Forged in Dreams and Magick (Highland Legends, Book 1) by Bastion Kat

Author:Bastion, Kat [Bastion, Kat]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kat Bastion
Published: 2013-09-21T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER Eighteen

I pressed my upper body into the warmth of Malibu’s back. Cool winds rippled through my unbound hair. A thick, morning mist veiled the dark gray landscape. Our horses slowed as we picked our way through increasingly congested forest. With solid focus, I centered myself, becoming one with Malibu’s breaths and heartbeat, joining my frequency with hers to quell the growing uneasiness lurking beneath my glassy surface.

Our return trip to the cave shed light on why Velloc’s men had traversed the distance on foot the first time I’d met them. Although the first time had been a difficult, full day’s walk, the trip today had become painstakingly slow, many sections barely accommodating the breadth of our horses. Dense foliage and tight turns hid the trail well, if there had ever been a trail at all. Thankfully, Malibu and I didn’t need to put much thought into the safest path—we followed Velloc and his stallion, mirroring every move they made.

Eventually, the near-impenetrable forest loosened its constricting hold, sparser growth giving us room to breathe. Within minutes, I discovered why the plants had yielded; the ground had turned into an obstacle course. Deep fissures opened up, running parallel to our southerly course. Boulders, ranging in size from SUVs to beach balls, were strewn about on the surface as if God Himself had tilled the steely gray bedrock. Malibu tensed, snorting her protest, righting her footing as loose shale slid away from every step.

The unforgiving landscape compounded my rising anxiety. I sucked in a lungful of air and exhaled through pursed lips, tamping down the unwelcome fear as we neared our destination.

Shafts of light speared through the treetops to the east as the surrounding rocks began to look familiar. Velloc led his horse into the same expansive area where his men had been waiting that first morning when he’d chased after . . . and then rescued . . . me.

Brilliant sunshine broke into the clearing, illuminating a mossy-green meadow. The tips of ferns peeked out from the forested edges. Granite boulders that stretched to the baby-blue sky sparkled as we approached.

The serenity and warmth of the glade wrapped around me, calming me unexpectedly. My first visit to the place had been dark—dismal. Now it shone brightly, beaming its splendor. Unfortunately, the relaxed optimism of the outside environment had only a fleeting effect on my inner barometer—pressure rising.

Velloc dismounted and moved to my side. I slid off my horse into his waiting arms. He kissed the top of my head, lacing his fingers with mine as we walked together, settling the horses by a tree. Once he’d secured their reins, he turned, gazing into my eyes. Tears had welled up in those dark pools that had always held undefeatable confidence. He cupped my face and brushed his lips softly against mine before kissing me with more tenderness than ever.

I smiled against his lips, nipping them softly as I pulled away to look up at the man I loved. “Velloc, you won’t lose me.

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