Page 249 of Split or Swallow

“Just…don’t do anything tonight. Please. I don’t want to be alone.”

Caspen’s hands found her waist.

“I will not leave you alone.”

“Ever?” Tem murmured against his lips.

“Ever,” Caspen murmured back.

They kissed slowly, sensually, savoring the way the other tasted. Caspen unlaced her dress, and it fell to the floor. He whispered a question into her mind as his tongue moved against hers:

Do you want to try to transition?

A lot had already happened tonight, and Tem was tired. But the allure of transitioning was why she’d come here in the first place. And if the incident with Rowe had taught her anything, it was that she needed to protect herself. Transitioning was the best way to do it.

Yes.

Caspen pulled away.

Come with me.

He took her hand in his, and they entered the passageway.

Where are we going?

Down.

It was all he said. Tem didn’t ask for more information, content to simply walk by his side as they descended deeper and deeper beneath the mountain. At one point, they crossed through a large circular room with a fountain in the middle. There were benches scattered throughout the space.

“What happens here?” Tem asked.

“It is a gathering place,” Caspen said. “Think of it as a courtyard.”

They continued walking, ever downward, and Tem swore an hour passed before Caspen finally stopped them in front of a pair of double doors. He turned to her.

“I want you to try to relax.”

Tem rolled her eyes. Caspen always wanted that.

“Tem,” he placed his hands on her shoulders. “You need to be calm. And you need to believe you can do this.”

She stared up at him. It was clear that Caspen believed she could do this, whether Tem believed it herself or not. That would have to be enough for now.

Tem nodded.

Caspen nodded too, then pushed open the double doors.

An enormous cavern unfolded before them. They were standing at its very edge, on a slope that led gradually down to a deep, wide lake. Glistening water went on for what seemed like forever—Tem couldn’t see the end of it. The cavern was lit by torches, their warm light flickering off the surface of the lake. Stalactites hung from the ceiling in great jagged drips.

“This is…” Tem whispered. But there were no words. It was beyond beauty—Tem had never been somewhere so clearly steeped in magic. She could feel it in her bones—much the same way she’d been able to feel Caspen’s power during the council meeting. There was a deep, ancient energy here, and Tem felt herself drawn to it.

Caspen guided her down the slope, right to the edge of the water.

“What is this place?” Tem asked.

“It is the center of the mountain.”

“Why did you bring me here?”