Free High Witch (High Witch Book 1) by Mona Hanna Page A

warmed by her nearness.
    “I’m so worried about her,” he finally said. “My mother’s a powerful witch, but her power isn’t something that can protect her against them. She’s certainly no match for Nadia, and even Julius’ power can beat hers in a fight. Controlling fire and water is far more deadly than the gift of being able to call things to yourself. She can’t do anything to protect herself. I feel sick that they have her — I hate it so much.”
    Ariel was silent for a moment. “I know this is horrible for you,” she said softly. “It’s obvious you love her very much. Tell me about her.”
    Brayden paused. He hadn’t really spoken to Ariel about how he grew up. “My whole life it’s mainly been just me and her,” he said, feeling stung by the memories. “My father left us when I was little. She raised me on her own, selling potions she brewed to support us. Mostly things to cure ailments, help with pain. She tried to never create potions that could be used for darkness. We got help from my grandmother, her mother, and my Aunt Sophie, but really it was just us. I left her to work at the inn, and sent her what money I could, but I’ve hated that I haven’t visited her as much as I should have. I love her so much, Ariel. This is killing me.”
    He bit his lip, then sighed deeply. “But it’s not just that. It’s you, too. I...I can’t even bear to think of what you’re going to go through. What we’re going to go through. I hate the thought of Julius putting you through the test. This sickens me. I don’t want him to hurt you.”
    He felt tears prick his eyes, and he heard Ariel sniff. She wiped away her tears, her hands shaking slightly. She took a few deep breaths, then looked at him. His heart broke at how sad she seemed.
    “Brayden, I want to tell you something, and I want you to let me finish before you say anything. Just listen for a moment.”
    He held his breath. Ariel sniffed again, then continued. “I want you to know that I’d never give up having met you. I don’t regret it for a second. You’ve shown me more love in the last couple of weeks than I’ve ever experienced in my whole life. You’re giving, and sweet, and selfless, and I’ll always love you. I’ll love you into the next life. I’d do anything for you. Give up anything.”
    Brayden’s heart broke in two. “No, Ariel. No.”
    “There’s no other way.”
    He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. He kissed her hair, tears streaming down his face.
    “I wish I could do this instead of you. I wish I could marry you this second. I wish we could run away, I wish Julius never existed. I hate him with every part of me. Oh, Ariel, I’m yours. I’ll always belong to you.”
    She wept against his chest, then pressed her lips against his, kissing him with sadness and passion and intensity. He kissed her back, tasting their tears, tasting her sweet lips, her tongue moving in his mouth. His mouth moved hard against hers; he kissed her as if it was the last time he’d ever see her. He knew this was the last night they’d have together. It would all end, one way or another, when they went to Julius tomorrow. This night was all they had. He had to feel every precious moment. Had to make every second count.
    He kept kissing her, holding her tight, heat coursing through his body mixed with his sadness. He shifted her into his lap and fumbled with their clothing, then he began to make love to her, clutching her as she straddled him. She held onto him tightly, riding him, gasping and moaning. He grunted, the feeling intense. Their cries became louder, her movement faster, the feeling stronger. He felt the climax and then the release, and they fell backwards, Ariel lying over him. He held her while they caught their breath, his heart racing. She breathed heavily in his arms. She was perfect. She was perfect in every way. He loved her. Oh, how he loved her. He didn’t want anything to happen to her.
    They lay in