Songbird by Colleen Helme Page A

filled the grove with a resonance of light. It was as if the grove itself held the power of the sun.
    A wholeness encompassed Bran and he radiated the light. His senses seemed on fire with broader depth and understanding, as though he had never used them before. It was as if he had transcended humanity and become something more.
    He glimpsed a place beyond the grove of shining light and towering cathedrals. The streets seemed paved in gold and the buildings sparkled like diamonds. This place of indescribable beauty and brightness seemed more than he could endure.
    Reflexively pulling back, the light faded, and awareness of his surroundings pulled him into consciousness. Visions of grandeur became a star-studded night sky, and he realized he was lying on his back. He slowly sat up and found Teya next to him, staring wide-eyed into the heavens.
    “Teya.” She didn’t respond. He clutched her hands and grew alarmed at how cold they were. “Teya?” He pulled her into his arms and with a hand on her cold cheek, searched her eyes, willing them to come into focus. Gradually, they lost that far-off look and she seemed to see him for the first time.
    “Bran,” she said, breathing his name like a prayer.
    He smiled with relief, wanting more from this intimate moment. Unable to resist his desires, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. Soft and welcoming, she opened to him and he kissed her thoroughly, finding a flame to match his own. Her arms twined around his neck and he couldn’t seem to get enough of her. He deepened the kiss and his body responded with deep passion. His blood pulsed with a thundering rhythm that could not be denied.
    Teya pulled away, leaving him breathless and unfulfilled. With guilt and bewilderment, she looked over her shoulder. He followed her gaze and found Leona leaning against the tree, watching them with widened eyes. At her obvious intrusion, she ducked her head and left.
    A faint blush spread over Teya’s smooth skin and she smiled apologetically before slipping out from under him. “Sorry,” she said, panting. “I’m...we should...I need a drink of water...would you like some?” She didn’t wait for him to answer and fled his presence, leaving him with a hollow ache in his groin.
    With a deep groan, Bran tried to get himself under control. After a few minutes, his harsh breathing settled down, and he sat up. A moment later, he got to his feet and stepped around the tree to find Leona sitting at the table, and Teya filling a pitcher with water.
    “Please. Come to the table,” Leona said, catching his gaze. “I have a few things I need to tell you.”
    Teya dutifully filled the goblets with water and Bran took his time to sit down. He was thirsty, but that was secondary to his real desire. He was so consumed with wanting Teya that he could hardly think straight. With trembling hands, he somehow managed to lift the goblet to his lips and take a swallow.
    “Drink up. After the ceremony, you don’t realize how much you need it,” Leona said, taking a long drink of water herself.
    Following her example, Bran drank deeply. The water satisfied the hunger that had been drained by the ritual. It strengthened him, but did nothing to cool his passion. He closed his eyes in concentration, and felt a portion of sanity return. Once his heart settled into a normal rhythm, he opened his eyes. What the hell was that?
    “Tomorrow, you will leave here,” Leona said. “I have taught Teya the basics. That will have to be enough, as there is no time for more. Our singing has strengthened the grove for a little longer at least. You did surprisingly well for an outlander, Bran. Are you sure you don’t have some Kalorian blood in you?”
    Bran shrugged, but his voice was strained. “Not that I know of.”
    “You can see why we needed you. The song of life is only half filled without male participation because it is also a song of creation, hence the need for both a man and a woman. Your