Touch of Flame

"You did?"

"Yes." He replied and Ravina studied his expression to see what he was feeling. Did it go well?

"How was it?" she asked.

"It went better than our first meeting." He grinned.

She gave him a sideways look. "You are avoiding my question. Was she harsh?"

"No. I truly believe it went well. I am not her favorite but at least she doesn't want to shoot me."

Ravina shook her head with a smile. She knew he was joking about it to remove the tension. "I know she will come to accept you." She said.

"How can you be so sure?"

"We are twins." She said. "And I am usually the one more critical of men."

"I see," he smiled. Then his expression became serious. "Even if she is as critical, I will do my best. You don't have to worry about it."

She wasn't. She knew he would. "I know you will," she whispered.

He looked at her for a long moment, searching her eyes. "What is it?" She asked, softly.

"I am happy to see you this happy." He said.

Oh, he was making her emotional again. She took his hand, "I might not have found her if you didn't go out there. It was reckless."

"Your sister said the same."

She chuckled and then looked into his eyes, holding his large hand in both of hers. "Thank you." She said.

"It was the least I could do." He smiled softly, then his expression became serious. "Speaking of your sister, there is something we need to talk about."

Oh right. The scent, probably.

"Maybe you have already noticed... with Ephraim?"

"The scent?"

"Yes," He frowned.

"I understand that it is the most difficult for you." She and her sister, being twins, was truly creating difficulties.

He smiled gently. "It is a bit disturbing, but it is not that difficult. I sensed you since the first day, when you were watching me from the tower. The dragon in me recognized you. My senses were awakened by you. By instinct, I was drawn to you. But I am more than that, and you do more than that to me."

Now he took her hand in both of his. "The man that I am, is bound to you by heart."

Ravina felt a warmth spreading through her chest and a feeling of belonging that she had never experienced before. She felt her heart overflowing with emotion, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked into his deep, soulful eyes.

He gently cupped her cheek, his hand big and warm and slowly sliding to the back of her head pulling her closer. She closed her eyes at the nearness of his face and his hot breath on her skin. Her heart trembled.

"Will you be mine, Ravina?"

Her lips parted as breathing through her nose wasn't enough anymore. The tears burned, unbidden. Everything felt so right that it was overwhelming.

Everything was suddenly turning right, her heart healing and happy, her sister by her side and she didn't have to force herself into an unwanted marriage nor did she fear the emotional intimacy anymore. She welcomed it at the moment. She even favored it. The vulnerability didn't feel threatening anymore. Not with Malachi. She could trust him. She trusted him with her heart.

"Yes." She replied, her voice cracking.

He pulled back to look at her as a tear escaped her eye. He wiped it away with his thumb. "Yes?"

She nodded. "Yes."

The way his face lit up was enough to make her smile through the tears. "You have no idea how happy you have made me, princess." He wrapped his arms around her. "I wish to return it."

"There is nothing to return. You have already madke me happy."

He shook his head. "Come with me back home for a while," he said. "I need to show you something."

"Now?"

"Yes. I can't wait anymore."

"Still impatient," she said, shaking her head at him.

"You know me." He grinned.

He took her hand, and they walked outside, the scent of the sea filled the island, and the sound of waves could be heard from the distance. Malachi took a step back and then shifted into his magnificent dragon form, his massive wings and powerful body casting an impressive shadow on the ground.

Ravina stood in awe, her eyes widening again as she took in his majestic presence. Malachi lowered his body to the ground, offering her his wings to climb onto his back. He helped her up, scooping her gently and helping her position herself on top, and waiting for her to feel comfortable before flying away.

Her heart raced with excitement as they flew together, the wind whipping around them and the ground becoming a distant blur beneath them. She enjoyed the morning sun and breeze, her heart and body feeling light and her soul free. She didn't mind flying for as long as he wanted, but eventually they arrived home.

Malachi took her hand again and led her inside, taking her to the backyard that faced the river. There, instead of pieces of wood, stood a large, stunning wooden swing now.

The swing was large enough to accommodate both of them comfortably, its sturdy frame adorned with intricate carvings of leaves and flowers that seemed to come to life in the sunlight. The bench was suspended by thick chains, and around the frame, vibrant blooms cascaded, creating a summertime atmosphere.

Ravina's eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the sight before her. Malachi stood beside her, watching her reaction intently. "I finished it. What do you think?"

This fast? It had only been three days since she left. Did the man get some sleep?

"Malachi..." She was speechless.

It had a whole frame with a roof. "it's beautiful," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She looked over at him. "Did you get some sleep?"

"I could not sleep without you anyway," he smiled.

She could not smile because of the lump in her throat. The tears welled up in her eyes again. "I love it," she croaked. "It is beautiful."

"Try it," he told her.

She kept holding his hand and took him with her. "It can fit both of us."

She made him sit down first and then sat beside him. Putting her arm through his, she leaned her head on his shoulder. Yes. This would be her favorite place now.

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