An Oath Of The Kings (Book 4) Read Online Free PDF

wiggled her eyebrows and plucked a piece of hay from the boy’s long, silver hair. “I haven’t decided yet, Valint Strong.”
    “Please, just one.”
    “And, if my father decides to visit the stables for a late evening ride?”
    Valint paled slightly at the mention of her father, but apparently decided the reward worth the risk. He pulled her tighter. “I’ll take my chances.”
    She laughed, a light tinkle in the early morning air. “Very well. You may kiss me.”
    Although no one was near, the boy looked around nervously before leaning in to place his lips on hers. She closed her eyes and tried to enjoy the feel of his arms beneath her hands, his lean body pressing her up against the stable wall. She supposed it was pleasant enough. Better than the last two, anyway. All the girls agreed that Valint Strong was the perfect boy, in line to follow in his father’s footsteps as a Gladewatcher. But, is he perfect for me? Will he be able to make me forget?
    Only one way to find out.
    Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and…it happened. Again.
    Valint’s innocent features slipped away and took on a dark cast. His thin arms grew strong and muscular, his light hair and eyes were now black. She stiffened in place as the Ellvinian, Chandal, stared back at her. His specter loomed over her, a menacing presence, reaching for her with hungry fingers. Touching her. Hurting her. “No!” she screamed, pushing him away. “Leave me alone!”
    Valint stumbled back. “What did I…?”
    The dark image vanished at Valint’s spoken words.
    “Go!” she yelled and turned away, mortified at her reaction. “Please just leave me alone!”
    The Elven boy narrowed his violet eyes in anger. “My friends were right about you. You’re a nutter, aren’t you?”
    “Just go,” she whispered.
    “I never want to see you again,” he hissed and walked out the door, slamming it shut behind him.
    Izzy sank down to the ground and pulled her long legs in tight to her body. She took deep, calming breaths to rid herself of the nightmare in her mind’s eye. Demon’s breath, will I ever be normal? Will I ever be able to kiss a boy without seeing that horrible dark Elf?
    She thought she had put that terrible experience behind her, but at fifteen years now and experimenting for the first time with boys and first kisses, repressed memories had recently began to bubble to the surface.
    She groaned and put her head in her hands. Soon, it would be all over Sarphia how she sent another boy running from her. It didn’t take much to notice how the other girls her age pointed and whispered behind their hands. The humiliation kept her from confiding in her parents about her flashbacks. They couldn’t fix what was wrong with her and telling them would only make them worry.
    If only Kane Atlan were here.
    Her cheeks heated at the thought of the boy with the golden eyes. She wasn’t sure when childhood friendship had turned into something more, but for her it had. Did he feel the same? He did tell her he loved her once. But, if she was being honest, he had said it with a boyish ruffle to the top of her head. All who knew Kane, knew how painfully shy he was. Perhaps that was just his way of showing his affection. At least that’s what she told herself. She didn’t know if his kisses would be any different from any of the other boys, but she wanted to find out.
    First I have to get to Nysa.
    She had a sinking feeling that the dark Elf, Chandal, would pursue her no matter where she went, but at least by leaving Sarphia, she could deal with her torment away from people who knew her. Away from the ridicule.
    The idea took root in her mind and she jumped to her feet. Yes! That’s exactly what I’ll do! I’ll go to Nysa. On my own if I have to. She paused and tapped her lips. If only I had a friend to go with me. Why can’t I be like Kenley Nash and have my own Draca Cat? Of course, that was the dream of every Elven child, but was it even possible? Would one