Page 83 of Realms of Shadow and Sun
“I'm doing okay. Really,” Selenia added as Renya's face scrunched in disbelief.
“If you need someone to talk to, I'm always here. And probably someone who understands the most.”
“I appreciate you so much, Renya. I'm so glad we're going to be sisters. Speaking of, I have something I've been meaning to give you.”
Selenia retrieved the wrapped dress from the trunk.
“Selenia, what's this—” Renya gasped as she unwrapped the gown. “Selenia, this is incredible.” Her fingers danced along the rosettes and smoothed the fabric. “But surely, you'll want to keep such a magnificent gown for yourself—”
“It's a Sun Realm wedding dress.”
Renya's jaw dropped, and Selenia noticed a slight sheen in her eyes.
“Selenia, this is so thoughtful. I can't believe it.”
“I wanted you to feel like the princess you are on your wedding day. Here in our world, it's tradition for the bride's mother to make her wedding gown. I knew that wouldn't be the case for you, but I still wanted you to have something special from your first home.”
A few tears trickled down Renya's cheek. Selenia glanced over to see Julietta's eyes were misty as well.
“This is the sweetest gift I've ever received,” Renya said, crushing Selenia in a tight hug.
“I know my brother is quite the gift-giver where you're concerned, so I doubt that. But I'm glad you like it.”
Selenia paced the halls, sleep eluding her. Anxiety coursed through her, fear that something would go wrong tomorrow, that the people she cared about would be taken from her. The memory of Jurel's death before her eyes haunted her, and she envisioned the same fate befalling Grayden, Renya, or...Sion. The image of him lying in a pool of his own blood drove her from her room in a panic.
Though she didn't know where Sion was staying in the palace, she couldn't remain in her room any longer. She thought about waking up Julietta, but she was sharing a room with Kalora and Selenia didn’t want to take any chances of messing up the much-needed rest those participating in tomorrow's battle would need.
After perusing a small reading room at the end of the hall, Selenia decided to return to her room, a book tucked under her arm.
She saw his shadow first, rounding the corner. Before his face came into view, she knew it was him. Selenia watched as Sion walked past her bedroom, made a motion to knock on the door, then walked away without following through.
“Sion!” she whispered loudly, rushing down the hall, her bare feet padding against the stone floor.
“Selenia? What are you doing out here?” He turned to face her. He wore only a loose pair of trousers, his chest bare. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, as if he hadn't slept well in days.
“I'm—I'm just scared for tomorrow,” she confessed, closing the distance between them until only a couple of feet separated them. “I'm worried for everyone.”
He reached out as if to stroke her cheek but quickly withdrew his hand. “You don't need to worry, Selenia. Our plan will work.”
She tilted her face up to him, studying his handsome features in the darkness. “What were you doing outside my room?”
Sion lowered his eyes, shuffling his bare feet slightly.
“Sion?” she pressed, waiting for his answer.
“Honestly, I'm not sure, Selenia. I was worried that this might be my last night in this world, and I couldn't stop thinking of you, and how much I regret that I can't feel our bond.”
Selenia took a step closer, their foreheads nearly touching. “How I wish you could,” she murmured, gazing into his dark eyes.
“Believe me, Selenia. I know I might not feel fate-bound to you, but I definitely want you.” His voice was husky, filled with desire. Selenia swallowed hard, looking at the man before her. She'd never felt so desirable, so wanted or needed. Her knees felt weak, and she thought she might collapse from the wanting she felt within.
Sion reached out and stroked her cheek, her skin tingling at his touch. Her insides felt like they were on fire, as if she would die if he stopped touching her. She stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
Unlike their hurried and lustful kisses before, this was gentle and tender. She felt Sion explore her mouth, his hands circling her and pulling her hips towards his. She felt his length hard against her and moaned softly, knowing she was playing a dangerous game with this man who desired her.
She pulled away. “Do you want to come into my room?” she asked shyly. She wasn't sure she was ready for this next step, but she also knew she couldn't say goodbye to him like this.
A pained look crossed his face, and then he ran the back of his fingers along her jawline before tracing her bottom lip with his thumb. “Selenia—I won't take your innocence. Not like this. Not when I can't guarantee that I'll still be alive tomorrow night.”
