Even though I know I’m going to have to cast a spell, so he doesn’t speak of this to anyone, not until we are gone, anyway. I trust him, but sometimes things can get out.
The chest is hidden away safely, locked with magic, and I leave the room with Allie, both going our own separate ways.
I’ll spend a little time with Holden, and then I’ll recheck my bag for the journey. I am going fully prepared for anything. I have everything ready: my weapons, my herbs, crystals – everything. I am not going to take any chances. We are going to face gods and who knows what else. I will not return until I bring her back.
I square my shoulders, determined.
I am power itself. Nothing will stand in my way.
“Heaven!” I blink, turning and realise Holden is running towards me. He stops in front of me, offering a charming smile. “Hey, babe, I was calling you, didn’t you hear me?”
I tiptoe and kiss his cheek softly and shake my head.
“No worries, come on.” He snakes his arm around my waist as he leads me outside. We take a walk around the campus grounds. I’m quiet as he tells me about his day, and I listen, smiling politely, nodding along. He hasn’t realised I’m not talking.
When we are outside and far enough that I can speak with some privacy, I cast the spell that will prevent him from revealing this conversation for at least twenty-four hours. By then, we’ll be gone. I then cast a silencing spell before I turn tohim.
So, there’s something I need to tell you,I write in the air; he looks at me before looking at the glittering letters until they’ve faded away fully.
“Ok… you’re going to use magic to tell me?” he jokes.
I’m going to go away tomorrow, on a mission, and I needed some help, so I traded my voice for that help. It’s a long story. If you have a moment, I can share it with you.
I watch as he reads the words, frowning as he tries to comprehend what I just said.
“What do you mean, traded your voice?” he asks, now looking at me.
I’m going to bring Sienna back, and I needed some help to get there,I explain, writing the words slowly, giving him longer to let it sink in.
“Why-why would you do that? Babe, you mean you will never be able to talk?” he asks, his eyes widening.
I shake my head.
But it’s alright, it’s just a small price, and I can still communicate, like this,I explain.
“Yeah, but you just gave away your ability to cast spells now. What the hell?”
I can still-He waves away the text as he shakes his head.
“You know, whatever happened to her, she kinda asked for it. I don’t get why you had to give up your voice for her!” His words sting, but I get that he’s upset.
I’m still me,I write, offering a small smile, hoping it comes off as comforting.
He scoffs. “Yeah, sure. You’re the last person who should lose their voice. This ain’t fair. Sorry, I have to go before I say something else and hurt you.”
I wanted to tell you…
I don’t get to end the sentence as he kisses my forehead and, turning, walks away. I open my mouth to shout after him, but then remember I can’t.
I watch him leave, hands shoved in his pockets, shaking his head.
I sigh softly. I wanted to tell him about tomorrow… but maybe this was a sign I shouldn’t. I hoped he’d have given me some kind of comfort, but he didn’t.
I look up at the darkening sky and feel disappointed. Suddenly, I feel cold, despite wearing a fluffy coat that should keep me warm.
Was I not worth much without having my voice? His reaction was not what I was expecting. At all.
I slip my hand into my pocket and take out the littletissue-wrapped square and, opening it, look at the lapis lazuli bead bracelet I had made for Holden. I rub my thumb over the little silver rectangle that has an H&H engraved on it.
