Page 84 of The Dark Mage

The seamstress beamed.“Yes, she has the perfect figure for a structured bodice.”

Fael leaned closer, whispering loud enough for Ren’wyn to hear, “I’m thinking I shouldn’t let her out on the street atall.”

Ren’wyn caught his wink in the mirror, and the seamstress laughed before shooing her back into the dressingroom.

Ren’wyn changed into the pink outfit and stepped out to show Fael.But as she caught her reflection, a cold wave of memory swept over her.She was suddenly back in Erst’s manor, standing helpless as he leered at her in her wedding gown.Her feet faltered.

Fael was at her side in an instant, his arms wrapping securely around her waist as her vision blurred.The seamstress needed no instruction to give them space and stepped quietlyaway.

“Ren’wyn,” Fael asked, his voice low with concern.“What is it?”

She shook her head, her body trembling.“A bad memory,” she whispered.“Of trying on dresses… forErst.”

The tears spilled, the cruel memory wrapping around her like a noose.She buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed by the ghost of fear and helplessness.

Fael shuddered, his anger boiling over in a wave of magical heat around them.“Some days,” he murmured, his voice dangerous, “I want to ride straight to his manor and kill him slowly… painfully.”

Ren’wyn lifted her tear-streaked face to meet his eyes—hard and unyielding with rage but softened by his love for her.His thumb brushed her cheek, wiping away atear.

“We’ll take everything,” Fael called toward the back of the shop, his tone brooking no argument.

The seamstress quickly returned with their bags, thanking them for their business as she handed over their dresses, tunics, and pants.

Ren’wyn and Fael stepped out into the sunlight, her hand clutched in his.He slipped an arm around her, letting her lean against him as they strolled down the street.Each step together soothed the lingering ache of the past, Erst a specter she was learning to leave behind.

“Oh, Fael.”Ren’wyn tugged him to a stop.“You should know—I’m taking a contraceptive.”

Fael blinked, then chuckled, the sound low and warm.“Soam I.”

Her head tilted, curiosity sparkling in hereyes.

“I started the day I saved you from the imperial soldiers,” he admitted.“I hoped… I hoped you felt the same way I did.I thought we might…”

Ren’wyn laughed—not at him, but at the timing of it.“I started that same day,” she said softly.“I decided I wanted you—consequences or not—but I didn’t know if you wanted metoo.”

They exchanged a look filled with wonder and realization—they had both wanted each other, in earnest, from the same moment.

“Share a tent with me at camp,” Fael said suddenly, his voice rough with emotion, as if the words had surprised evenhim.

Her brow arched.“What about the noise?”

He grabbed her, pulling her flush against him, their bags swinging haphazardly betweenthem.

“I won’t be able to sleep without you in my arms,” he grumbled, his lips brushing against her ear.“I’ll make love to you wherever we want, and who cares who hears or what they think.”

Her knees went weak, but he supported her easily against his solid frame.His eyes glowed with power, and as if he needed to release it, he lifted her easily over his shoulder.

“Fael!”she squealed, laughing as he swatted her backside playfully, their bags smacking against hislegs.

They reappeared along the road twenty minutes later, Ren’wyn adjusting her bodice and Fael buckling his pants.In a small clearing not far off the road, frost still clung to tree branches while dried leaves smoldered on the forest floor.

By lunchtime, they strolled back into camp hand in hand.Fael sauntered over to Ren’wyn’s tent, reappearing with her small trunk and pack of herbs and medicines slung over his shoulder.She watched as he carried them purposefully to his tent, lifted the flap, and walked inside.

The camp stilled.Conversations paused, and people exchanged glances.Ren’wyn felt their curious eyes on her and Fael, their attention pressing against her tightening shoulders.Everyone knew what the relocation of her belongings meant.

Fael reemerged, striding deliberately across the camp, his hazel eyes locked onto hers.His approach was thunder in her bones.He slipped an arm around her waist, his other hand clasping hernape.

The kiss was deep and soul-stealing.Ren’wyn clutched his tunic to keep from falling, gasping when he finally pulledback.