Scarlett’s heart warmed at her brother’s answering smile. Even Gwen looked delighted.
“Yes, they’re one of us now.” Brayden swept Scarlett off her feet into a bear hug. When he set her down, he held his hand out to Nori, who obliged by hovering over his palm. “Look—she likes me.”
His warmth helped Scarlett to relax a bit, though Brayden’s eyes lingered on her, and she suspected he’d picked up on her weird vibe.
“What are you doing here? Where’s Manon?” she asked.
“Manon sent us. We ran into her at the castle, and she seemed tired, so James and I offered to come instead. You’re staying to get your valor, right?”
Scarlett looked to Gwen, who nodded. “Yes. That’s the plan.”
“I’m going to stay with you,” Brayden said.
James gestured toward the door. “And I’m going to walk Beni back to the castle so he doesn’t have to wait.”
“Cool, thanks! Bye, Scarlett. Bye, Brayden. Bye, Gwen.” Beni dashed off toward the door without a backward glance.
“Good luck.” James waved farewell, and then he and Beni were gone.
“Shall we?” asked Gwen.
Brayden and Scarlett trailed behind her as she led them to a new passageway.
“So where’s your valor tattoo?” Scarlett asked as they walked. “Manon showed me hers earlier.”
“My left quad. I’ll show you when we’re alone.” He gave her a wicked grin.
Trying not to show how much she likedthatsuggestion, Scarlett bit her lip. “Do you like it? The way it looks, I mean.”
“I like it, but I keep it invisible most of the time. Most days I like to roll through life without a giant phoenix on my leg.” He shrugged.
“Oh yeah, Manon mentioned valor tattoos can be hidden with magic. That does take the pressure off.” She imagined the horror of a face tattoo she couldn’t hide and chuckled to herself. “I hope my valor is cool though. And useful.”
“Getting any valor is sick. I can’t wait to find out what yours is.”
His enthusiasm was catching, and Scarlett was full of nervous excitement for the ceremony as they followed Gwen. What secret power did she hold? The thrill of the unknown sparked inside her, and a grin tugged at her lips. She almost reached out for Brayden’s hand, but she stopped herself, closing her fist. How long till he became the Brayden in the mirror? Five years? Ten? He wasn’t hers yet.
She’d wait patiently. As patiently as she could.
And once he was finally hers, she’d never let him go.
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
The cozy underground room Gwen had brought them to was so warm Scarlett had to pull her sweater over her head, revealing the black silk camisole underneath. She clocked Brayden’s eyes lingering on her chest and cracked a smile. His gaze met hers then, and his cheeks pinked up.
Catching him staring—and his embarrassment at being caught—bolstered her confidence in what she’d seen in the soul-light mirror. Their attraction was definitely mutual.
Oblivious to their silent exchange, Gwen approached a long table against the wall, covered in herbs, tuning forks, and a small set of bells. She lit some incense, and swirls of the musky-smelling smoke slowly filled the room.
“Scarlett, lie down on the table in the middle of the room. Brayden, if you want, you can stand on the other side and hold her hand.”
Scarlett climbed onto the table. At least this temple experience wasn’t taking place in the creepy-as-fuck catacombs. Brayden stared down at her, his eyes shining in the dim candlelight.
Gwen moved to Scarlett’s other side. “Right. I’m going to start chanting and ringing the bells until your valor comes through. It might take a while to get you in the necessary trance state, sodon’t fret if it doesn’t happen immediately. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” Scarlett’s heart fluttered as she squeezed Brayden’s hand.
