“Yes, that’s a possibility.”
“Why do you think he did it?”
“There’s no way to be sure, but usually gifts are a sign of affection.”
She swallowed as if to keep back the tears. “Do you think he… had feelings for me?”
“It seems possible. It’s also very likely that he still does.”
“I can’t talk to him about this.”
“You may have to.”
She nodded, still staring at the dagger but not touching it. “Olive, I’m sorry, but I need some time alone.”
“Of course. I understand.” I closed my mirror box and replaced it in my pack, then quietly made my way out of the room.
I wasn’t sure what to do for Heidel, if there was anything I could do. Her past wasn’t something that would just go away. No matter how hard she tried to avoid it, her past would always be a part of her life. The best she could do was accept it and move on. I wouldn’t tell her, but maybe having feelings for Maveryck wasn’t such a bad thing. If he helped her move forward, then maybe accepting him would help her heal.
Walking through the empty hallways, I wasn’t sure where to go next. I made my way down to the bottom floor where Zariah passed me. Her magic brushed against mine, making fear and adrenaline rush through me, but she ignored me and continued walking the other way. I hoped Maveryck would get Jahr’ad to cooperate so I could get my magic back soon. Until then, I decided I couldn’t stand being covered in filth a moment longer.
I wandered into the room with the pool. Steam filled the air, making beads of sweat form in my hands and on the back of my neck. As I approached the water’s edge, I found Kull resting with his eyes closed in the water.
He looked worse. The wound in his chest was streaked with red marks that spread to his collarbone. It seemed being wounded or injured was his lot in life. I supposed I would have to get used to it.
I didn’t begrudge his vow to remain true until he married me. In fact, I respected him for it because it meant he intended to marry me, and that thought gave me more joy for my future than any prospects I’d had before. Not long ago, I’d resigned myself to being a cat lady and living a life of solitude with Han.
I undressed, removing my boots and socks, then took off my cloak and sand-covered pants and shirt, leaving only a bra, undershirt, and panties. As I entered the pool, Kull opened his eyes, shockingly blue as the water reflected in his irises. Sometimes I forgot what an overwhelming presence the man had. My heart fluttered, feeling light in my chest, and my stomach flipped.
The water felt almost too warm, but it wasn’t hot enough to be scalding. I sat on a ledge across from Kull, the rippling water separating us. I wanted to be with him so badly the need was almost painful, and being here, with him half-undressed in the water, made the emotion nearly unbearable.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady my thumping heart, but it didn’t help.
“Is something the matter?” he asked.
“No. Why would anything be the matter?”
He eyed me. “Nothing. Never mind.”
“Never mind? Tell me.”
“Very well. Your ears have gone pink.”
I pressed my hands to my ears, and sure enough, the pointed tips were burning hot. Stupid elven ears. I may as well have written my emotions on my forehead. Kull slowly narrowed the distance between us. He moved so slowly the water only rippled gently around him.
My heart leapt into my throat. Would I always feel so lightheaded in his presence? The water flowed in placid waves around his broad, muscled torso, his skin turned golden bronze in the firelight. He came close enough to reach out and touch me if he’d wanted, but he held back and only looked at me with those intense eyes.
“Why are you so beautiful?” he whispered.
“I’m not. You only think I am.”
“Have you put me under your spell?”
“Maybe I have.”
He moved closer and ran his fingers up my legs, caressing my skin. My chest tightened as his hands found my waist and he pulled me to him. His lips found my ear.
“Is this what it feels like to be bewitched? Whatever you ask, I will do it without a thought. I will kill for you if you ask it of me.”
“Then let’s hope I never ask it.”
He dipped his head lower and kissed my neck. My body melted at his touch. His hands drew me to him, pressing me against his chest. My thoughts disappeared. I only knew I wanted him and couldn’t rest until I had him.
I ran my fingers over his chest, lightly grazing the small mark where the dragon had inflicted its poison, then I let my hands wander to his abdomen, where I felt the firm bumps and ridges of his stomach muscles. His gaze met mine, and I ran my fingers over his lips, caressing them, finding them surprisingly soft under my fingertips. He took my hand in his and kissed my fingers, and then he moved away. His eyes grew dark as he studied me, filling me with an entirely different emotion as lust turned to fear.
“Kull, what’s the matter?”
“It’s…” he sighed and looked away. “It’s something the witch showed me in her castle. I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I wasn’t sure how.”
“Are you sure you’re ready to tell me now?”
“Yes. Keeping it to myself is tearing me apart.”
“Then what is it? What did the witch show you?”
“Olive,” he said quietly, “there’s more to the Deathbringer prophecy than you know. I’m in it as well.”
His gaze met mine, making me shudder at the fear I found in his eyes.
“And I’m destined to kill you.”
Chapter 20
“Kill me?” I asked, confused.
I sat in the pool with Kull as the warm, steaming water splashed gently around us. He’d told me
