Page 61 of Infernal Bonds

She nodded as if she understood, but then looked at me. “But no oceans, right?”

I shook my head. “Not that we’re aware of.”

“I don’t understand.”

“The forests of Feranzis surround Elyrdin. Moicae and its lakes and rivers of lava surround that. We’ve never explored beyond the scorched lands.”

Ezra set down his glass. “Beasts as large as our home roam Moicae. It’s too dangerous to venture into the mists beyond. We won’t risk our people to explore when it isn’t necessary.”

While he hadn’t given in to their bond, Ezra no longer kept his distance from Rae. He indulged her curiosity. Took care of her, whether she realized it or not. Still, he watched her constantly, absorbing every movement and sound she made.

He’d told me his shadows concerned him. They seemed drawn to her. But even after hearing him confirm it and express concern they might endanger her, I wasn’t sure what would happen.

The rest of dinner went by without conflict.

Curious eyes studied Rae as if she were an anomaly throughout dinner. I could tell Cyn was struggling with the attention that clearly made Rae uncomfortable. But no one had been rude enough to approach her.

That made all the difference.

We understood their curiosity. Human blood flowed through Rae’s veins.

As long as they respected her and didn’t make her feel less than, they could look all they wanted. At least until she said it bothered her.

“I need to go to the bathroom,” Rae said, pushing her chair back and rising to her feet. “Where is it?”

“I’ll—”

“I’ve got it,” I said, cutting Zeke off as I shrugged my coat off to drape over my seat.

I’d apologize to him later.

Ezra looked at me with his silent, assessing gaze.

Cornaith had ordered him to keep Rae with him at all times, but I needed this.

He must have seen it reflected in my eyes because he inclined his head without argument.

I cupped Rae’s elbow and guided her through the throng of people, out of the ballroom and down a long corridor away from the noise.

“Are you okay?”

“I will be.”

Her concern for me always warmed my heart, but right now, I didn’t need her soft heart.

As we rounded the corner into another hallway, I pulled her behind a big plant and pressed her against the wall in a secluded alcove.

“Ash?”

“I can’t wait until bedtime,” I said, burying my face against the side of her neck and breathing in her plum and rose scent as I rolled my sleeves up my forearms. “I need you.”

“Wait.” She angled her head, letting me trail my lips across the column of her throat. “Won’t someone see us here?”

“The only people who’d come this way are in the ballroom.”

She shivered when I nipped her earlobe and pressed against her, knowing she could feel my erection straining against the front of my slacks.

“Please say yes.”