Denna

DENNA

" T here's water somewhere down here!"

I heard it, a soft roar, past the row of shining crystals. Barely within view, a waterfall tumbled into the other side of a lake, its roar echoing through the cavern, mist billowing.

In the center, a jagged spire of rock thrust upwards, defying the smooth surface of the dark waters. The island, no more than twenty feet across, was a jumble of sharp edges and weather-worn hollows, its surface slick with moisture and dotted with patches of luminescent moss.

The cavern unfurled before us like a dream, crystals refracting light in a dazzling display.

Then something else caught my eye, making my heart soar with relief. "Look—fruit! Berries, mushrooms." Maybe we wouldn't starve down here after all.

Korrin's ruggedly handsome features twisted into a grimace as he shifted his weight off his bad leg. "Only if this underground feast isn't poisonous."

As if on cue, a flock of pale, strange-looking birds fluttered down and pecked at the glowing berries, chirping merrily. I arched an eyebrow at Korrin. "Seems the birds deem them safe to eat."

He took a labored step towards a bush laden with fruit, but his crutch slipped on the slick rock. My heart jumped into my throat as he barely caught himself, hissing in pain. Getting back up clearly wouldn't be easy for him.

"You need to stay off that leg," I insisted, hurrying to grip his elbow. Despite his disheveled state, his proximity still sent tingles across my skin. "Let's find some shelter, make camp."

Korrin's piercing gaze raked over me, stoking the embers that always smoldered between us into scorching heat. I caught him lingering on my lips, my curves, and had to resist the urge to arch into his hungry appraisal. Blinking, I tried to shake off the sultry haze clouding my senses.

"Camp," I repeated firmly, as much for my own benefit as his. "Rest."

He nodded, looking as reluctant as I felt to let the charged moment pass. "Right."

"Wait here." I gave his arm a squeeze before stepping back, instantly missing his warmth. "I'll look around."

As I ventured deeper into the grotto, I felt Korrin's eyes burning into my back, my swaying hips. It took every ounce of willpower not to glance teasingly over my shoulder, silently encouraging his obvious desire. But in his current condition, rest had to be the priority.

Small, glowing crystals were embedded in the cavern walls. I pocketed a few, thinking they might prove useful later.

The cavern opened into a thicket that looked promising—soft, mossy ground and branches weighted with fruit that could provide makeshift shelter. "Over here, Korrin!" I called, my voice echoing. "Think you can make it?"

He limped into view, jaw clenched against the pain of each step. Stubborn man, refusing to admit he was struggling. But I admired that bullheaded determination—it had saved both our lives more than once.

"The leaves will make a soft bed," I said, patting the mossy floor. "And those bushes should give us some cover if needed."

Korrin eyed the pale fruit warily. "Those look like asviloon berries."

I plucked one and bit into it, its pale flesh yielding easily. Tart juice flooded my mouth, followed by an unexpected sweetness that lingered on my tongue. The fruit's aroma, a mix of citrus and something exotic, filled my senses. I smirked, wiping a trace of juice from my lips. "And they're delicious."

"You know, for a fearsome warrior, you're quite the picky eater," I teased.

A wry smile tugged at his lips. "I prefer my meals not glowing, thank you."

Using a boulder for support, he lowered himself down with obvious discomfort, trying and failing to hide his distress. Worry gnawed at my throat seeing the pain etched on his face, the tremor in his hands.

"How can I help?" I dropped down beside him, hands fluttering uselessly. His scent, warm and wild beneath the grime, enveloped me.

Korrin bit into a pale berry, avoiding my gaze. "The Valti will heal me. Don't trouble yourself."

"At least let me make you more comfortable." I set about fashioning him a makeshift bed, hyper-aware of every brush of skin, every catch in his breathing at my touch.

"Better?" I asked once I'd finished.

"Much," he replied, voice rough.

I stood, brushing at the filthy skirt of my dress. "I'll gather more food for us. But I don't think we should risk a fire—not sure I could find anything dry enough down here anyway."

"It would be better to block out the light," Korrin said, an undercurrent of strain in his tone that had nothing to do with pain.

I frowned. "Too bright to sleep?"

His eyes met mine, dark with meaning. "The Valti will heal me, as I said. But for that, I'll need to..."

Understanding washed over me. I sank down, cradling his stubbled cheek. "You need to release it."

Korrin leaned into my palm, eyes slipping closed as if savoring my touch. "You've seen my transformed state before. I would spare you witnessing it again."

"No." I crossed my arms. "Your other self—it doesn't frighten me, truly. The change is jarring, yes. But not the man who emerges after."

He barked a harsh laugh. "Hardly a man."

I stroked his matted hair, relishing the way he turned into my palm. "Then let him come forth. You need the Valti's strength to heal."

"You should keep your distance once I've transformed." A muscle ticked in his jaw. "My claws, fangs—they could harm you."