Read Online Embrace the Night by Caris Roane - Free Book Online

time.
    After Hannah was done, Vojalie remained looking out to sea for a long time, her forearms on the railing. Peace radiated from the beautiful fae woman who was probably the most powerful of her kind in the Nine Realms.
    She wasn’t quite as tall as Hannah and had very fae features with a thin nose and a strong pointed chin. She wore a lavender headband holding back her long, dark brown hair. Her equally dark eyes glimmered with a mountain of compassion. Though she’d never seen it before, she knew that Vojalie’s eyes would turn silver when she enthralled someone, usually while seeking information.
    She was definitely the woman to ask for help and counsel.
    After a time, Vojalie turned toward her. “First, you have what is known as a fire-gift and it’s extremely rare. I haven’t seen it in centuries, in fact, but you have all the hallmarks. I would imagine you find cold water soothing.”
    “Very. But what does this mean?”
    Vojalie shrugged. “It’s no doubt connected to your being a blood rose, but I have a feeling its purpose is specific and will be made known to you within the next few days or weeks even. Although the fact that you saved Jude’s life is a hint all on its own.”
    “So I’m a fiery blood rose.”
    Vojalie smiled. “You could say that.” But her expression soon became serious as she continued, “All nine of the ruling mastyrs have carried an enormous load for centuries. And I’ve been hoping for a long time that something very realm would one day arrive to relieve their suffering. I just never thought it would be the blood rose phenomenon. It has occurred before in our history, but in such distant times that I actually had to look it up in the ancient documents. But these men … they’re so deserving.”
    Hannah sighed. “Jude especially. He’s done so much for his realm, which is one reason I’m as upset as I am. Jude should have a blood rose in his life, just not me. And you know I love realm-folk. I’ve essentially grown up around them, and I’ve known Jude since I was a child.”
    Hannah rubbed what she knew to be a frown between her brows. “What I’m trying to say, is that the way I feel has little to do with Jude and more to do with how much I’d be giving up.”
    “You feel you’d have to give up the Gold Rush.”
    “And my home, my friends, my entire way of life. I’m not ignorant of just how much each of the lives of the current bonded blood roses has changed.”
    Vojalie cocked her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I’m wondering though, if there isn’t something more going on here. Is it possible your feelings are cloaked with events from the past? Bad experiences?”
    Hannah could see that Vojalie’s eyes had turned silver, a sure sign of enthrallment, but it didn’t bother Hannah at all. Instead, she found herself telling Vojalie all about her ex, Mark Jackson, and his control issue. “And I know Jude likes things the way he likes them.”
    “Well that he does, as most men do. But it also sounds to me like your ex had a much deeper issue than Jude could possibly have. I believe, and you make take it for what it’s worth, that your Mr. Jackson will one day become an abuser, if not physically then emotionally. I imagine while you were together, he helped you to feel very small about the choices you made for your life.”
    Vojalie had said it exactly right. “As though his were important and mine weren’t.”
    “You were wiser than you knew when you parted company with him.”
    To a degree, Hannah already knew that Vojalie was right. But hearing her suspicions supported out loud helped a lot.
    Vojalie asked, “So, how does Jude feel about what’s happened?”
    “Actually, I’m not sure which of us is more distressed.”
    Vojalie frowned slightly. “I believe he must be thinking about his wife and daughter. You know about them, right? The lovely Naomi and their daughter, Joy?”
    Hannah nodded.
    Vojalie’s silver eyes appeared haunted as she