Page 33 of Dancing With Demons
Pluck it.
Grow another.
My fingertips spark with energy. They want to create. To destroy. It’s like I’m at a banquet, but all I’m allowed to do is enjoy the aroma of everyone else’s meal.
I’mstarving.
The energy swirling inside of me demands much more than he can offer, but how can I say it? I can’t even tell him how I fantasize of himandEth’ak caressing me at night. Of Eth’ak between my legs as I bite Tolmond’s lip. Of riding Tolmond while taking Eth’ak deep inside my throat.
“I can do more than garden,” I say again.
For a moment as I stare into his clever eyes, I think he believes me. I’ve seen the sort of magic his students create; the monstrous, wonderful creatures they carve out from nothing but raw desire. The fire, the wind. I’ve seen his students create storms and fine clothes and more.
“Not today.”
He doesn’t trust me.
I’m not sure what’s worse—if he thinks I'm weak, or if he thinks I'm dangerous. Growing up, it had cut me to my core having my uncle and everyone else whisper about me as I walked past. I didn’t like being feared.
But here, with the demons, fear is on par with respect.
At least, it should be.
I feel like I could use a bit more respect.
“I know there must be other spells we can try.” Something eager roils beneath my skin as I speak. My magic. It’s almost the same eagerness that heats my blood as his strong hand slopes down my shoulder and settles on my waist.
“Not for you,” he finally says. His tone of voice brooks no room for argument. It’s polite as ever, but with a bite of finality. Arguing will get me nowhere with him. “Not yet.”
A frustrated sigh escapes my lips, and his hand tightens its hold.
“I suppose you’re off to Eth’ak’s bed tonight, then,” he asks, voice clear of jealousy but tinged with something else I can’t identify.
It’s been a week since I began sleeping with Eth’ak as well. I know that Eth’ak has told him, but that’s all he would say on the matter.
“Is that a problem?”
“For humans, perhaps.” He inclines his head. “It’s just as well tonight. I’ve business with the Hooded One. But tomorrow…”
I’m furious with him for refusing to let me explore my full powers, and the naked heat in his stare still makes my breath come short. Already, I’m imagining his mouth on my breast, his hands hooked between my legs.
It’s almost perfect.
Almost.
But I want more. I always want more.
A sudden fear creeps along my spine. I was too much for my own people. Too chaotic, too unpredictable. I’ve thought I’m safe here, but what if I’m too much, even for demons? Too greedy, too demanding?
I have to learn how to rein in my magic and use it before it consumes me whole. But how? Tolmond won’t let me practice on anything but dying flowers.
“Maybe…” I come close to suggesting he join me and Eth’ak after his business, but a kernel of an idea takes root in my mind. If he’s busy, and he believes me occupied with Eth’ak…
If he won’t teach me my full powers, then I will have to teach myself. Tonight might be the perfect opportunity.
He waits for me to continue my thought, but I kiss him instead. It’s meant to distract him, but soon I’m swept up as well. His stern, almost cruel lips capture my mouth without mercy, and he tastes as demanding as the thundering sky above us.
A courier from the King arrives, and it’s only his footsteps that peel us apart from each other.