Page 38 of Magic & Secrets (Twisted Magic #1)
THE ELVES brOUGHT CALLA a gown to wear during the feast. The dress shimmered in purple, blue, and green. Her arms and shoulders were bare, as was the upper part of her breasts. Calla looked exquisite, yet I couldn’t stop growling.
“You can’t wear this around other males,” I insisted while she brushed her golden hair.
Calla only smiled before swinging her hips and admiring how the dress shimmered in her reflection.
“You walked into Elatalora without a stitch of clothing,” she said when my growling continued. “I never insisted you cover up. Now, you must show restraint.”
“I didn’t look like this,” I said and brushed my fingers along the soft fabric. “You should remove the dress now.”
“Wait, do you want me to attend the feast in the nude?”
“No, I want you naked.”
Calla swooned as my mating desire filled the air. “One more time,” she murmured and reached behind her to untie the dress, which tumbled to the floor. “Just to tide us over until we’re back in this room after the feast.”
Leaping into my arms, Calla kissed my lips and moaned into my mouth. We toppled back onto the fancy Elven bed. Our bodies tangled together, craving pleasure.
If I had the power at my fingertips to transport us anywhere, we would travel to my favorite spot on Mt. Elysium. No one would bother us for weeks. We could enjoy each other without the infernal knocking at the door.
Finally, after the Elven guards’ third attempt to rouse us from the room, we opened the door. Walking close to me, Calla seemed otherworldly in her dress. All my self-control was necessary to keep my fingers from sliding through her hair flowing down her bare back.
My mate bond insisted I remain focused. We were not safe in Elatalora. I was no good to Calla if my instincts were dulled by desire.
Following our guide down a long hallway, we entered a large hall filled with Elves, both leaders and warriors. Hanging from the vaulted ceiling of dark timber beams were a half dozen chandeliers fashioned from antlers.
Long wooden tables stretched the length of the hall. A roaring stone ingleside crackled and warmed the room. The scent of roasted meat and vegetables filled my nostrils.
The Elves lifted their drinks and toasted me as I passed. Despite their smiling faces, I felt them judging my earlier behavior. After their tribute, I didn’t immediately reciprocate their friendliness. I allowed their formal smiles to fade into concerned scowls. Calla stood icy calm next to me.
Just as I felt the Elves considering who should break the silence, I smiled and clapped my hands together.
“I forgot how fanciful you Elves make these events.”
Their unease faded, and chuckles broke out. I glanced at Calla, who showed no reaction except for a slight stroke of her pinkie finger against mine. She understood how I wanted these Elves on edge. The more focused they were on their safety, the less likely they were to challenge us.
An Elven leader called Simnia guided us to a long table at the front of the hall where we were to sit as the guests of honor. Based on how blind he was to Calla, I doubted he was a member of the Gathering.
As a feast of stuffed elk and grilled vegetables was set before us, I noticed Mali lingering in the background. Unlike every other Elf in the festive room, Mali wasn’t concerned with me. He only saw Calla.
“Is your hunt complete?” Simnia asked after offering his condolences to the lost Bane Shifters.
“The main culprits are dead. Their allies are likely with the rogue Elves in Balzica Territory. That’s a problem for another day. Tomorrow, after sunrise, I intend to begin my journey back to Mt. Elysium and inform Tempe what’s happened.”
“Why not allow the Elven Empire to transport you closer to your destination?” Simnia asked. “How long before Tempe grows concerned over your absence?”
“A week or two.”
“It’s been over a week since the slaughter at Haven Junction.”
A scowl worked its way onto my face as I glanced at Calla. She patted my hand and nodded as if unconcerned by his words. Despite her casual response, she was also troubled about the lost time.
“Consider my offer,” Simnia insisted. “Traveling by foot will take at least a week.”
Nodding, I tried my hand at politicking by explaining, “I have my concerns over trusting my fate to the Elven Empire.”
“Whyever would you be concerned?” Simnia asked, startled by my confession. “The Elven Empire has your kind to thank for our continued existence. Von Ehlinger sent their Armgard warriors to destroy everything we had built. The Bane Shifters extinguished the threat when we couldn’t.”
My gaze flashed to Mali sitting far away as if he might hide his secrets if he created enough distance from the evidence.
“The whole of the Elven Empire doesn’t concern me. Individuals within your council have split loyalties. I must consider if one of them might decide to drop me into the darkest ocean rather than return me to Mt. Elysium.”
Simnia glanced around the hall, echoing with chatter from the many Elves. I accepted he wasn’t involved in the Gathering. Simnia showed no reluctance to believe me, and his gaze lingered on no one in the room.
“Is the one stirring your concerns within reach as we speak?” he asked in a hushed voice.
“He eats with us, yes. Not only him, but possibly others. I suspect he plots ways to rid the world of me.”
Simnia looked me over and asked with utter honesty, “What weapon forged could kill a Bane Shifter?”
“The same one capable of doing so before. Von Ehlinger by another name emerges at the corners of Lavinia, waiting for their opportunity to claim ownership of the Territories.”
Simnia leaned back in his chair and stroked his chin.
“This might explain the Murade’s recent behavior.
The council believed the humans were plotting for action across the seas.
We have heard rumors of land located beyond the storms. We assumed, perchance incorrectly so, the recent activity at Operation Overlord was related to the Murade’s plans to send a war force to claim the land.
Perhaps, instead, they know of this new threat within Lavinia. ”
“There is also the Cult of Ivitithi to the south,” I said, considering what Calla would want shared. “What recent activity has taken place at Operation Overlord?”
“Strange lights and noises. Rumors of experiments with ancient magic. Several explosions and deaths have been reported.”
“Toying with ancient magic is how the Murade made my kind.”
Simnia nodded. “That has always been the assumption.”
I glanced at Calla, who showed no reaction except for a casual stroke of my leg under the table. She knew as well as I did that our battles may be far from over.
Nodding, I muttered, “Trouble from this cult in the southern Balzica Territory. The Murade conjuring spells they can’t control in the northern Zorata Territory. And a secret society is rising in the Arbdorre Territory. The world has changed while I was on my mountain.”
Simnia could barely sit still next to me. He ached to call his council and discuss these matters. However, he must recognize not everyone he spoke to should be trusted.
“Our conversation could put you in danger,” I told him.
“If ancient magic has returned to the Territories, your life matters more than mine,” Simnia said earnestly. “The Elven Empire can’t fight such magic. Our survival depends on the Bane Shifters rallying again to protect those within Lavinia.”
His words crashed down on me, leaving my thoughts spinning and my mouth silent. I only wanted to bring Calla to Mt. Elysium and live quietly together. More war to save the Territories was only something I imagined in my nightmares.
Calla claimed we were pieces on a game board, moved around by unseen forces. I loathed to be a slave to another master.
Once my gaze flashed to Calla, the fear around my heart unclenched. These unseen forces had brought her to me. Nothing felt more perfect than my love for my mate. If the price of her presence in my life was more war, I’d gladly pay it.