“What do you mean?” I spoke up, not meaning to let them know I was eavesdropping.
“Did you not see all the little details around?” One of the men scoffed, like it should have been obvious.
And maybe it was to most, but I honestly hadn’t been paying full attention. I’d noticed the decorations and the music, but hadn’t put two and two together. I was so preoccupied with what everyone was wearing and trying not to think too much about how many people were here that I hadn’t looked at the party itself.
“Those black roses,” one of the men pointed close to where I was standing. “Are in brass cauldrons with wisteria as fillers.”
“Abigail’s front door arrangements.” The words slipped from my mouth as I spun around to see what else I’d missed. A server walked by with another snack: lavender macarons—a love spell. The cracker, jam, and cheese earlier were a replenishing spell.
“This is so fucking cool,” Jemma whispered beside me.
I grabbed her hand, pulling her up the stairs, so she wouldn’t accidentally give away who those men were talking to. She was too excited, and she loved letting people know exactly who I was. She couldn’t keep anything to herself, and it wasn’t like I wanted to actively voice my identity at this very second.
When we reached the top, cascading stars fell from the branches. It felt like we were really in the Meridin Forest, and I sucked in a deep breath.
When I’d worked on the world-building and storyline forLeague of Witches,I’d never expected to see the imaginationscome to life like this. I’d seen cosplayers at conventions, those who created outfits, and people who reenacted scenes online, but something this grand had never even been a thought to me. As a writer and creator in general, seeing your work come to life where it was tangible was the ultimate goal.
I let my hands run along the ledge we stood by, basking in the fantasy that had been created around us. Not just for those who were invited, but knowing that this was set up for the game I created.
That this was all done forme.
“I’ve never seen you speechless before.” Jemma was back to facing the party.
“I’ve never been this moved before.” I looked up and closed my eyes, basking in the sounds of those at the party and the music floating through the air. The next song that played was from Abigail’s wedding ceremony. One of my favorite scenes to create. It was what I’d always wanted my wedding to be—enchanted and themed like a forest fairy.
“If I’d known, though, that this kind of geeking out would make you turn into this, I’d have you stay longer at events.” Jemma put her hand on mine and gave it a squeeze. She knew how I was with so many people around, and she was right; if I’d known I could have been feeling like this, I might just have stayed longer, but there was never a chance that I wanted to. I was glad we had come tonight to see this all come to life.
“It’s not just that, though.” I took a few deep breaths and turned around to Jemma’s view. “I’ve always wanted my work to impact people’s lives, and tonight feels like I have.”
“You’ve seen that for years, hun.” Jemma looked confused.
“I have, but I haven’t. I’ve seen it through social media, photos, conventions, videos, and written words. But somehow seeing something of this magnitude in person,” I stopped, taking it all in. Tears welled in my eyes. “It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of.”
“Oh, hun.” Jemma turned to me and wiped away a lone tear that slipped down my cheek. “We’ve got so many more dreams to make come true for you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, and for me too,” she grinned.
“Yeah, we do.” I smiled back at her and then looked back at the surrounding landscape. Remembering what Jemma had said earlier about finding herself a prince had a pang hitting me in my chest. I wanted to bask in all of this, but the reality of what needed to happen after this weekend was creeping up.
“We might need to find me a partner tonight.” The words came out in a whisper, but Jemma was beside me in an instant.
“You are willingly looking for someone? After months of not dating? What gives?”
“I got the first draft back from my editor.” My hands rubbed together as I confessed only a portion of the truth.
“That was quick. What did she say?” Jemma fished for more. She was right, though. The draft had only been with them for four days before I got the email this morning.
“In Alexa’s exact words, ‘First, I’m not allowed to kill off the love interest. Second, they actually need to fall in love.’” I held up two fingers and then placed my head in my palms. My elbows dug into the stone beneath them.
“And how does this relate to me helping you find someone this evening?”
“I need to get laid to get some romance going again.”
“Did Alexa really tell you to do that?” Jemma let out a cackle.
“No, but it feels like the only option. Don’t laugh,” I said into my hands.
