Wicked Matrimony (Legends and Lovers)

He leads me outside, a rustic leather-bound book under his arm, and I follow him like an eager student. I’ve always loved learning new things, and hopefully, I can know once and for all what this power is that I feel growing inside me.

He brings me to a field just past the garden, near the edge of the forest. “This book speaks of a woman who wields the power to encompass life.” He opens the book, turning to a page that’s been earmarked. “This passage here mentions how she’ll be able to hear the voice of the one to show her the way in her mind.”

I stare at Draven. “So, you’re supposed to teach me.”

“I am.” He glides his finger down the page. “In this part, it states that your powers are connected to your emotions. Once you can control your emotions, you can control the power dwelling inside you.”

I breathe in deep, trying my best to feel this power. Right now I just feel a bit chilly from the air whispering through the trees.

“Close your eyes.”

I do as instructed.

“Now, find your center, control your breathing, and listen.”

His request is a lot harder than it sounds, because my mind keeps racing, wondering if anything’s happening yet.

“Keep going. Breathe,” Draven says. “That’s it.”

As I work to clear my head, an energy travels through my veins, begging to exit through my chest. My center. I focus on that feeling, ignoring how the chill on my skin is gone and replaced by a scorching warmth.

“Yes, keep doing it, Allison.”

I have no idea what I’m doing that has his deep voice sounding excited, so I open my eyes.

“What the fuck?” A ball of light emits from my palms. “What is this?” I ask, afraid of it.

Draven looks at my hands with awe. “It’s your energy source. It’s the light.”

His eyes meet mine. “Do you feel it coursing through you?”

I nod. “I do. But what does it mean? I don’t know how to control it.”

“That’s what we’re going to work on. Controlling that power.”

In an instant, the feeling disappears, and I sink to my knees on the ground. In a flash, Draven scoops me into his arms, carrying me back across the field. My eyes drift close as his strong arms hold me close to his chest.

“Just sleep,” he tells me, carrying me through the garden, into the castle, and up to my room.

He sets me on the bed and pulls the covers over my body. “The book says you’ll be tired until your powers fully develop.” He kisses the top of my head as I drift in and out of consciousness. “Meet me for dinner when you wake.”

And then he vanishes from my room.

I close my eyes, letting sleep pull me under. When I wake, hours have passed, and the sun no longer shines through the bedroom window.

I sit up, running my hands through my hair. “What time is it?” I whisper to myself.

Draven wanted me to join him for dinner, and I’m starving. I swing my feet onto the floor, standing in a rush, because I need answers.

I drift down the staircase, heading into the garden to find Draven.

He’s waiting for me at a small wrought iron table. “There you are. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” I take a seat across from him. “I need some questions answered.”

“Ask away.” He waves his hand for me to speak.

“Why can you talk to me? Can you speak to other people’s minds?”