Chapter Seventeen
Fire burned in Arthur’s gut, blazing bright and hot as it cauterized his wound. The blue flames scorched the four chambers, incinerating his sense of self-preservation. He reached for it. He needed the heat, wanted to taste the warmth. The sizzle and singe of it made his mouth water, his blood boil. Though the flames surrounded him, the source of the warmth was beyond his reach.
Arthur jerked awake on a strangled moan that died in his dry throat. All was dark and it took his eyes longer than normal to adjust. He knew he wasn’t alone. His gaze raked the room, searching for the cold heat from his dreams.
And there it was. Just there, in the corner where a sliver of light stole through. Cloaked in darkness, she rose and came near to him.
As she moved, the sliver of light
