Shadow Fan (The Shadow Fan Series #1) Read Online Free Page A

his marriage vows, she finally had hope.
    She glanced to the front of the joyous crowd to see Naru. He stood on the edge of the priests, wearing similar attire. But he was not a priest yet, and she was determined to find out why.
    As the celebration continued, she made her way to Naru. He stood on the outskirts of the party, squirming as the villagers poised questions to him.
    “Why was my harvest bad?”
    “Where is my gold ring?”
    “Why did Yoshino let my house cave in?”
    Aya understood why the people wanted answers, for she needed one of her own. But, she couldn’t let him suffer any longer. “Excuse me?”
    The guests parted and bowed as she drew near, including Naru. “May I have a word with you?”
    He stood, but seemed flustered. She smiled at his blushing face. “Me?”
    “Yes.” She began walking along the tree line. “It is something of great urgency for the main house. And, I’m afraid you’re the only one who can help.”
    He hurried to walk next to her. As they wandered out of earshot Naru stole a glance at her. Maybe she was right? Maybe he really did already have feelings for her?  “I hope you will forgive the villagers. It is their faith in you that drives them. I’m sure if they knew how inappropriate their behavior was, they would give you more space.”
    Naru nodded and glanced over his shoulder at the celebration. “So, you are my savior from this event?”
    Aya giggled. “I wish I could say I was trying to save you, the way you saved me. But alas, I too have selfish motives.” He gazed down at her, and his handsome face caused her heart to race. She knew this man. He visited her dreams so often.
    “Is it a question you have for me?” Naru’s voice lost the uneasiness.
    She nodded, and clasped her hands in front of her. “Only if you can answer it, that is. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. You’ve done so much for me already.”
    Naru smiled as he led her down a mountain path through the forest. “I’ll try to help your house in any way I can. Especially if it’s that important to you.”
    Aya was so lost in her thoughts she barely realized the change in scenery. “Well, I may have exaggerated a little on that part. I was trying to help you get away, after all.”
    “Oh, well if it’s to help then it’s a good service, not an exaggeration.” They chuckled as Naru held a branch out of her way.
    Aya felt her face go hot as she tried to organize her thoughts. The memory of his shirtless body kept creeping up. He had so many muscles. “It’s just that we’ve had strange happenings around our house for several months now, and I was hoping you could tell me why it’s occurred?” 
    “I’ll see if Yoshino is willing to answer.” The songs of the cicadas grew louder as they climbed deeper into the forest. “Is there a strange noise, or any happenings that are of concern?”
    Aya shook her head once. “No. There’s no noise.  But there is a happening of concern. There have been guards posted at my room, and around the vicinity. But still, no one has seen it.”
    Naru helped her over a fallen tree. “And what is happening?”
    Aya bit her lip before replying. She almost let the subject drop. What if it isn’t him? “A vase of butterflies is left outside my bedroom door every morning.”
    His smile grew ear to ear as they reached a clearing, and he stepped into the sunlight. “Do you mean butterflies, like these?” As his feet disturbed the field of flowers, the swallowta il butterflies fluttered into the air, shielding him from her vision for a moment.
    The sight took her breath away. It was just like her dream. Naru was unquestioningly the man she’d fallen in love with. And he’d been stealing away to her house every night.
    Naru held out his hand and Aya quickly took it. His grip was steady and sure as he pulled her into the cloud of beautiful butterflies. “I knew it was you.”
    “Really?” He smiled down at her. “What gave me away?”
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