Twilight's Eternal Embrace Read Free

but now silver threaded through the strands like weeds in the garden.
    " Do you truly wish to know, Mother? " She knew the answer before her mother turned away.
    " I suppose I do not. Our life is what it is, Adryanna. I wish you would not dwell on what cannot be changed. "
    She wanted to hate her mother, but how could she when her mother was right on her assessment. Their clan was nothing but chattel , waiting to be chosen for the slaughter. She rose to her feet and wiped her hands on her gown.
    Her mother glanc ed at her. " Where are you going? "
    She lifted one brow and her mother closed her eyes. They had an unspoken agreement. Nola did not ask her daughter what she did away from the dwelling. In exchange, Adryanna would not disappoint her with the truth.
    " Do as you must. " Her mother ' s voice sounded tired. " You always have. I wish it were you— "
    Adryanna ' s blood ran cold at her mother ' s confession, knowing full well what her mother had wanted to s ay. "I wish it were I they took too. Fianait did not deserve her fate. "
    " Adryanna, " Nola called to her, but Adryanna didn ' t turn around.
    Instead, she took to running. Her feet flew over the bramble with ease. She loved to run, loved the feel of the air on her face and the way her hair flew behind her. It was the closest she could imagine to what flying would feel like. She ran until she reached the other end of the forest and she could make out the castle of Dungannon.
    No flag flew to indicate if Fianait lived or died. A red flag would mean she lived. A black flag would mean she perished. " Oh gods above, please let my sister still draw breath. "
    No one stirred in the village. Day was like night to them. They slept while the sun warmed the earth. Only between the two lights called Twilight would both the Lathe Sith and the Oiche Sith walk the earth at the same time.
    She plopped down on the ground and leaned against the tree trunk. The sky had darkened, the clouds hiding the sun from view. The wind blew cool, but she wasn ' t cold after her run. She welcomed the cool breeze as she waited until the Oiche Sith clan awoke. Only then would she know if she should mourn her sister ' s passing or rejoice she survived another day.
    Her body relaxed and her eyelids closed. She wondered where the Blue-eyed Devil slept. Did he reside in the castle or in one of the surrounding dwellings?
    The scent of the oaks and elm tickled her nostrils along with…another scent, earthy and rich with spices. A scent she had not encountered until...
    Her eyes flew open and she stared into the Blue-eyed Devil ' s gaze.

Chapter Four
    Bram had not thought to see the L a the Sith he kissed last night again, but here she sat beneath the trees as if she were a sprite relishing the feel of the earth. She was more beautiful than he remembered. Her hair hung in loose curls over her shoulder, the color rich and warm. He was sure if he touched the silken strands his finger s would burn, they resembled the sun ' s rays so closely. She wore a tunic and shirt of light violet with a spiral motif at her waistband with gold thread and decorated with amethyst stones. He much preferred this attire to the braccae she donned last night, though the woolen trouser showed more of her female shape.
    Her eyelids fluttered closed and her head lowered . Did she not learn her lesson last night , that it was not safe for her to dwell so close to Dungannon , let alone sleep ?
    Her eyes flew open as if she sensed the danger. They were the color of the storm clouds above, the intent shadowing them just as threatening. His gaze shifted to her hand where the dagger gleamed with purpose. " Ah, did you return to make good your threat of brandishing me a tattoo? "
    She scrambled to her feet, leaning against the tree trunk for support. " It is not Twilight . Why are you up and about without a care when the sun will scorch you? "
    He chuckled. " Sweet innocent lass, the sun hides behind storm clouds. The rays cannot harm