The Spirit War(54)
Eli said nothing, and Benehime relaxed against him with a long sigh. If you must know, I’ve brought you some news. You always did love a bit of gossip. She smiled, her hand tracing Karon’s burn. Deep in his chest, Eli felt the lava spirit roll over in fear. Benehime felt it, too, and she laughed, leaning forward so her white hair fell across them both.
Nara’s embraced her power again, she said, moving her hands up to play with his tousled hair. She’s putting together quite the little show. I have to say I’m impressed. She hasn’t been this Empress-like in centuries. I’m beginning to remember why I loved her.
She paused, watching his face for jealousy, but Eli flashed her a genuine smile.
“What a marvelous turn for everyone if she should manage it,” he said. “The Empress always did adore you more than I ever could with my black heart.”
Benehime’s smile faded, and her fingers tangled painfully in his hair. Don’t be cold, Eliton, she whispered, dragging his head back. You need to remember that my love is something to be coveted, not taken for granted. I’ve played your game for many years now, watching you run free, chasing your ridiculous dream of that absurd bounty. It’s been an adorable show, but the time for play is over, and I grow tired of waiting.
“Why are you waiting for me?” Eli said. “Surely there’s someone else who can keep you company. The whole world loves you.”
What do I care about the world? Benehime said, her beautiful face falling into a sullen frown. You’re the only soul that matters to me, love. That’s why I came to warn you. She released her grip on his hair, pulling her hands down to cup his face instead. Nara is coming to take me from you, she whispered. She’s marshaled an army like none I’ve ever seen. There’s no way you can beat her alone.
Eli had to grit his teeth to keep from flinching as she stroked his cheeks. “With all due respect, Shepherdess, there have been a lot of things you’ve said I couldn’t do, and I’ve done most of them.”
Benehime stiffened, her hands tightening on his face, and for a moment Eli was afraid she was going to rip his head clean off. But then she smiled and leaned in, pressing a soft, burning kiss against his lips. So arrogant, she whispered, moving up to kiss the tip of his nose. So self-assured. That’s why I love you. She kissed him one last time and pulled back. Really, though, Eliton, you’ve never been an idiot. For all your puffed-up talk, you must know you’ll lose in the end. Nara commands half the world, and now that she’s got her spine back, she means to control the whole thing.
Benehime began to laugh. Poor thing still hasn’t realized that ruling the world doesn’t solve all its problems. I should know; I’ve tried. She sighed against him, patting his cheeks with her fingers. She’s a lost cause, darling, but she’s one you can’t possibly hope to beat. Better come home now while things are easy. If you make me save you, I won’t be so gentle.
“But that’s the game, isn’t it?” Eli said, lying still as a board beneath her. “If I ask you for help, you win.”
The Shepherdess’s fingers froze against his skin. You’re not still on about that old thing, are you?
“I most certainly am,” Eli said. “And so are you, which is why you haven’t just yanked me back yet. You want to win, but so do I, and I’m not one to just roll over.” He broke into a wide grin. “You’ll have to find something scarier than the Immortal Empress if you want me to come crying back to you, Benehime.”
The Shepherdess’s face closed like a slamming door. She sat back on top of him, suddenly cold and distant. I was trying to let you keep your dignity, she said with a sneer. I should have known better. You always did enjoy throwing my kindness back in my face. But mark me, favorite, the Empress is coming and she has no love for you. I am your only hope. Try to keep that in mind the next time you decide to be rude.
Eli didn’t answer. He just lay there, his body perfectly still against hers. The Shepherdess watched him a moment longer, and then she leaned down. I’ll be waiting, she murmured against his mouth, kissing him one last time.
She kept her white eyes open the whole time, staring at him as her mouth crushed his. Eli stared back, not moving so much as a fraction as the burning feel of her lips grew from ticklish to nearly unbearable. Finally, with a slight smile, Benehime vanished. There was no white line, no change. She was just gone, leaving behind nothing, not even a warm spot on the bed. Eli didn’t dare move a muscle. He lay perfectly still as the seconds ticked by with painful slowness, counting them one after another until he reached a full minute. Then, like a dam breaking, he collapsed into the bed, gasping as the lingering feel of her presence faded from his body.