It takes me two tries before I finally see what caught his eye.The scene did tarry overmuch, and I grew moste uneasy. I cried the end and returned to my sitting roome ryght as the maid did tap at the door to call me to the evening meal.
“‘I cried the end,’” I read aloud, turning the phrase over in my mind.
“Yes, that’s what I noted as well.”
I gape at him. “Can it really be that easy?”
“Instinctual magic, remember.” He taps at the words. “We won’t know unless you try.”
“But she did it from inside the book.”
“She did it while under the influence of an active spell.” He points toward whereDancing with Desirestill hangs in the middle of the air. “And that’s an active spell.” At my hesitant look, he adds, “What can it hurt?”
“What can it hurt?” An incredulous laugh sputters from me. “Have you met me? That’s what happened the last time I ‘tried’ this kind of magic.” I jab a finger at the floating romance novel.
He wraps his hand around mine. “The magic of the library activated your magic without you realizing what was happening. Your spell lacked direction and purpose. This will be different. You now act with intention.”
“It could still go really, really wrong.”
“It won’t.” He squeezes my fingers. “You’re intelligent and thoughtful in your actions. I believe you can do this.”
My heart skips as his words light a million sparklers in my chest. It’s not love, but his respect for me and my abilities is the next best thing.
“Okay,” I say. “But can I have a piece of candy?”
He picks up the packet but holds it back. “Answer a question for me first. Why do you love them so?”
“Cinnamon’s always been my favorite flavor. The mellower grated spice is comfy and soothing, like in pastries. The hotter oil used in candies is invigorating. It helps me focus.”
When Luke hands me the candy, I pop a cinnamon heart into my mouth, rolling it around with my tongue to release more of the flavor quickly.
Dance of Desirewaits only a few feet away, but my body feels stiff and awkward, like I don’t know how to walk. Once I’m directly under it, I reach up, halting an inch from the surface when I feel the magic coursing through it prickle against my skin.
“Here goes nothing,” I mutter. It feels too simple to say only two words, even if they’re the words used at the end of so many books for hundreds of years. But I bet all of that repetition is what gives them their power.
I glance at Luke, who hovers close, ready to spring into action. He gives me a solemn nod.
I suck in a deep breath and say, “The end.”
A pulse of magic explodes outward, sizzling through me like electricity and making the wisteria sway.Dance of Desirefalls into my hands, completely inert. A jolt of joy shoots through me as I breathe, “I did it.”
“It’s done.” Luke’s deep voice rings with relief. He’s free. Free of the spell. Free of needing to dance.
Free of me.
I no longer have a reason to live in his castle, to spend my days in his library. Even if he still wants me to help with sorting, it’s a temporary thing instead of what I want with him.
Because I want forever.
“You’ll go home now,” he growls.
It could be a question or a statement, but in that tone of voice, it’s totally a statement. Cold washes over me witha shiver of shock. Oh, god, I was right. He can’t wait to get rid of me. Even though I knew this was coming and tried to prepare myself, it still hits like a blow, my squishy jelly heart constricting in a twist of pain. I can’t catch my breath.
“Yep,” I lie, my tone pushing for upbeat but croaking like I swallowed a frog.
He stares at me with resting grumpy face number one, his lashing tail the only hint that he’s not completely composed. Then he stalks out of the library, the door banging shut with a sharp snap.
I crumple as all of my joy disappears with him, like he slammed closed the book of my heart.
