Part 6 (2/2)

Calling on his powers, he released a series of pulses that made the ice hum at a low frequency. The vibrations would reveal any hidden openings. If nothing else, the pulses might eventually weaken the ice and cause cracks that he could use to bust his way out.

Refusing to consider the knowledge it might take days, if not weeks, to do any true damage to his prison, Finn concentrated on his task.

Over and over he released his magic, moving from one wall to another until he was distracted by the sound of crackling. Like water being poured on water.

Was a portal opening?

Hurrying to stare at the place where the murky density of the wall was beginning to clear, Finn instinctively held out his hand. A cloud of mist swirled around his fingers, the ice droplets hardening until they formed a perfect dagger.

It looked harmless, but his enemies swiftly learned that it was sharper than any metal blade.

Usually when it was slicing through their flesh.

The murkiness continued to dissipate, until it was as clear as gla.s.s despite the fact it was several feet thick. Finn frowned. A shadowed form was approaching from the other side of the wall.

A female form.

Fury exploded through him, along with something else. Something that made him gawk at his captor with a fascination that was entirely unacceptable.

She was fey. He could tell that much by the provocative beauty of her heart-shaped face and the delicate lines of her slender body. But he'd never before seen eyes that looked as if they were made from pure platinum, or hair that was threaded with the colors of autumn. The long tresses tumbled over her shoulders in a cascade of gold and red with copper highlights.

She was wearing a white robe that blended into the tunnel of ice behind her, but that did nothing to diminish her stunning beauty.

Trying to banish his odd response to her, he placed his hand against the ice. Her exquisite eyes widened as he unconsciously allowed his magic to continue to pulse, sending vibrations through the air.

”You must stop,” she said, her voice throaty. She glanced over her shoulder before returning her attention to him. ”If you keep trying to escape they'll hurt you.”

Finn lowered his hand, startled by the fact that he could hear her as clearly as if she was standing next to him. It had to be magic. Perhaps a miniscule portal that she could speak through?

The thought sent a jolt of hope through him.

If she could create a small portal to talk through, there was no reason she couldn't create a bigger one that would allow him to escape.

Hiding the dagger behind his back, he offered her a charming smile. At least he hoped it was charming. It felt remarkably close to a grimace.

”Who are you?” he asked.

”Adair,” she murmured, her husky voice sending zings of pleasure through Finn.

”Adair.” His smile widened. ”A fascinating name for a fascinating female.”

She blinked, as if caught off guard by his blatant flirtation.

”It's very common among my people.”

”You're a Sylvermyst,” he breathed, his gaze skimming over the pure ivory of her skin before lingering on the lush curve of her lips.

The sort of lips that could send a male to paradise.

Hastily he squashed the renegade thoughts.

She nodded. ”Yes.”

”I've never met one in person.” He stepped forward, his nose nearly pressed against the ice wall. ”Are they all so lovely?”

Her long lashes fluttered, the scent of rosemary filling the air.

”I...I must go.”

”Wait.” He tried to look entreating. It felt weird on his face. He was a male who demanded, not pleaded. ”Can you tell me where I am?”

She shook her head. ”Don't ask.”

”Why not?” he pressed. ”Is it your secret lair?”

She hesitated, the scent of rosemary deepening. At last her hand fluttered toward her throat, as if she was afraid.

”Dragon dreams,” she whispered.

”Dragon dreams?” Finn stilled, his brows drawing together in confusion. ”What does that mean?”

She shook her head. ”I'm not sure.”

He bit back his curse. For now it didn't matter where he was. Or what the h.e.l.l 'dragon dreams' might mean.

”Tell me why I'm here,” he instead demanded.

”My family has need of you,” she said.

”What do they need me for?” he asked.

”I can't tell you. Just do as they ask. Otherwise...” She allowed her words to trail away, a shudder shaking through her body.

”Otherwise?” he prompted.

”They'll kill you.” She shuddered. ”They'll kill both of us.”

Finn fought his primal response to the fear that flared through the platinum eyes. This female didn't need his protection, he fiercely reminded himself. She was the enemy. Which meant she was quite likely trying to earn his trust so she could...

Well, he didn't know what she wanted, but he wasn't going to be bewitched into forgetting she was the bad guy. Or bad female.

Bad, s.e.xy, delectable female.

Abruptly as furious with himself as the Sylvermyst who'd taken him captive, he allowed his smile to fade.

”Where are my people?” he snapped.

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