No one could understand why the markings that had once been white were now red.   His hands came over her eyes, which wouldnt see then the black truly took over.   She turned down the wide corridor that stretched past the arched entrance to the gardens.   She held her breath when Arkir dived underneath Lanthans arm, caught him in a hold.   She would not cause that fear tonight.     He thumbed a tear from her cheek.   Eyrhaen peeped up to see her blow a kiss at her truemate.   He cupped her chin, gazing into her eyes.   To Eyrhaen, they all looked rather comfortable together in the domestic scene.  Steeling herself, she turned to face Brevin.   Through a veil of unwanted tears, she glared at the receding door.    Go away, go away, go away.     He heaved an overly done martyred sigh.   They didnt seem to mind.   The larger part of her brain writhed with the rest of her body.   Delight sparked in his eyes when she drew up to her knees.    The sapling, was it your idea?   Eyrhaen will, Im sure, have many children with her three lovers.   She ached for them after a life so long denied.     She twisted her grip as she slid her fist from root to tip.

   Boots done, he stayed seated, staring at the brightly colored rug beneath his feet.   His face was devoid of its former markings, the skin smooth and black and unblemished.     Lanthan saw her move.   Rhaes markings stood out on his black skin, almost glowing in the amply lit arena.   She let herself smile, let herself fall into him with relief.   His palm smoothed over her forehead, gently smoothing her hair back from her face.   With a pang, Eyrhaen pictured Tykir.   With his second shout, she released both his pleasure and the spell.   Eyrhaen stared at the closed door, hands fisted at her sides.   Id like it if we could start again.   She barely restrained the urge to push up and seal her lips to his.   I was beginning to wonder if youd lost your mind.   He grinned when she licked her lips.   His body shook, his thrusts gone ragged.     he growled into her ear.   A palm smoothed over her ass.   She was no stranger to compliments, nor protestations of devotion.   His demeanor this night was different.   She was so close   Touching another had never been like this.

 Hed been brought to his old suite of rooms and laid out on his bed.   Hyles hand came up to brace on his shoulder, encouraging him to look up again.   Eyrhaens inability to control her gifts has brought about changes that should benefit us all.   She held her breath when Arkir dived underneath Lanthans arm, caught him in a hold.   The one she wanted to lash at was herself.   Her current position didnt allow her to see Nialdlye, Brevin, Lanthan, or Tykir.   With a pang, Eyrhaen pictured Tykir.   Appalled, Eyrhaens mouth fell open.   Or even project emotion on him.   Tykir sat on the arm of it beside him.   Angrily, she dashed tears from her eyes, stepping toward the outer door.   Stubbornly, she refused to cower into the wall behind her.   Gritting her teeth, she glared up at Lanthan, who was watching her with obvious amusement.   Brevin moved easily with him, holding one leg as he lapped at her throbbing sex.   But it dawned on her the  he  he meant was Radin.   She shivered at the feel of liquid warmth oozing out of her.   She wondered at the shiver of delight that tickled her skin.    It wasnt real, you know.   She blinked, thankful that hed broached the subject.     She met his gaze seriously.

   Although Irin had a powerful gift, she had not honed it to sorcerer level.  His throat worked to swallow, and a fine sheen of sweat shimmered on his skin.     Colors bled, and the stone trees melted into the floating water of the stream.  Didnt matter that only Lanthan was touching her.   His hands were comforting weights on her shoulders, helping her to ground.   She took a deep breath, assessing.   Needing reassurance, Eyrhaen glanced up at her former master.   Appalled, Eyrhaens mouth fell open.   Her heart stopped at seeing him close after over a moon of avoiding him.   I could have been right!   I hope youll eventually forgive me, but I dont expect it to happen now.   Kneeling in the middle of her mattress, she hurled a pillow at them.   She swallowed over a lump in her throat.   They didnt seem to mind.   She caught sight of Tykir and Brevin kissing behind him, but not much more.    I love you too,  he murmured, thrusting slowly.   She blinked, never having seen it from that angle.   His demeanor this night was different.    I only want to be with you, Nialdlye.    I cant see where Im going.

   Growling, he braced on his arms and shifted his knee to get better leverage.   They had both recognized Salins unique voice when hed spoken through his mindlink with Radin.       Gala chuckled softly.   They stayed on their knees, slapping each others arms aside as they struggled for purchase.   Someone was there to help her.   He gave her a mock glare and flicked at her ear.    But maybe we could eat first?   A soothing warmth pulsed within her, her goddesss spell primed.   Ive never been more proud of you.   Steeling herself, she turned to face Brevin.   Her fingers curled into fists, and she pounded both of them on his chest.   Brevin caught it easily, chuckling.   It put his nose right above hers, his bright eyes boring down into her skull.   What shed done before had only amplified it.   She closed her eyes and groaned, luxuriating under his weight.   She gasped, stiffening when Brevin lost patience and thrust hard from underneath.   Barefoot and topless, she felt more naked than she had in a long time.    But I knew theyd eventually leave me.   She knew if she did, that would be it.   She slipped her fingers from his mouth, continuing to pump his cock.