When I sat on the bed, I leaned down, kissing him gently on the cheek, and when our skin touched, I inhaled deeply, taking in his scent....

I lifted my head, which had been resting peacefully on his chest....

BOOK THREE I closed my eyes gently, feeling the heaviness against my lids from the lack of sleep the past few nights. Each day since they died had flitted by quickly, but with each passing moment, I plotted my revenge....

I slipped the key in and it unlocked. It worked on all the locks. I turned the wheel, and it opened the door....

The more I focused on them, the more intense the glowing became. It grew until my hands radiated emerald green. It was so beautiful and powerful. My body felt a lustful hunger I didn’t know existed....

I smiled and leaned down, kissing her on the neck and running my hands down her waist. I felt her skin ripple at the surface as I created goosebumps down her body. She moaned and placed her hands on the back of my head and fisted my hair, squeezing...

I felt the power inside me build, and I didn’t care if a hiker or someone in their boat saw me or my power. Then . . . I screamed....

She giggled again and looked over at me. “Really? Is this what it’s come down to?” Okay, this is creepy....

We joined hands, formed a circle, closed our eyes, and chanted a spell we had been working on. I felt my powers flow through me, and when we opened our eyes, they were glowing a bright shade that represented our elements....

He stood there, non-responsive, then a slow grin formed on his face. “Oh, yes, that one was me.”...