Luka by Dianne Hartsock

Author:Dianne Hartsock [Hartsock, Dianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA+, age gap, witches, sorcerers, fae, magic, second chances
Publisher: NineStar Press, LLC
Published: 2021-01-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Rhys gave a sharp nod, face pale, jaw clenched, the fire in his eyes reinforcing Luka’s resolve to rescue Calan’s son. He glanced at the farmer, and the terrified hope in his expression came close to breaking him.

Calan rose, Tarian’s cap clenched in one hand, and his voice shook when he spoke, “You would do this for me? Why, when I have betrayed Rhys to his enemy?”

Rhys answered unexpectedly, fury lacing his words, “No one carries the blame here except Aethan.” He held Luka’s gaze until the knot of pain around his heart loosened. “Calan, you will take us to this cottage you speak of.”

Calan’s fear spiked. “I dare not. If we should fail… Aethan would murder Tarian before my eyes, in payment.” His thick chest heaved, undone by the panic surging through him.

Luka immediately put a hand on his arm, feeling the muscles tense and bunch while a shudder ran his strong body. “Be at peace. We will find Tarian and return him to you.”

“But Aethan—”

“Had better keep his distance,” Rhys hissed through his clenched teeth.

“Aethan will have no knowledge of our presence until we are far away. He will never know of your involvement in this,” Luka assured him.

“How will I explain my son’s sudden appearance?”

Luka dropped all pretense, the conviction of his words echoed by a rumble in the distance. “I will not allow Aethan to bring any more pain to this world.”

Rhys’s breath caught behind him while Calan’s dark eyes widened with awe. He took a step back and swept Luka a low bow. “My lord. I am at your service. If it is your wish, I will go with you…”

Heat rose in Luka’s face, embarrassed he had lost control, if only for an instant. The power in him was not his, but a gift of the earth and nothing he should display. He was not a man for others to follow.

“There is no need, Calan. But send your good wishes with us.”

Luka turned toward the door, to be stopped by Calan’s hand on his shoulder. “It is late, my lord. Will you stay? There is food, and blankets for your comfort tonight.”

“No. My impulse is to hurry. You will know soon enough if we succeed.”

He passed Rhys with a nod, not meeting his gaze, and fetched his cloak from the hook by the door and stomped into his boots. Rhys did the same, and they exited the warm farmhouse. Rhys gasped at the cold and instantly Luka swiveled and pulled him into a close embrace, kissing his face and his wet eyes.

“I am so sorry, Rhys. Will you stay here until I return? You should not have to go back to that terrible place.”

“And you, my sweet witch, are not going there alone.” Rhys’s tone was firm, and Luka eased back to look at him. It was fully dark now, though the light from the moon shone on his face, and Luka could clearly see the stubborn set of his lips and the anger smoldering in his eyes.

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