He also had a magic medallion, one that protected him.

I touch the Heart at my chest, astounded by the few similarities - and completely frustrated by the fact LF's book contained so many pieces of other worlds, without following the script of any of them.

I sink into silence, pensive.

He's not a bad companion, when we're one on one, and my god - he's an incredible kisser. With a body that makes my insides quake and a quiet confidence that melts me, he might be perfect, if not for his really bizarre sense of humor. Pushing me off a tower? Throwing me out of a tree?

It's a good thing I can't quite figure him out. If I did, I might be in too deep to walk away without a broken heart.

I've never been much of a risk taker, whereas there's no challenge too crazy for him. He's got the weight of a world on his shoulders and he's not about to lose. I'm not like that though. There's a reason I'm a librarian - because I prefer to read about adventures than have my own.

Unfortunately, I can't help but admit that he's as amazing as his kingdom. I've been struggling not to let myself feel anything for him: compassion, loyalty, admiration. Coupled with primal attraction, those emotions are creeping and burrowing in, demolishing my resistance to a man and world that shouldn't exist.

Forcing my attention to my surroundings, I sigh. "I can't get over how beautiful Black Moon Draw is."

"I have heard without the fog, the hills are like gems that can be seen halfway across the Black Moon Sea," he replies quietly.

"You must love your home so much. I can't imagine being at war for how long? A year or two?"

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"Twenty-five, since I picked up a sword when I was five."

Seven years older than me. I've always loved a slightly older man. Banishing the errant thought, I register the rest of what he's said. "Twenty five years? And all this is waiting for you?" I wave an arm at the hills nearest me.

"The Shadow Knights have a greater cause than pleasure, however much we love our pleasure," he replies.

"I didn't see any of your motivation in . . ." the first few chapters LF wrote. God! How do I explain to him who he is?

The battle queen said both worlds were real, that if I believe Black Moon Draw to exist, it does. I'm not yet able to wrap my head around the idea. I'm not creative enough to imagine the beauty around me or create a man like the Shadow Knight.




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