Proven (Daughters of the Sea #1) by Kristen Day Read Free Book Online

relax enough to allow my mind the reprieve it longed for. Her tiny feet thumped down the hallway before skidding to a stop at my door. She paused before knocking with three quick raps. Not waiting for me to answer, the door slid open silently and a red-haired angel smiled in at me; flecks of honey dancing within her kelly green eyes.
    "They're back, Stasia!"
    "I'll be out in just a moment," I beamed back at her; unable to resist her excitement. Her face lit up even more and then promptly disappeared as she clamored back down the hall. It had become quite evident that my bedroom was handpicked by Maera herself. It was truly fit for a Queen...or a very exhausted Goddess. Two mammoth columns divided the sitting area, complete with a hand carved fireplace flanked by an armchair and ornate chaise lounge, and the luxurious sleeping quarters on the other side of the room. Luxuriously silken fabrics of lavender and gold covered the walls in between gilded panels and cornice molding that showcased a picturesque alcove of scalloped windows overlooking the lagoon. The early morning light of the sun stretched through stained glass French doors that opened out onto a private veranda overgrown with elegant trails of ivy.
    The oversized canopy bed stretched almost to the high ceiling, with silk embroidered drapes embracing the hand carved posts on each corner. The sheets smelled of white lilies and the plush down comforter felt like a cloud.
    Yet, regardless of the opulence, I felt as if my heart was torn into jagged pieces, stolen from me in the form of Fallon, Olivia, and Finn. No sooner had I pulled on a pair of fresh white linen pants and a matching top did I feel Finn's dark essence reaching out to me. My pulse quickened as the warmth shrouded me in safety; calling to me. I jerked open the heavy wooden door leading into the hallway and my breath caught in my throat.
    "Pasha," Finn's silky voice mumbled before smothering me in an embrace. His left hand slid up my back and under my hair, cupping my head and holding me to his chest. I fell into him in a rush of exhilaration and overpowering relief. He smelled of salt water and sweat, a heady aroma that reminded me where he'd been. I pulled back and inspected his square jaw, shadowed by stubble and smudges of dust and dirt. Lack of sleep had dulled his usual piercing blue eyes and his hair was wilted to his scalp, with an occasional unruly strand sticking out on its own. I could feel the fatigue in the very arms that held me tight.
    "You look like hell," I joked lovingly; running a hand through his dark hair, causing a tidal wave of hair to stand straight up.  I stifled the urge to kiss him as I watched his lips move in response.
    "I spent a lot of time getting ready," he chuckled wearily. "I'm trying out this new cologne called Stench du'Jour."
    "I like it." I kissed him gently on the cheek. "It really speaks to the gag reflex."
    He responded with an alluring smile and tugged me closer as his soft lips eclipsed mine with tenderness. When he pulled away, he searched my eyes with concern and a hint of apprehension. "So...how are you feeling?"
    "You mean, is an evil moon Goddess currently hitching a ride in my mind?" I snickered.
    Although I knew that was exactly what he was worried about, he sidestepped my question with lowered eyes. "No, no. I was just...worried about you."
    "I'm more worried about Fallon and Olivia," I prompted gently.
    "We didn't find them." His shoulders sagged and his face fell in defeat.
    "Which means you didn't find any bodies," I added immediately, searching for the silver lining. "Which means they're still alive, right?"
    "Ideally."
    "Then there's still hope."
    "That also means it's likely that Selene has them. And God knows what she plans on using them for."
    "I'll try to find them in a reverie again tonight."
    I had attempted repeatedly to find either Olivia or Fallon through my reveries, but it was becoming painfully obvious that Selene had them and was keeping