Hunt’s heart pounded so wildly he thought it’d burst from his chest. And then she was shimmying out of her purple underwear. The world, the garden, vanished at the sight of her full breasts, dusk-rose nipples already peaked. Another second and her purple lace bra was gone too. Without saying a word, she lifted her soaked T-shirt over her head. Her lips curved upward, knowing and taunting. His cock stirred at the glittering intent in them.

She halted in a small clearing, the floor covered with moss and small, white flowers shaped like stars. Like they’d walked into some ancient garden at the dawn of the world. It was dim in here, mist curling along the floor. He needed his magic out, needed to scream his wrath and then hold her and know she was fine, they were fine- He followed Bryce into the greenery, across a trickling stream. Even as Bryce walked down a quiet, warm hallway toward a lush forest- pines and ferns and flowers birds and butterflies of every color little streams and waterfalls-he couldn’t settle. He couldn’t turn away from that precipice. “Because you’d miss me if I died?” “Because of the information they’d squeeze from you before you did.” “ Cold, Day. We suspect that she and Lightfall have left a trail of bodies all around the countryside.” Day was quiet for a moment, then asked, “ Do you know the name of the ship that’s carrying the prototype?” “No.” “What island?” “Why are you grilling me on this?” “I want to make sure it’s not a trap.” He grinned. But we’re hoping we can convince whoever is there from Command otherwise. “ Is Spetsos being given command of the Valbaran front?” “I don’t know. We have some questions for her about … a missing person.” She straightened. “We got word that Pippa Spetsos and her Lightfall squadron will also be present. “ Who’s going to be there?” “He angled his head. Dec had added, Do you know what that does to a male’s ego? Ithan had only grunted his agreement, but hadn’t argued, a distant expression on his face. You’re benching poor Holstrom, Flynn had complained. Flynn, Dec, and Ithan would remain- too many people going would raise suspicions. And Tharion would join them, as the River Queen had ordered him to. And because Bryce was going, Ruhn was going. And because Athalar was going, Bryce was going.

Crescent city sky and breath