Dragonfae & The Soul Catcher Read online

  “Aye, it is sometimes necessary to mix wine with herbs to make healing potions.”

  Grinning, Lumos walked back inside the cottage. “Ten flagons?” He filled a basket with nuts. “Do you think perhaps you could spare a little for a good friend?” He collected jars of honey from the shelf and packed them neatly in a wooden crate. “Thalia?”

  “Wine does strange things to men.” Thalia shot Lumos a look of disgust. “I think not.”

  Tipping his head on one side, Lumos studied the girl before him. The need to protect this delightful female throbbed through him. Her small hands trembled. He opened his arms wide. “Am I truly a man?” He picked up the box of honey. “Look at me, Thalia. Do I resemble a Nomag?”

  “No, I agree you’re not human. I do understand you are the Nightdragon but, to me, you are male in every way.”

  “I hope so, but my dragon will protect you, no matter how much wine he consumes.” Lumos sighed. “You have my word, little one.” Hoisting the box on his shoulder, he strode out of the cottage.

  Thalia stared after Lumos. The Fae moved like a cat, every muscle defined beneath his glossy, tight clothes. The small cottage had filled with the unique scent of him. The moment she had taken his hand, his heat had consumed her, wrapping around her like a warm hug. She considered her feelings. One minute the man mesmerised her, the next she wanted to run away from him. Could she trust him? Would he pounce on her the second she fell asleep? Oh goddess, he is so big, so strong.

  Brew rubbed around her legs, his silky caress brushed over her bare flesh. Thalia recollected the day Nell had brought the kitten to her, a very small, black bundle. His eyes had been blue then, and the poor creature had cried all night until she had taken him into her bed. Nell’s words came back to her in a flash. “This cat will be with you always, you must trust his instincts.”

  “You like Lumos, don’t you?” She bent down to rub the cat’s velvet ears. “I must trust your judgement for I have lost my way, Brew. To me, every male is a threat.”

  As if to consolidate Thalia’s remarks, Brew greeted Lumos with a string of chirrups. The Fae looked down at Thalia with a wide grin. She looked from one to the other in amazement.

  “Brew told you, didn’t he? Brew, you are… Gods…I thought you were on my side!”

  “It would make our journey together easier if you trusted me, little one.” Lumos pushed his hands into the back pockets of his pants. “We’ll eventually have to ride the horse together and when the snow comes we must sleep under the same blanket for warmth or you’ll surely die of cold.” He threw logs on the smouldering fire. “If I’m not allowed to drink wine, perhaps you will indulge me with a cup of tea?” He opened a jar and sniffed the contents. “Ah, let me see. Do I smell rosehips, chamomile and mint?”

  The man had acted so nonchalant then had casually inferred they would sleep together. Thalia’s stomach turned over. Fear clenched her in a wave of terror. Drawing a deep breath, she spun around and glared at Lumos.

  “Do you expect me to sleep under the same blanket with you?”

  “Aye, we should sleep together for warmth. The rest of the time, I’ll sleep under the stars and you may have the wagon. If this arrangement causes you to fear me, then I’ll not ask you again.” Lumos filled the kettle from a barrel of water and placed it on the fire. “You should know, the Fae hold females in high regard. They are very precious to us. If any Fae willingly causes harm to befall an innocent female, the elders banish them from the magyck worlds. To be cast out into Nomag realms means we are no longer able to sustain our lives and we eventually die.”

  Thalia snorted in disagreement. She took down two mugs and spooned dried herbs into a large teapot. “We all die, Lumos.”

  “No…we don’t.” Lumos touched Thalia’s arm. “Fae do not die. Beheading kills us but our life force comes from our world. If we’re unable to return, we grow old and die like a Nomag.”

  Heart thundering, Thalia spun around. Immortal? No one said anything about being immortal. She considered Lumos’ attractive features, his high cheekbones and slanted eyes. Her focus went to his mouth. His lips were soft and damp. So much male beauty and it would live forever. One question burned in her mind. “How old are you?”

  “In actual summers, or how old am I in comparison to the lifespan of a Nomag?” Lumos picked up a potholder and moved forward to lift the kettle from the fire. He filled the teapot. “They are quite different.”

  “I think both would be nice to know.”

  “About twenty to twenty-five summers in Nomag maturity.” Lumos cleared his throat. “In actual time, I’m two hundred and fifty summers.” He gave Thalia a sideways glance. “Dragonfae are very slow to mature.”

  With a gasp, Thalia sat down on a nearby chair. Her pulse pounded in her ears. The room swayed and rolled as if she were on a small boat. Cold water splashed her face and she fought against the gushing torrent to breathe. Goddess, Lumos had thrown water over her. His large, hot hands patted her cheeks and she opened her eyes to meet his troubled expression

  “By Cymbeline, don’t ever do that to me again! I thought you had suffered an apoplexy.” Lumos pushed the wet hair from Thalia’s face.

  “It isn’t every day a person hears such a revelation.” Thalia’s face grew hot. Gods, her nipples were visible through the wet cloth. Hugging her chest and avoiding Lumos’ gaze, she indicated to a large white sheet hanging over the back of a chair. “Would you hand me that strip of linen.”

  “Yes…yes, of course.” Lumos grabbed the sheet and wrapped Thalia tightly. “There, is that better? Are you okay now?”

  With her arms bound tightly across her chest, Thalia bit her bottom lip. She giggled. “Not unless you plan to mummify me.”

  Lumos turned a bright shade of pink and swiftly unwrapped Thalia. With muscles bulging, he dragged her chair towards the fire. She rested her hand on his strong arm and caressed the hairless golden skin This side of Lumos she needed to see—the flustered, caring side. “I’m well. Thank you for your consideration.”

  Lumos’ lips tilted up on one side in a crooked smile. “You look as if I tried to drown you.” He turned and walked towards the front door. “I’ll wait outside while you change into something dry. I do believe I’ll teach you the fresh and clean spell first.” He threw Thalia a smile and closed the door behind him.

  * * * *

  Before dawn the following morning, Thalia baked a good quantity of bread. While she prepared breakfast, she sang a song about the coming of spring. She had enjoyed the meal with Lumos last evening. They had retired early, planning to leave at daybreak. The early morning chill spilled through the door to cool the hot kitchen. Through the opening, she watched the sun sending ribbons of light into the morning sky to bathe the awakening forest in a lemon glow. She stood at the cottage door and gazed into the empty wagon. The canvas on the wagon gaped open. Where is he? Thalia moved to the wagon and peered inside. The blankets sat neatly folded and Lumos had secured a large barrel of water to one side. She heard a rustling in the undergrowth and caught sight of him strolling towards her through the swirl of the early morning mist.

  The Fae, magnificently bare to the waist, wrung the water from his raven hair. Muted sunlight glistened on the water droplets cascading down his golden skin. Thalia’s stomach gave that strange little twist. Her heart quickened at the sight of him. The urge to run to him surged through her. How wonderful life would be to allow herself the comfort of those strong arms. She craved the heat of his hard body, the scent of him. How would he taste?

  Ashamed at her wanton desires, she turned back into the cottage and cut bread for breakfast. Why am I feeling this way? Did Erik curse me to want what I can never have? Lumos, so noble, had come to her not knowing her situation. He had offered friendship, nothing more. How could he? Who would want her now? How could any male care for a female used in such a way by six men? What would Lumos think if he knew the truth?

  I am less than a prostitute. I sold myself to save my
life. Agreed Erik’s men raped me…but in truth, the first time, I welcomed Erik into my body, in exchange for food and a place to sleep.

  “Thalia, you are troubled.” Lumos touched her elbow. “Are you having second thoughts about travelling with me?”

  She sighed and heaped fresh berries on a plate beside the wedge of bread. She pushed the plate, and a flagon of wine towards Lumos. “No, but perhaps you may not want to have me along after all.”

  “Wine? Is this a peace offering, little butterfly?” Lumos smiled and poured wine into a cup. “I had not realised we were at war.” He sat in the chair beside the fireplace and frowned. “What is it that troubles you so?”

  “Please, listen to me. I’ve not been honest with you. I know Brew told you about Erik and the others, but the cat doesn’t know the truth of my story.” Thalia wrung her hands. “Before we continue, I must tell you the facts of what happened. You should be aware of my true character before we begin our journey together.” She sat down in a chair opposite Lumos. She could not meet his eyes and hung her head in shame.

  With halting words, Thalia recounted the bargain with Erik. She told Lumos every detail of her days of terror. “They would come at night or stop during the day… They were so strong, Lumos. If I screamed, they hit me. If I begged, they laughed.” She lifted her head slowly, afraid to see the expression on his face. The man had masked his emotions. She shuddered. I have lost your friendship, and I don’t blame you.

  “I’m not worth your pity, your revenge or your friendship. I am… I am…” She buried her face in her hands. “I am a whore.”

  Let it all out, sweet butterfly. Placing his plate on the floor, Lumos knelt in front of Thalia. He drew a deep breath, fighting the grief threatening to explode his heart. He drew her against him, resting his chin on her head.

  “You offered your greatest gift and Erik abused the trust you put in him. He could have taken you gently as a lover.” He rubbed Thalia’s back—her sobs radiated through him like daggers. “Only an evil man would abuse such an innocent.” He fought the rage welling inside him. “Be still, dragon, your anger will frighten Thalia.” In time, the Nightdragon would rise up and seek vengeance for his sweet butterfly but not now. Thalia needed his strength, his love. If only she would take what he offered, his love would heal her. “The blame is not yours, Thalia. The gods tell us life is precious and you made a sacrifice to protect your life. I see your goodness, little one. You are still so innocent. What happened to you can never be disregarded but, if you will allow me, I’ll show you that true love is beautiful, my sweet Thalia.” Tears burned the backs of his eyes. “I beg you not to allow these memories to destroy you. Trust in me, I’ll guide you out of the darkness.”

  Lumos held Thalia close. He could do nothing else to comfort her. How he wished he had his glamour to help her through this time of adjustment, but he had nothing other than his love to give. Thalia buried her tear-stained face into his neck. Thrilled the girl had allowed him to hold her, he hummed to her as if she were an injured animal. Gods, he desired so much to caress her and show her the gentle, glorious side of love. The witch’s body racked with sobs. Her pain radiated through him, tearing at his heart. He must be patient and earn her trust. One day, she would turn to him with love in her eyes. He could wait. After all, he had forever.

  * * * *

  The early morning mist still swirled across the rutted track as the wagon left the perimeter of the Singing Forest. They bumped along the narrow road, heading north. A signpost gave the next village as Knowing Way. Thalia glanced furtively at Lumos. The memory of his warm body and gentle words filled her with hope. She wrapped her cloak around her against the cold wind. Dark clouds overhead heralded rain. They moved along a tree-lined road. Albert gave a snort as a red fox scurried across the path, stopped, and wrinkled its nose before disappearing into the undergrowth. Beside her, Brew growled a warning. Thalia moved closer to Lumos, the heat from his body flowing over her. The Fae glanced down at her and smiled warmly before turning his attention back to the road. That small gesture filled Thalia with confidence and blew away the doubts she had for leaving the safety of the Singing Forest. They travelled for an hour before Lumos, muscles bulging, drew the wagon to a halt beside a babbling brook.

  “This is a shrine.” Lumos grinned at Thalia and jumped from the seat. “See, farther down, the water deepens to a pool? I will see what Coventina has to offer.” He pulled off his boots. “Wait here, I’ll not be long.”

  Thalia allowed Albert to wander to the edge of the brook. She climbed down to find a spot to empty her bladder. How did she tell a man she needed to relieve herself? Deciding to stretch her legs, she walked towards a group of weeping willows, their graceful green limbs brushing the fast-flowing water. She watched a yellow-billed duck bob countless times for fish and listened to the buzz of dragonflies hovering over the water. Leaning against the rough bark of a willow, she watched Lumos break the surface and throw objects onto the bank, then dive again. The Fae dived many times, and finally, after throwing a rusty sword onto the bank, swam for shore.

  With a surge of water, Lumos’ tanned body emerged from the pool. Thalia held her breath. Goddess, she had never seen a naked man before. Unable to look away, she took in the width of Lumos’ shoulders, the way the rippling muscles of his back narrowed to a slim waist. She marvelled at the roundness of his buttocks, the defined muscles in his strong thighs. As if Lumos felt her hot glare on him, he turned around slowly, looked her straight in the eye, and raised one perfect, black eyebrow. Thalia’s face grew hot, but she could not drag her eyes off the perfectly formed man. The Fae stood tall and proud like a bronzed warrior. His long, wet hair fell over one shoulder and stuck to his massive chest. She took in all of him, lingering far too long on his remarkable sex. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her parched mouth. She dragged the tip over dry lips. This man had skin like a peach and she could see every generous part of him.

  Thalia wanted to look away but at that moment, Lumos turned his impressive back on her, shook the water from his hair like a dog, and strode from the pool. Face burning, Thalia ran back to the wagon. She sought comfort in the memory of Lumos’ words. “It is not a sin to look at another’s body.”

  She reached for the water bottle, and, lifted it to her lips, and sipped slowly. The memory of Lumos’ golden body made that strange sensation coil in her belly again. She clenched her thighs together. Her breasts ached. Dampness slicked her folds. Why did he do this to her?

  “I’ve found many things of use.” Lumos pushed his way through the willow branches and grinned at Thalia. “Look.” He dropped a sword from under one arm and spilled the contents bundled in his shirt onto the grass.

  Thalia climbed down from the wagon. Thank the gods he has put his pants back on. She noticed the sudden flare of Lumos’ nostrils, the setting of his jaw. Had he noticed her reaction to him? She sank to her knees to view the mound of treasure.

  “This is wonderful…but that sword is useless.”

  “I can sharpen it with a whetstone and the river sand will remove the rust. I’ll work on removing the rust a little each night. It is a fine sword, well balanced.” Lumos sorted through the coins and jewels. “There is enough here to buy clothes and perhaps another horse. We will reach the foot of the mountains soon. The way will soon be too steep for Albert to pull the wagon.”

  Thalia ran her fingers over a gold, jewel-encrusted dagger untouched by the water. “I cannot ride Albert. I have never ridden a horse. I’m sorry.”

  “Then we will buy a donkey to carry our supplies and you will ride with me on Albert.” Lumos lifted her chin. “I will buy a scabbard for that dagger. Keep it with you always.” He ran his thumb over Thalia’s bottom lip. “You will not look me in the eye. Don’t be ashamed. I like it when you look at me, little one.” He sighed. “I’m not permitted to enter sacred water wearing clothes as it’s an insult to the gods. I hope I didn’t frighten you with my nakedness.”

  Swallowing hard
, Thalia touched Lumos’ thumb with her tongue. The taste of him thrilled her. Shivery sensations racked her folds in delicious waves. She noticed the change in his eyes. His pupils had dilated and their green rims flared with intensity. She cleared her throat, unable to break his gaze. “No, you didn’t frighten me, but the sight of you—oh, never mind, it’s foolish.”

  “Not foolish. Did your heart race? Did warmth pool in your secret parts?” Lumos rested his head against Thalia’s forehead. “I feel this every time I look at you, little one.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t fight your attraction to me, for it is given by the goddess.”

  “Do you want me to be attracted to you? You are not repelled by me? By my past?” Thalia pulled away. “This feeling is lust, isn’t it?” She shook her head slowly. “This I think is a bad thing, Lumos.”

  “Let me see.” Lumos held up his fingers. “One, yes, I like you being attracted to me. Two, I have never been repelled by you. And three, in a relationship a little lust is a good thing. Although what you feel for me at the moment is attraction, lust comes much later.” He grinned. “The village is in the next valley. We must keep moving.”

  * * * *

  After buying supplies and a fine bay gelding in the quiet village, Thalia changed into boy’s clothes in the back of the wagon. The buckskin breeches fitted well, as did the soft, leather boots. The shirts were a little big, but Lumos explained she had to conceal her breasts. She wore the dagger in a sheath on her belt. With her hair tied back in a ribbon and a hat pulled down over her eyes, she would pass as a boy. She climbed onto the seat and handed Lumos a handful of fruit and nuts. “I know we are travelling to Drakka, but how do we travel to another realm? And how do you plan to remove the silver bands?”