The Choice of Magic - Michael G. Manning Page 0,32

with amusement. “No one enters the fae realm by accident, manling.”

He could feel the truth in her words, and thinking back on it, he could remember the distinct moment he had chosen to step sideways, seeking to follow her voice. “I didn’t realize what I was doing,” he explained. “Now, I just want to leave.”

“I could show you the way,” she teased, “for a price.”

“No thanks,” said Will immediately, though deep down he couldn’t help but wonder if he really meant it.

The woman was walking back toward him, this time more slowly, making sure to stay on the side of him as far from the axe as possible. “What is your name, manling?”

“W—” he started to answer, then caught himself. “You expect my name for free?”

Her laughter tinkled in his ears. “Fair exchange then, my name for your own.”

That sounded fair, but he still hesitated. What if learning his name gave her some power over him? “What would you do with my name?” he asked.

“So cautious, so careful,” said the fae woman. “You would be worth knowing, if ever you escape the sun-drenched lands. Names exchanged are no sinister thing. A name can be used for finding and calling, just as with friends in your own world.”

Will’s eyes narrowed. “Are you saying you could summon me?”

Her answering smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “So dark are your thoughts. Are you a warlock, mageling?”

He shook his head. “No.” Not yet, anyway.

She moved closer and bent her head to his neck, inhaling. “You have no smell of wickedness. Very well. To answer your question, if I were to call your name you would hear it, wherever you might be. What you choose to do afterward is your own business, though you would be able to find the closest door to reach me if you chose to come.”

“And if I called your name?” he responded.

“The same.”

“Is there a price for calling?”

She whispered into his ear, sending shivers down his spine. “Only if one is set during the exchange. Would that please you?”

“That’s not necessary,” he stammered, finding it difficult to think with her so close.

“Then a simple exchange it is, are we agreed?” she asked.

Will nodded. The hand holding the axe handle was white-knuckled and beginning to ache.

“I am called Tailtiu,” she responded. “And you are?” She breathed her words into his ear before taking the lobe between her teeth.

“William Cartwright,” he blurted out, unable to help himself. Then her sharp teeth bit down on his tender ear, sending a tiny jolt of pain, and an even larger spasm of pleasure, through him.

Tailtiu pulled away, sighing. A single drop of blood on her lips. She reached up with one hand and wiped it away, then put her finger in her mouth to clean it. A purring sound rose from her throat and she licked her lips once more. “You taste good, mortal. So much potential…”

“That’s my blood,” said Will. “That wasn’t part of our exchange.”

Tailtiu pouted. “Then I am in your debt. What would you like in return? A kiss?” She looked hopeful.

Judging by his reaction to what she had just done, he doubted his reason would survive a kiss. For a moment, his mind pondered scenarios. Perhaps if she was tied and bound it would be safe. He shook his head to clear it. “Show me the way back.” He regretted the words as soon as he uttered them. He really wanted the kiss.

“So stubborn,” she replied. “Very well. Follow me.” Turning away, she started walking at a leisurely pace, her slim hips swaying hypnotically.

To hell and back, thought Will, falling into step. Every part of her movement was entrancing, from her graceful stride to the way her hair shifted from side to side, giving him glimpses of her shoulders that made him want to take hold of her.

The candle flame was burning fiercely, twice as large as normal. It rose and fell to a slow, deep rhythm that matched his heartbeat. Seeing its odd behavior distracted him for a moment and he felt his lustful urge fade slightly. He focused on her feet after that, afraid he might lose his mind if he let his eyes drift upward again.

Damn, even her heels are beautiful.

Logically, he knew that the way back should be the same as the way he had come, but nothing seemed familiar. They walked for nearly half an hour, and when asked, Tailtiu assured him that they were taking the shortest path back to his world. She wouldn’t lie,