CHAPTER 21
“ No!” Nikki screamed. Gaetan had thrown the blue sunstone over the cliff. She bolted for the edge, her feet skittering over twigs and loose pine needles. Descending toward a beautiful blue pool at the base of a magnificent waterfall, the gem caught the moon’s light.
“Don’t let Gaetan lose the blue sunstone…” Nikki didn’t understand the reason, but Ginnia had been adamant.
Fear for Gaetan bubbled up inside her, and a jolt of energy surged from her fingers. She concentrated on the stone. As if by magic, the pool’s water swirled around and around into a funnel. The blue sunstone skittered across the surface, travelling down the cylinder. At the end of the tunnel, a small cave emerged.
Gaetan inhaled, the sound snaking between his teeth. “What did you do?”
“I…I don’t know, but my power has something to do with water.” She focused her attention, concentrating on maintaining the opening.
“I’d say that’s an understatement.”
She didn’t dare look at him for fear she’d lose control. “We have to get that stone back.”
“What are you talking about? That stone is nothing but trouble. I threw it into Blue Pool to get rid of it.” His words came out rough, but she sensed his commitment, his desire to do the right thing. That warmed her heart.
“Ginnia said not to let you lose it.” She held out her arms, the muscles trembling under the strain.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “What else did she say?”
The warmth of his skin seeped into her, sparking her energy level. “Nothing. That’s when I jumped through the portal to search for you.”
“I’m glad you did. Craya. We need to retrieve that stone and find out what Ginnia meant.”
Sweat beaded on her brow. “I…I can’t hold this much longer.” As she said the words, the strength in her arms gave out. The water in the pool rushed over the tube, burying the stone in its watery grave.
Gaetan’s fingers tightened on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Nicole. This is my fault—”
She whirled on him, knocking his hand away. “Stop it, Gaetan. This is not your fault, none of it is. This is a war. Bad things happen. You aren’t to blame.”
His mouth drew into a thin line, and a tic started in his jaw. He shoved his hand into his pocket and withdrew his satchel. Fingers shaking, he opened the twine and shook a single pill into his palm. Staring Nicole in the eyes, he popped the pill into his mouth, swallowing it dry. “You have no idea of the things I’ve done…”
“The male I know is a sensitive, caring soul. Others in the Keep respect you, love you…” As do I.
She couldn’t say the words, wouldn’t allow herself to open up to him. As much as she wanted to, she had to protect her heart. She’d do everything she could to help him, but in the end, his addiction would win. Quentin had said the single band around his throat was the sign of a bad match. They were doomed no matter what. She’d have to leave him.
He studied her, his eyes flicking back and forth. The desire to believe her radiated from him, but she wasn’t sure he would. He cleared his throat and broke eye contact. “Maybe Ginnia believes the blue sunstone will help me find Anlon. I must retrieve that stone. If you’re willing, I could use your help.”
She sighed. The young prince should be their priority. They could focus on their relationship later.
Determination built in her chest. She’d help him no matter what. If, at the end of the day, he didn’t love her, then she’d just deal with it. “What can I do?”
“Can you part the water again?” A smile tugged at his mouth, lighting up his gorgeous eyes.
She couldn’t resist his charm and nodded. “I can try.”
“Let’s go to the shore. You can try from there.” He gripped her hand, and his calming warmth spread up her arm. With a soft tug, he led her to the pine, where his cane leaned against the bark. He wrapped his fingers around the sunstone handle then peered at her. His eyes sparkled, more beautiful than anything she’d ever seen. “Thank you for helping me.”
She blushed, heat racing to her cheeks.
Gaetan glanced skyward. Through the trees, the first hint of dawn turned the dark sky into a deep purple. “There’s not much time. We need to retrieve the sunstone and return to the Keep before sunrise.”
She nodded in agreement then followed him along the trail to the shoreline. Even with a path, Gaetan’s progress was slow. His cane caught on bits of grass and small rocks that littered the trail. The muscles in his back bunched with each step, pulling his shirt tight across his shoulders. He was strong, proud, and defiant, and her heart ached for him.
At last, they arrived at the shore. Water lapped against small, round rocks. Gaetan pointed to the deep pool, and his lips moved, but the waterfalls deafening roar was too loud and drowned out his words.
He stepped closer and brought his lips to her ear. His breath tickled the skin at her nape. A pleasant shiver raced down her spine. “Use your power.”
She gnawed at her lip. Could she? Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the water and tried to force the energy from her hands.
She peeked through her lashes. Nothing happened.
He gripped her arm, his calloused fingers tickling her skin. “What’s wrong?”
“I…I’m not sure, but both times it happened before, I had an intense emotional reaction, and—”
Gaetan’s cane slipped from his grasp. He wrapped one hand around her waist and cradled her head with the other. “Perhaps this will help.”
She parted her lips and inhaled. “Gaetan, what…”
He silenced her with a rough, demanding kiss. A low moan eased from him, reverberating deep in his chest. Her pulse spiked as a rush of desire slid all the way to her core. She thrust her hands into his hair and scraped her nails against his scalp, claiming him. He tightened his grip around her waist, crushing her breasts and her hardening nipples against his chest.
“Nicole…” She loved how he said her name, drawing it out.
His arousal grew, but she forced herself to focus. “I…I think I can try now.”
“Good, very good.” He released his hold on her, but he kept his hands on her hips.
She turned and leaned into him, her back pressing against his chest. Using the desire he’d ignited in her, she concentrated on the water.
Bubbles formed on the surface. The water funnel reappeared. Rocks became visible on the ground, and the path led into the small cave. Water encircled the opening, swirling and churning, but not a single drop fell.
Nikki’s chest swelled, a feeling of accomplishment lightening her heart.
“Let’s go.” Gaetan picked up his cane, gripped her hand, and headed into the water tunnel.
She sucked in a deep, shuddering breath. What awaited them?