Excerpt of Echoes by Charlene A. Wilson

Sweet lavender greeted Cole as he entered the solarium. Tiny bobbles glowed from beneath the garden foliage, allowing the stars to wink through the wide skylights in the ceiling. He scanned the dark sky and an all-to- familiar longing for the five moons in his home realm returned. It was suddenly too dark in Cornerstone Deep, too repressive—a reminder of the deceit this plane bred.

Dragging his hand across his face, he released an uneasy breath. His father had been taken by greed. Just as his own standards had diluted to the point of performing acts that defiled ancient covenants. But if Sylis Shilo, a born Meridian and revered Sentinel, had succumbed to Terran influence…

Cole lowered his gaze as justification shadowed his acts. We were deceived. You had no right. The facts seethed in his blood. His father longed for his wife. How many times had he influenced her feelings? And how much of her desire was truly for Cole and not a result of emotional tampering?

His stomach knotted. The senior wizard had even suggested the charm created for Mianna. Unsigh. One heart—the ultimate sharing of passion. He had aided in its creation and in Cole’s desire to please his new bride, he had embraced the idea with his whole heart. I was a fool. It would have only made it easier for the master to read the emotions she shared.

Cole smoothed back his hair and paced a circle to expel anxiety. Surely, he would have felt betrayal in his love’s heart if there was desire for another man—especially when the spell joined their hearts…surely.

Adoration flowed from behind him, touched his senses. Slender hands smoothed his shirt to his waist and a soft form leaned to his back. His heart melted and he closed his eyes. Mianna. Despite his attempt to avoid an earlier meet, he couldn’t resist. He lifted his arm and turned to hold her in his embrace. As she met his gaze, Mianna’s soul once again spoke to his as none other had or would. Unrest fled. Doubt disappeared.

Her brow wrinkled with worry. “You’ve been distant.”

He brushed her long hair with a gentle stroke. “I’m sorry, my love.”

She caressed his forehead with her fingertips, erasing the tension there.

“Hush thy worries. Still thy mind. For within mine arms, love’s sweet bliss will heal thy soul. Cares of life be gone.”

Cole rested his cheek on her soft locks, allowing her poetic tongue to soothe him.

“Whispers, wings of love’s caress, light upon thy heart. Gazes, speak of my soul’s want. Body, sing their praise.”

She gently placed her hand to his cheek, guiding him to look into her eyes.

“I long. I pray thee touch me. Carry forth my will. Leave behind the world, my love. Be this moment mine.”

Cole’s heart wrapped around her plea and the reality of her return filled his being. She was his. Now and forever. “This moment, my life, my existence is yours.” He cradled her face with his hands. “Every breath you take is a song to my soul.”