“Okay,” I sigh as I pull open the door. “But he’s the one who has to explain to an angry vamp and pouty prince if we get fucking arrested.”
“Deal,” they say in unison.
Excellent. That’s just super.
Iskip ahead, my gaze darting from one shop to the next, drinking in the vibrant chaos of Arrowwood’s magic district. The air hums with a medley of enchantments, and I can’t help but grin at the sight of a glassblower, her breath manifesting into intricate, twisting dragons that shimmer in the afternoon light. Next door, the clang of metal sings a rhythm of creation, where a blacksmith enchants equipment that buzzes with latent power.
This issomuch better than the magic district in Briarvale—it’s almost embarrassing.
“Fi, slow down!” Khol chuckles, his deep voice tinged with amusement as he catches up to me.
How can I possibly do that? The colors, the scents, the sheer life of this place—it’s intoxicating.
“Look at this!” I exclaim, pointing towards a stall where spell scrolls unfurl like morning glories, eager to reveal their secrets. My fingers itch to explore each parchment, each vial of oil brewing with promises of forgotten magic. Magic swirls around me in a way that seems to make what little I have sing inside of my veins. Every inch of my skin tingles with the power in this section of the business section of Arrowwood; it feels both comforting and welcoming at the same time and I don’t know why.
“Later,” Tiernan reminds me gently, his hand brushing against my elbow. “Potions store first.”
“Right, right,” I murmur, though my mind races with all the places we have yet to see. This atmosphere in this district is such a stark contrast to Briarvale, where suspicion and cold shoulders are the norm for me. Here, the air is thick with wonder and acceptance; it’s hard not to get swept up in the novelty.
It’s everything I always longed for at home, but couldn’t bear to admit out loud, even to Feray.
A troupe of fairies flutters by, leaving a trail of giggles and glitter in their wake, and I can’t suppress a delighted laugh. A gremlin haggles over a price with a nymph, both utterly engrossed in their transaction. Even a leprechaun tips his hat at us as we pass by, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Enjoying yourself?” Tiernan asks, the corners of his mouth quirked upward.
“Can you tell?” I shoot back, my excitement barely contained. It’s a relief to be here, away from the unfounded animosity of our hometown. Even the amalgam of creatures and various types of Fae is exciting because Briarvale is so rigidly sectioned off by species. Fae and other magic users shy away from the witch/mage/wizard section of town since they get suspicious looks and unfriendly treatment. Seeing everyone work together touches something inside me I didn’t even know was lacking—not that I want to share that shit because the guys will never let me live the soft stuff down.
“Maybe too much,” Khol teases. His eyes are soft, the fondness there impossible to miss. I think he understands—this is more than just shopping for me. It’s a taste of freedom, of belonging. “You’re less guarded than normal, and I canfeelhow much you’re enjoying it through the bond.”
“We’ll make time to visit them all,” Tiernan promises, gesturing broadly at the array of shops. “But for now, Revelin’s orders stand. He’d skin us alive if we didn’t get you properly outfitted.”
I roll my eyes at the mention of Revelin’s instructions, but nod in agreement. My pleasure at this district is making me pliable and Idon’t feel like arguing just to make a point about my independence. “Fine, potions and then boutique. Lead the way, fearless guides.”
Khol grins, offering his arm, while Tiernan takes point, navigating through the throngs of magical beings with an ease that speaks of years spent among the Fae. We weave through the crowd, and I follow, still taking mental notes of each shop I want to revisit. “Before the week ends,” I vow silently, “I’ll know every inch of this place like the back of my hand.”
I’m practically vibratingwith anticipation as the herbalist market comes into view, tucked away down a narrow alley that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The scents of earth and greenery hit me first, a sharp contrast to the smoky tang of the metalworking shop we just passed. I’m drawn to the rows upon rows of homegrown Fae plants, their leaves shimmering with dew and magic. Some have petals that seem to dance without a breeze, others glow faintly in hues I don’t have names for.
Crouching to inspect a cluster of tiny blue flowers that emit a soft hum, I look at my basilisk. “What do you think these are for?”
Khol chuckles, watching me flit from one stall to the next. “No idea, but I bet Rev will. Khal probably would, too, because plants are his jam.”
“Definitely getting some of those,” I murmur, snapping pictures with my phone. Each shot is a promise to myself—I’ll learn everything I can about Fae botany while I’m here. Who knows what it might help with? For a moment, my heart twinges for Feray, wishing she could be here sharing this with me. I quickly shake off the melancholy with a determined nod. “Ro will have quite the list to take back when she finally comes to swap info. I can’t wait to show Fer all this crazy crap.”
After what feels like minutes, despite the indulgence of my mates, we finally stop perusing the plants and step into the potions shop. Magic buzzes against my skin as we cross the threshold, and the space inside stretches far beyond the modest exterior. Shelves tower overhead, lined with ingredients that make the selection outside seem mundane. Goblin silver gleams wickedly on a top shelf, while spools of pixie floss sparkle beside crystal vials of elixirs.
“Damn,” I breathe out, darting through the aisles. My fingers trail over the exotic items, each one sending a thrill up my arm.
This is a treasure trove, a wonderland of arcane crafts; I could spend an entire day looking at it all.
“Take your time. It’s not like someone is waiting on us,” Khol calls after me, his voice tinged with amusement. “Scratch that. I don’t give a fuck if the Queen of Harvest herself is waiting. You do whatever you want, Sassy. Anything that makes you this happy is worth it.”
I give him a bright smile, then almost punch myself.What the hell is wrong with me?I’m acting like an idiot in public. Cracking my neck as I rein in the nerdy witch excitement, I head for the back of the store to work my way forward as I browse.
Can’t look like some stupid ass tourist in front of people who might recognize me with Revelin the rockstar, right?
“Found what you were after?” Tiernan asks when I eventually pause at the counter, my arms full of various potion components. “I’d hate for you to almost vomit on our shoes again.”
“Ha ha,” I reply, meeting the gaze of the shop’s owner. A crone with eyes like polished jet smiles at me, her hands folded neatly on the wooden surface. My gaze flickers to the men behind me, and I see the glimmer of recognition in her expression.
