Not only was it still standing, but it was a work of art. The building should’ve stood out, with its translucent walls and roof, but the lush green vines growing all over it made it seemlike it was one with the land. Through the greenery, Nikhail could make out several benches lining the interior of the structure.
Perfect.
He guided River up the steps with a gentle press of his hand, staying behind her so he could catch her if she tripped. The moon’s silver glow shone through the clouds, and the thin layer of snow that had gathered on the solarium’s roof twinkled like a field of diamonds.
Well, that wouldn’t do.
Opening the palm of his hand that wasn’t on River’s back, Nikhail reached into his well of power. His magic was sitting there, waiting and eager to do his bidding.
Breathing his will into the power that was his birthright, he twisted his fingers. His skin prickled as magic slipped from him, and a gust of wind skated along the path in front of them.
The snow gathered on top of the solarium blew away as if it had never existed. The moon’s glow brightened, illuminating the stone benches and potted plants hidden within the glass building.
“That’s a neat trick,” River remarked as he reached around her to open the door.
Biting back a grin, he sent a warm breeze to brush against her cheek. “I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve, princess.”
He’d show her every single one if she gave him a chance. With that thought in mind, he held open the door, gesturing for her to go ahead of him.
“Are you warm enough?” he asked.
She hugged his jacket tighter around herself and glanced over her shoulder, her lips tilting up into a soft smile. “Yes, I’m very warm.”
“Good.” He followed her inside, letting the door fall shut behind him.
He reached for her hand, lacing their fingers once more. He couldn’t help himself—he needed to be touching her. This need had been present for years, and it felt incredible to finally acknowledge it.
“I wouldn’t want you to catch a cold looking at the stars,” he murmured.
Her brows furrowed, and the most adorable look of confusion crossed her face. “Is that why we’re out here, Nik?”
“One of the reasons,” he admitted.
“Perhaps you missed the clouds?” She grimaced, and gods, even that expression made him want to press his lips against hers. “It’s snowing, so the stars are hidden…”
Her voice trailed off as he tugged her towards a bench, urging her to sit with him.
“Look up, River,” he commanded softly once they’d taken their seats.
It pleased him to no end that she didn’t fight him. She craned up her neck, and he kept his eyes on her. He saw the moment she understood what he’d done, because her perfect, rosy lips fell open in shock.
By the Blessed Black Sands, she was beautiful. Did she know how stunning she was? That she was the picture of perfection, and she’d haunted his dreams since their first meeting?
“Oh, Nik,” she breathed, her hand tightening around his. “It’s incredible. Did you do this?”
Now, he followed her line of sight. Clouds filled the night sky, blotting out most of the stars, except for the area directly above the solarium.
There, the sky was clear, and there wasn’t a single cloud insight. Dozens of stars scintillated above them, as bright as any cloudless night.
“I did.” His thigh brushed against hers, and shivers ran through him. Every touch felt like a taste of what was to come, and he was a starving man, desperate for more. “You deserve the stars, River.”
In truth, she deserved more than that. She deserved the world, the stars, the sun, the moon, and everything in between.
If it were in his power, he’d give them all to her.
The longest moment passed before her gaze returned to him.
“Nik, I… I think we need—” she started to say at the same time that he said, “I have something for you, River.”