The Darkest Temptation ✔️

TWENTY TWO

Word Count: 1632

~Tove

I sit on the steps of the porch, looking between the thick boughs of the sprawling trees.

It's nice here. Peaceful.

Keo affirmed that there is no one for quite a distance in either direction. Only a couple weeks ago that notion would have terrified me, but now that I know I'm his mate, and he won't kill me, I like it.

I hear Keo's footsteps before I hear his voice.

"This is where things start getting interesting," he exclaims from behind me, the recently built porch creaking under his weight.

I look back over my shoulder. "Interesting? What does that mean?"

"I have something that should enhance your power," he tells me, reaching his hand into his pocket.

Scrambling up to my feet, curious about what this could be. I always figured I was meant to find my magic myself, so knowing I may have additional help is quite exciting.

"Really?"

He pulls a necklace from his pocket. It had a gold chain connecting to a simple setting for a beautiful emerald.

"Woah, it's beautiful," I breathe in wonder, reaching out so I can touching.

"Uh ah." He pulls the necklace out of my reach. "I wouldn't touch this just yet."

I frown. Is he really going to dangle this in front of my face with the promise of what it could do any not even let me touch it? I'm not in the mood to be taunted today.

"You're touching it," I remind him flatly.

He rests his hand on his chest. "Because I am deeply familar with my own powers. I know when I can and cannot summon them."

I roll my eyes. "I know how to summon my powers, okay?"

"One flippant thought while touching this could send you hurtling into the depths of the ocean if you're not careful," he warns, watching the necklace swing back and forth.

I cross my arms over my chest, huffing out a breath. He's right, and the thought of transporting myself somewhere that I can't get myself out of is a terrifying concept.

"Fine. So what's it for?"

"You will be touching it, but only after visualising exactly where you want to go," he tells me, smiling tightly. He's clearly apprehensive, which isn't promising.

I wrap my arms around myself. "Will it send me far?"

"Maybe. It amplifies your powers."

His uncertainty suggests he is very unfamiliar with how this conduit works. It must have been made especially for someone with my abilities in mind, and must have been what we picked up from Wren in Territory zone.

"That is terrifying," I mutter.

"Do you truly believe I would allow you to touch this if it put you in danger?" He asks, raising a brow. He almost sounds a little offended.

"Keo from a couple weeks ago would," I remind him. Keo from a couple weeks ago would happily send me into danger without a care in the world.

He frowns a little. "Keo from a week ago didn't have a mate."

I clear my throat, shifting uncomfortably. Whenever he gives me that look, I know I'm moments away for forgetting all rational thoughts.

"So where did the magic fuelling this thing come from?" I ask nervously.