Soulless (Maiden of Time Book 2) by Crystal Collier Page B

commence.”
    Alexia trotted through the trees, fingers linked through his, returning his world-bursting grin. Was there anything so complete as simply being with him? So long as she had this, had him, let wars and sorrows rage. Nothing could stay her joy.

 
     
    Fifteen
     

     
    Marriage
     
     
    The single-room church waited, its white framing set off by the stone exterior. Father straightened up from the door frame as Kiren hurried up the steps past him, shaking hands briefly.
    Alexia’s heart gave a trill of sheer bliss at the exchange. She didn’t think she could be happier as she skipped up the steps and took Father’s arm. Inside, wall-length windows welcomed adequate light to brighten the faces of her friends and adopted family. They stood at the front of the building, gathered at the far end beyond the pews. Heads swiveled her direction and a hush fell.
    Edward straightened up and tugged at his lapels as Lester winked. Ethel beamed and brought her hands together in a single clap while Nelly crossed her arms and nodded in approval.
    They stepped back to reveal Kiren, ever so handsome in his fine suit. His natural luster put the others to shame, brightening the front of the room and sending waves of heat washing over her. Every cell pulsed with life, with excitement and a giddiness that threatened to explode from her like sunbeams refracted through glass.
    Behind him, a priest in simple robes shifted.
    She met gazes with Father at her side, his brow raised in question. She nodded and they moved forward.
    Kiren’s nose flared, his eyes as wide as the sea. She swam toward them, ready to be forever encompassed by his tender floods. His honey-oak musk carried over the closing distance, intoxicating her in the realization that very soon this breathtaking man would be hers, forever.
    He offered a hand. She pulled away from Father, fixated on the wellspring of her eternal happiness, flesh brushing over flesh. He lifted her hand to his lips, gaze never leaving hers.
    The priest uttered words, and she heard them in the distance, a hum of noise.
    Listen , Kiren mouthed.
    She attempted to sort through the drone, but his summer tides swallowed her awareness, bringing her down to the thump-thump of her own heart and the tingles traveling from their overlapping fingers.
    This was it. The moment. Never again would she be alone. Never again would she worry and wonder if this day would come. Never again would she question if she was worthy of his love.
    Perfect joy blossomed from her chest outward, a matchless white orchid brought forth by the man who had nurtured this hope into being. Happiness pulsed off her skin, saturating the air. The space charged with warmth, with a brilliance.
    She gasped.
    Luminescence permeated off her skin.
    Radiance shone from Kiren’s wrist and face as well. Did she imagine it, or could she actually feel his splendor mingling with her own, like particles of light kissing through their skin and becoming one?
    It was happening: The bond. All her doubts, all her reservations were swept to the invisible corners of her mind as she offered herself up to him.
    A chill seeped down her spine, the spell shattering.
    She snapped to awareness. That wasn’t right. Something wasn’t right.
    No , no, no!
    Ice curled through the room, its serpentine tail flicking at the back of her neck and raising goose bumps along her arms.
    The priest’s words died off.
    Kiren’s fingers bit into hers, his jaw clenching.
    Darkness dropped over them like a curtain had been drawn across the windows.

 
     
    Sixteen
     

     
    Barrage
     
     
    Alexia jerked out of her trance.
    The chill of the air could only mean one thing.
    The Soulless. Silhouettes obstructed the window panes from outside, multiple beings whose eyes would glow crimson when the sun set.
    Kiren jerked her behind him.
    She reached for the greatest weapon in her possession, the power to freeze time—even if the ache at the back of her head warned against it. She