“Probably.”
I wrapped both hands around the cup, letting the warmth seep into my palms.
“But I’m so confused right now.”
I took a sip. It tasted minty and earthy—like fresh soil and old-fashioned peppermint candy. Grounding, just like she’d promised.
Cassie took the stool next to me. “So what do you think this means?”
I rested my elbow on the counter, propping my head up with my hand like it might keep my thoughts from spinning off into the ether.
“Well . . . what if Roman and I were torn apart by unnatural means? Maybe that’s why his soul didn’t recognize mine when we first met. But then—why did I recognizehim? And what kind of unnatural force could’ve done that? I don’t know. It feels like I’m trying to solve a mystery that might not even be real. Like I’m twisting the pieces to make them fit.”
Cassie grinned, stirring her tea without a spoon like it was a cauldron.
“First of all, this is a quest. Of course there’s something to unravel. Pieces to find. Truths to fit together. And you didn’t recognize Roman as your soulmate—your goddess side did.”
“But his god side didn’t,” I countered, too fast, too ready to dismiss this all as insanity. “Except . . .” My head snapped up. A realization hit me like a thunderbolt.
Cassie tilted her head, waiting.
“Except,” I said slowly, “his abilities are limited to touch. And we never touched until I came here. And my heart is locked—so his Cupid can’t read it. But every time we do touch . . . he tries. Like, so desperately I can physically feel it.”
“Huh,” Cassie said casually, but the way her eyes were lighting up was anything but casual. “That is more than interesting.”
“Interesting how?” I begged to know.
“I’m no expert here, but I can’t find any source that has ever documented a divinity lying to his or her mortal side. And armed with this new information, I think you have to conclude that Roman is your soulmate.”
I rubbed my lips together, fearing she was right.
“Oh. My. Titans.”
“Yeah,” Cassie agreed.
“But if it’s true, how do we get our souls to recognize each other? My heart is locked. And what unnaturally tore us apart?”
“Didn’t you mention something about having to lay it all on the line?”
“Um, yes,” I said uneasily. “I don’t really like the way that sounds. I don’t want to die for Roman. Sure, he’s pretty, and his kissing skills are second to none, but I don’t think that’s worth dying for.”
Cassie gave a cackling laugh.
“You’re not going to die, and neither is he. Although if I have to go to another hoedown or play minigolf on another date,somebodyis dying or at least getting poisoned.”
I giggled, but the anxiety hadn’t gone anywhere. If anything, it was heightened.
“So, what does it mean?” I asked. “And how do I get Roman’s Cupid to recognize my soul before the full moon in August? Which, by the way, is terrifyingly close,” I said, panicked. We’d already been here for almost two weeks.
“I could be wrong here, but I don’t think it’s that side of him who needs to lay it all on the line. Roman does. He has to fall in love with you enough to risk everything. Enough for your heart to unlock so that you can love him the same way.”
I laid my head dramatically on the counter, brain swimming with what all this meant.
“Cassie,” I murmured. “How do I get him to fall in love with me?”
She didn’t even flinch. “You’re going to have to be vulnerable. Lay everything on the line.”
“What does that even mean?”
