“Watch.”
He flicks his wrist, mumbling words, and in an instant, we’re both dressed in fresh, clean clothes. I’m wearing tight jeans and a cashmere sweater that clings to my chest.
“These are not my clothes.”
Rune grins. “Call it a fantasy wardrobe. My fantasy.”
I puff my chest out a bit. “You like this look?”
“I meant what I said.” His tone drops a bit. “It wasn’t just the heat of the moment. If I had a mate, I would want it to be you, and I’m pretty sure my wish was granted.”
Now seems as good a time as any to confess. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we met.”
He smiles sweetly. “Really?”
“Why would I chase you if I didn’t care?”
“Fair argument. I’m not sure why you like me. I’m not very likable.”
“Maybe it’s because I can see behind your armor. Maybe I always could.”
He nods, biting his bottom lip for a second. “I’d love to get all smooshy and romantic, but right now we need to get out of here.”
“I’m ready.”
Rune lifts his hands again, moving them in a series of intricate patterns. The tattoos on both of us glow bright, and that tingle that’s been there since I met him turns into a vibration. He must feel it, as he looks at me with wide eyes, exhales slowly, then chants an incantation.
The door to the jail flies off, clanging to the ground. I brace for Elvira or any number of goons to come at us, but it’s silent.
Rune holds out his hand to me. “Come on, lover boy.”
I take his hand, and when I do, I’m nearly thrown off my feet by the force of our connection.
Rune’s eyelids flutter. “Hades, this is incredible. I’ve never felt like this. My magic is so palpable.” He shakes his head. “Let’s find our way out.”
Down a narrow, damp hall we find an old stairwell leading upward. It doesn’t look stable enough to hold us both, but Rune takes the steps two at a time, still clinging to me while I try to keep up. He’s fast for a little guy.
The door at the top of the stairway slams open and Elvira is there, her hood back so her face is visible.
“Where is your mistress?” Rune demands waving his hands and lifting Elvira into the air, then slamming her against the nearest wall. “Is she here?”
Elvira shakes her head. “Tonight. She returns tonight.”
“Excellent. You go back to where you came from now.”
Elvira makes a sobbing noise. “Yes. Please. I don’t like this world.”
“In spite of how you treated me, I’ll show you some mercy and make it painless.”
Rune lowers his hand, and instead of falling, Elvira hovers in the air. Rune holds his hands out in front of him and Elvira takes one final breath as her body disintegrates to dust right before my eyes.
Rune pushes past the pile of clothes the animated corpse left behind, but he doesn’t make it far before he stops in his tracks.
“No. This isn’t possible.”
“What’s wrong, Rune?”
“It’s my… my family home. It can’t be real, it has to be an illusion.” He shakes his head. “Come on.”
