Joel inhaled sharply. His eyes shimmered with tears, and he ran a trembling hand through his brown hair. “You…youreallythink you can?” His voice cracked. “You’d even try?”
“I have to try,” she murmured, glancing at Death. “Dad is the one who helped me realize I can.”
Jenni gasped, turning to look at Death. “Daryl, baby? You did? That’s so sweet!”
Death shifted on his feet. “I did.”
Joel turned toward Death, eyes wide. “I knew you really did like me!”
Death grumbled, but his posture softened slightly. “I told Pandora because it was the right thing to do. Plus, my mate’s attached to you, so…”
“Aww. Death is actually a teddy bear,” Joel cooed.
“Don’t go that far,” Death grunted.
“Listen, I’m sorry for this part, Dad.” Pandora shifted her focus to Jenni. “But, Jenni, I need you to hug Joel.”
Jenni blinked owlishly. “What?”
Death groaned. “I knew this was coming.”
“Hug him. Please,” Pandora prompted. “His magical essence appears for me when you do.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with that?” she asked Death, who nodded with a frown.
“Do it. Pandora told me ahead of time, and I gave my blessing then.”
“If you’re sure…”
Death’s eyes softened more. “I am, love.”
With a soft exhale, she looked at Joel and scooted closer. “Okay, here it goes.” She carefully wrapped her arms around him in a friendly hug.
The moment her hands touched him, something flickered. A spark of shimmering energy that made my breath catch.
Pandora tilted her head. “Dad, do you see this?”
“I do.” Death frowned like he couldn’t comprehend what was happening. “Push the magic into his soul,” he coached her.
She pushed with her magic the way he told her. I couldn’t see it, but somehow, I sensed his soul being manipulated. “His magical essence is almost fully merged with his soul again.”
“I can see that. Gently push.” Death kicked off the wall and stood by Jenni. “Don’t give way or it’ll pull back again.”
Pandora’s hands curled into fists, her jaw clenching. I could feel the strain rolling off her and see the sweat beading at her temple as she fought to control it. She let out a shaky breath.
“Holy Fates,” I whispered, my gaze momentarily leaving my mate.
Joel gasped, his body tensing as his dormant pheromones flared to life around him. He trembled in Jenni’s arms.
“Breathe,” Death instructed, his voice soft. “Feel it. Direct it. The magical essence is not fully absorbed by his soul yet.”
Pandora’s whole body vibrated. Magic crackled around her as she worked her magic. Then, with a final push, a bright surge of light filled the room.
Joel inhaled sharply, his body shuddering as his magic settled within him once more. His pheromones thickened my office, and my brows shot up.
She did it.
Joel had his magic back.
