surface. A closer inspection revealed the tile comprised two panels bound like a book. She opened it, and a small puff of dust rose from the yellowed parchment inside. The tiles were actually books – gemstones and intricate illustrations adorned them, though written in a language Mikhail couldn’t decipher.

She reached for another tile, but before she could examine it, voices echoed through the tunnel.

“Damn it, someone’s coming,” Mikhail hissed.

They exchanged a glance. Amelia shoved the book into its slot while Mikhail scanned the alcove. The room wouldn’t accommodate them both, considering his size, but they didn’thave much choice, since the voices were growing louder, accompanied by quick footsteps.

He pulled Amelia into the tight space, pressing his spine against the cold stone and wrapping his arms around her waist to hold her close. Her back was flush against his chest, and his chin rested lightly on the top of her head.

A woman’s laughter filled the chamber. Moments later, they heard the clinking of metal as someone began filling the mugs.

“I love Mabon!” a woman exclaimed.

“Do you love Mabon, or do you love me, little witch?” a man said.

Balian.

Mikhail felt Amelia tense.

“I love Mabon because it’s the only day of the year I get to see you.” The woman’s voice softened. “And because the autumn equinox has… a particular effect on me.”

“What kind of effect, my treasure?” Balian’s tone dripped with amusement.

Another laugh. “Don’t call me that, Balian. I’m afraid one day you’ll slip up in front of Sonan.”

“Not a chance. And when that day comes, you’ll finally be free of that incompetent fool.”

“Hmm, arrogant as ever. Sonan may not have your magic, but that doesn’t make him useless.”

Balian chuckled. “I’m not here to talk about your husband, Zara. I’m here to give you memories that’ll last you for the next three hundred and sixty-four days we’re apart.”

Fuck.Mikhail tightened his hold on Amelia. For a heartbeat, he thought she’d stopped breathing, but then she shifted slightly, her hair brushing against his chin. Her subtle citrus scent filled his senses again. Thank the stars witches didn’t have heightened olfactory abilities like some other species.

“I missed these two,” Balian murmured, eliciting anothergiggle from Zara, followed by a stifled moan – enough to conjure unwanted images in Mikhail’s mind. “And this one here…” Balian’s voice dropped to a husky whisper. “I’ll lickheruntil you’re dripping all over my mouth.”

Amelia twitched in his hands. Unconsciously, his grip on her waist had tightened, ensuring she wouldn’t slip out of the alcove. Not that those two outside would notice anything at this moment.

“Spread your thighs for me, witch…”

The woman moaned. “Balian…”

“Let me see your beautiful…”

For heaven’s sake. Why couldn’t Balian finally shut up and get on with it? If they carried on like this, they wouldn’t finish until sunset.

“In the name of Mabon!” the woman cried.

There was no response from Balian this time, offering Mikhail a shred of hope that the witcher had got between her legs and was focused on the task at hand.