Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)(26)

My eyelids eventually grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.

A gentle hand caressed the side of my face. “Since you won’t come to me, I’ve come to you.”

I was still on the chair with the book resting on my lap. The only difference—Morlet knelt next to me. Was this a dream or reality? I furtively glanced about the room to make sure Vidar wasn’t present.

Morlet plucked the book from my lap, placing in on the ground. “It’s time we get to know one another better.” His voice was smooth and seductive.

Afraid he’d use his magic on me, I stood and walked to the window, staring outside into the starless night. Dealing with him required the utmost caution. There was a reason it took twelve Krigers to defeat him—he was powerful, perhaps more powerful than even a Heks.

“Kaia,” he purred.

I closed my eyes and focused on my surroundings, allowing instinct to take over. Morlet’s magic felt weakened. It had to be taking an enormous amount of energy for him to be here with me. Somehow, I knew he couldn’t control me as he’d done before. Relief filled me, and I turned to meet his gaze from across the room. The only light came from the dying fire in the hearth.

Morlet stood and reached up, pushing back his hood to reveal his striking face. The gesture seemed intimate, forbidden. I couldn’t help but stare. He had a handsome square face, coal black hair, and crystal blue eyes.

He sauntered toward me with a wicked smile and seized my hands, holding them tightly. “I want us to be friends. You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known.” Something flashed through his conflicting, dangerous eyes, hinting at a deep pain. “I don’t have anyone who knows or understands me.”

I believed he was telling the truth and found myself wanting to help him.

His head jerked toward the door. “Who’s there?” he demanded. “Are you with someone?” His face contorted with fury and rage.

Was it possible for Vidar to enter my dream? In case he could, I wanted to placate Morlet and keep his focus on me. “I’m alone. It’s just the two of us.”

“I feel I’m losing you.” His eyes sought mine, revealing betrayal. “Please help me. I don’t want to live like this any longer.” He placed his hands on each side of my face, cradling it as if I were precious. “I need you.”

I woke up, once again sitting on the chair, Vidar now kneeling next to me. Both of his hands were on my cheeks, in the exact placement Morlet’s had been a moment before.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his forehead pinched with worry.

Closing the book, I leaned forward, and Vidar released me. “I’m fine,” I said, placing the book on the ground.

“You’re shaking. Did Morlet contact you?”

“Yes. This time was different, though.” Not only did Morlet come to me, he had shown me his face. Something about the intensity in his eyes hinted that there was more to him than simply the evil man everyone claimed him to be. There was definitely darkness and cruelty in him, but that innate feeling that told me to trust Anders now told me there was great sadness in Morlet. Against all common sense, a desire to understand him took root.

“What happened?” Vidar asked.

Not wanting to tell him about seeing Morlet’s face or about being drawn to him, I said, “He was here, in this room.”

Vidar let out a deep breath. “Grei Heks told us his magic would grow stronger.” He rubbed his face. “I didn’t expect it to be at this rate.”

My hands started to pulse with a dull pain. I frantically searched for the source of the danger lurking in the shadows.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, pulling me to my feet.

I rushed over to the window. “Could Morlet be outside?” The dark forest appeared normal.

“I don’t think so,” Vidar whispered behind me. “Why?”

My spine tingled as if spiders were crawling up it. “My hands hurt. It’s only a mild throbbing and not the awful feeling I usually get before something bad happens.”

“If they were painful, I’d say you’re in danger. However, since it’s a dulled sensation, it’s probably just from your dream. A delayed reaction, if you will.”

My hands never hurt with our previous communications. Gazing through the open window at the forest, the chilly night air engulfed me with its heady pine scent.

Vidar placed his hands on my shoulders, rubbing them. “I’m sorry,” he said. “It’ll be better once Anders returns with my medallion.”

“Did Grei Heks give it to you?”

“Yes. It was a gift to protect me from Morlet. It’s imperative that he doesn’t know I’m alive.”

My suspicions were confirmed. “How are you and Anders tied to all of this?”

His hands slid down my arms, instantly calming me. “I’ll show you.” He led me out of the main room, across the bridge, and to his bedchamber. He built up the fire and then searched his bookshelves. “Here it is,” he said, pulling out a small wooden box that had been hidden behind several books. Sitting on his bed, he patted the spot next to him.

Something shifted between us, and I no longer felt nervous around him. Instead, his friendship soothed me. I sat down and he opened the lid. Inside, a sapphire roughly carved into the shape of a ball rested on a white handkerchief. He lifted the stone, placing it on the palm of my hand.