sense of peace. I can go far away from everything and everyone and just fall into the music. It transports me to a safe place. At least it feels safe.”
He went still inside. Her statement revealed a lot about her. So far, he’d been more than respectful, not reading her mind but waiting for her to give consent. It didn’t appear as if that was going to happen anytime soon. He needed to know everything about Julija.
“Music saved me a time or two,” he admitted. “In the high reaches of the Carpathian Mountains, locked away from even those who could provide us with blood, we spent the days pursuing our fighting skills and trying to fill empty hours with other arts. Some painted. I chose music. I studied it as much as possible. There were others who came and went. They would bring back to us supplies or knowledge we needed to continue to grow. They stayed a few years, sometimes as long as a century, and then they would leave us.”
“How did you feed?”
Just the fact that she knew to use the word feed instead of eat told him she was well versed in the Carpathian culture. Unexpectedly, that hurt all over again.
“Fane, the gatekeeper, left us every night to get blood for us.” Even as the words left him, he remembered the feel of her mouth on his skin. Her teeth sank into him, connecting them, so they shared his vein. So the essence of his life’s blood could flow from him to her. She had done that. He hadn’t done it for her. He’d barely pushed the command at her. She’d been willing, and not once had she questioned his taking of her blood. Not one single time.
“You have a mage mark.” He indicated the mark on her arm. The mark was very distinct. A snake coiled around the belly of a scorpion. The claws and stinger on the scorpion were poised and ready and the mouth of the snake was open, showing fangs, while its raised tail gave warning. “Yet you know about Carpathians and were able on your own to take my blood.”
She nodded. “I studied Carpathians because they are the focus of my family. Carpathians are considered the enemy. Xavier wanted them wiped from the earth. And yes, I am able to take blood directly, although I was careful not to show that particular ability to my family for many years.”
There was reluctance in her voice and her face flamed red. She looked away from him, but not before he caught a glimpse of distress in her. Whatever memory he had invoked was extremely painful to her.
“Can you explain further?” he asked gently.
“I would prefer not to,” she said.
He could see she half expected him to rip her memories from her mind. Instead, he stood up, towering over her. “You really need to lie down. I can feel your exhaustion beating at me.”
She stood as well, and he remained towering over her. He indicated the bed and they both walked to it.
“I am tired,” she admitted. “I didn’t sleep at all last night.”
She would have to get used to that if she was staying with him.
“The light is creeping in and I have to go to ground. I really don’t like leaving you alone. You’re not unprotected.” He didn’t want her to be afraid, nor did he want to insult her by implying she couldn’t handle being alone when she already had proven she could. “You are powerful in your own right, Julija, and you are aware of that power. Still, if needed, wake me and I will give you mine, as much as possible when the paralysis takes me.”
She nodded. “I’ll be fine. I appreciate the offer. I know it is not given often or lightly.”
She knew far more about Carpathian customs than she was letting on. “Before I retire, do you need food? I’ve put water beside the bed on that little stand. There is what passes for a bathroom in that tiny alcove right there.” He indicated the only corner in the chamber that was somewhat secluded.
“I appreciate it.” She sank down on the bed, suddenly tired. Very tired.
Isai crouched down and began removing her hiking boot. He stripped off one of her socks and did the same to the other one before inspecting both feet.
“I did have blisters, but I was able to heal them,” she admitted. “It isn’t my strongest suit, but I can do it when I have