Sorcerer's Vendetta (The Secret of Zanalon) by Sarah Ray

then his eyes glazed again and he slumped to the ground, turning to strike on his shoulder, barely catching himself on his hands. Rachel, in contact, went down on her knees beside him.
    "Are you alright?"
    He nodded, his glossy black hair slung partly across his face. Still, she discerned the slightly puzzled expression there. It was clear he hadn't expected to be quite this weakened. His voice was a rough whisper. "I must pay her, however... The little one we released from your engine was so starved. I doubt I have enough life-force left ... "
    The formidable lady of fire moved closer. The Sorcerer struggled to push himself up to his knees, obviously uncomfortable with appearing so helpless before her. He managed to get one leg in front of him, then his shoulders slumped slightly and he released a lungful of air, exhausted. Leaning on his forward knee, he looked up at the beautiful elemental.
    "Arianta, kio lirias tev. Ki tus – " His tone was regretful, apologetic.
    She shook her head with a half smile, interrupting him in a voice that whispered of the rush of flame.
    "Ki se. Ki lirias tev."
    The Sorcerer froze, stared back at her in surprise. To Rachel, he said, "She says she will pay me. " Then back to the fire-lady, "Ri lirias? Kah, kah – " He shook his head and held his hands out as if to hold her back but then she reached out, made light contact with his face.
    At the touch he went rigid but this time Rachel could tell what he felt. Her touch was rapture.
    The lady brought her hands up, slowly, and the Sorcerer came to his feet easily, as if she were lifting him, fulfilling him. Rachel, feeling heat from the lady that apparently did not burn the Sorcerer, drew back, tracing along his arm. He extended his reach, his free hand lifting slightly in balance, to give her distance, until she barely touched his outstretched hand. The lady of flame moved closer to him, her hands gently caressing along his jawline while he stood as if at attention, his chest heaving. His breath came hard and ragged.
    " Che va ki, Zanalon. Dur va ," the elemental whispered. The Sorcerer seemed disturbed by this but did not translate. Instead, he dropped his hand slightly, breaking contact with Rachel.
    Still, Rachel could see.
    Floating close, the fire spirit drew the Sorcerer in to an ethereal, empowering kiss. Rachel, watching, felt blood rush to her face. A spark of jealousy flickered.
    Jealousy? What am I thinking? I can't be thinking of him that way. She dropped her eyes, then defiantly brought them up again, rebelling against her unwanted emotions. What's wrong with me? Alright, maybe I'm lonely... I attach so easily... first Rollin, now this Sorcerer... I don't even know his name and Rollin I'd never even seen. Mysterious men, anyone? The green spark died in confusion, gave way to a bizarre connection with the elemental. It was as if she were watching herself, after all. That was even harder to deal with.
    The elemental slowly drew back, her gaze deep into the Sorcerer's, a hint of finality in her look. Then she smiled, sadly, even as her essence brightened, shimmering, and swirled into a shower of sparks, rising to blend with the stars.
    Rachel watched until the last spark disappeared.
    "I think I understand now," she whispered.
    He turned to look at her and she felt that strange rush when their eyes met. She turned to the cloud scattered sky, hoping it didn't show, and he followed her gaze. "Dost thou?" he said. "I cannot say as much."
    She gave him a you-must-be-kidding look and he shrugged.
    "'Til anon I knew not that they could return life force to me. Always that has been my payment for the use of their power; only with rest did I rebuild, though slightly stronger, with even greater capacity for their mana. Mayhaps she felt she owed it me, because I gave my strength to the others who were starving in their captivity. She knew I had naught left for her, though it were she who helped me. I know not. This I do know, I cannot count on