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“Did it work?” I finally asked, glancing back up at him.
Lorik’s expression gave nothing away, but I watched as his eyes tracked across my face, like he was memorizing me. My own went to his lips. I could see the tip of one fang indenting his bottom lip, and I swallowed hard, wondering if he longed for the taste of my blood. I wondered if he’d fed since we’d been together…but surely he must’ve. And why did that thought make a prick of hot jealousy spear through my belly? Of imagining Lorik with another woman? Another Kelvarian, who was perhaps better suited to his life than I was?
“The spell seems to have stopped new Shades being created,” he told me. “No new reports have come in.”
“Good,” I said quietly. “And your…sister?”
Lorik swallowed, his throat bobbing, his right wing lifting slightly. “The sorceress said it might take time.”
My gut clenched. Which meant that no, she wasn’t recovered.
“But we are hopeful,” he said. “Other Kelvarians have recovered swiftly. More do every day. I haven’t lost hope for Thela. She’s strong. Shewillrecover.”
I nodded. “I hope so.”
The stone beat in my hand—a part of Lorik’s magic, rare and powerful, and it felt oddly intimate to have it in my possession.
When I began to turn away, Lorik said, “Marion.”
I looked over my shoulder at him. There were so many words perched on the edge of his tongue. I could see them. I couldhearthem, just like Lorik had said to me earlier. Maybe our connectionwasa magical thing…and a part of me wished it wasn’t.
Lorik opened his lips. Then he shook his head, huffing out a sharp breath as his gaze strayed to the earth beneath his feet.
Then he straightened his shoulders, meeting my eyes again. Whatever brief vulnerability that had been evident was long gone.
“The Below King would like to extend his deepest appreciation for your help,” Lorik said quietly. “He is in your debt. We all are. If you ever have a favor to ask, he will personally see to it upheld.”
My lips parted.
A favor? I had no need of one. There was nothing I wanted, except to go back in time and lie in Lorik’s arms once more, memory erased and ignorantly blissful.
Besides…I was in the Above world. What use would I—
A thought occurred to me.
“You said Merec’s debt was to a Sev—to a Kelvarian,” I said.
Lorik blinked. “Yes, that’s right.”
“Has the debt been repaid?” I wondered.
“Not fully,” Lorik murmured. “He still has another five years on the contract.”
“Then I would ask the Below King to forgive whatever debt Merec owes,” I said. “That is what I want.”
Lorik lowered his chin in understanding. He brought a hand to run it along his horn, and I remembered the feel of the black bone beneath my own fingertips. A pang went through me as I mentally counted the steps between us.
“I will relay your message to him,” Lorik said. “He will see it done.”
I nodded. Then, knowing there was nothing else to say, I turned.
“Marion.”
I stilled but didn’t look at him again. I merely waited.
The words came, a quiet confession.
“I miss you, little witch,” he told me softly, his voice hushed in the quiet of the evening. It sounded almost reverent. A murmured prayer. “Even when I’m in the Below…all I want is to be here with you.”
