Her hand rose, hesitating, then pressed flat to my chest, over my heart. I felt her power echo mine, not in rejection... but not quite in acceptance either.
"I need to think," she whispered.
And that, somehow, hurt more than anger.
"Then think," I said. "I'll be here."
She left without another word.
9
CHARLIE
"One more day," Jada announced, setting a fresh coffee on my makeshift desk at Ashcliff Manor. "Everything on schedule?"
I nodded, checking items off my final preparations list. "Catering confirmed, security protocols in place, lighting installation begins at noon." I took a grateful sip of coffee. "For once, we might actually be ahead of schedule."
"A miracle," Jada said. "Speaking of which, your... situation seems more stable today."
It was true. After a week of working from Malrik's home, my control over the borrowed power had improved significantly. No spontaneous fires, no exploding electronics—just the occasional flicker of lights when I was particularly stressed.
"Being at Ashcliff helps," I admitted. "The power feels... calmer here."
Before Jada could respond, Sinnamon materialized under my desk, curling around my feet with a contented huff.
"Your shadow has arrived," she observed with a smirk.
"He's not mine," I insisted, though I absently reached down to scratch behind his ears.
"Tell that to him." Jada gathered her tablet. "I'm meeting the fae florists at the service entrance. Their arrangements need special handling."
As she left, I turned my attention to the final seating chart. Vampire delegation at table seven, werewolf pack at table twelve. Maximum distance without appearing deliberate. Elemental contingent near the terrace doors. Every detail meticulously planned to prevent diplomatic incidents or supernatural skirmishes.
I was so absorbed that I didn't notice Malrik until Sinnamon's ears perked up.
"Final preparations proceeding smoothly?" he asked from the doorway.
I looked up, trying to ignore how the power hummed pleasantly at his presence. "On schedule. Barring any disasters in the next twenty-four hours, your Scorched Gala will be perfect."
"I never doubted it." He stepped into the room. "You've accomplished more in a week than my previous coordinators managed in a month."
"Previous coordinators weren't operating with a last minute deadline," I replied. "Nothing motivates efficiency like impending doom."
He winced slightly at my tone. Since his revelation about my power becoming permanent, our interactions had been strained.I'd thrown myself into Scorched preparations rather than confronting the impossible choice before me.
"Charlie," he began.
"The lighting team will be here soon," I interrupted, keeping things professional. "They'll need access to the main circuit panel."
Malrik nodded, accepting the deflection. "Paz will show them where it is."
"Good. And the security perimeter?"
"Toren's team begins setup tomorrow. They'll coordinate with your staff."
"Perfect." I turned back to my seating chart, hoping he'd take the hint and leave.
Instead, he moved closer. "You're avoiding the conversation we need to have."
