His eyes are closing before I compute that lesson time is, apparently, over. It hardly feels like ten minutes have passed, but I now have a grasp on magic. I now have knowingly and intentionallyperformedmagic.
Looking at my finger, I touch the pad of my thumb to the tip. Shifting my gaze, I take in the clasp. Delicate, ornate, warm. My own magic. In my hands. Physical proof that I am capable of so much more thansitting still and looking pretty.
Something dastardly sparks in my chest, and I wonder if it’s a different kind oforigin.
I wonder if maybe, just maybe, it might be the start of my own.
“Zylus?”
He makes a small sound.
I smile. “I don’t know how to correctly express my gratitude without thanking you, but please know I’d like to extend such a sentiment. Your help means a lot to me.”
Gentle, he returns my smile. “I’m glad you’re finding security in what you’re capable of. Don’t undermine yourself or who you are, because my wife is right. To be Castor’s mate is to rival ancient powers with your own. I strongly advise you to act like it.”
The heat in my chest swells, stoked by the magic in his hypnotic words. “I’m learning to.”
“Do you need help getting home?” he asks.
My smile falters. “Oh, yes, actually. I’m not exactly sure I know the way. Traveling by trod is a bit chaotic.”
He points, out the window. “My carriage will take you to Zahra’s. That’s a single trod hop to home. You know where it is?”
In the bushes, a little ways up the street. “I do.”
He nestles in. “Very good,” he murmurs, sleepily. “In that case, best of luck with Castor. He seems…overprotective. Not that I know anything about that sort of thing…probably.”
Probably, huh?
“How in trouble would Willow be in my position?” I ask.
Surely a good sign, Zylus neglects to reply, laughs, and puts his back toward me.
Even assuming my very limited knowledge of magic won’t help me deal with my overprotective soulmate at all, I shake off the worry in favor of the buzz it offers anyway.
I candomagic. I am a creature of fantasy.
My potential rivals whatever Castor is capable of.
I am strong.
I can be fearless.
I will be free.
And handling an angry little snake is nothing to be worried about.
So, I exit the cottage, climb into the dark carriage driven by two skeletal horses waiting for me outside, and make my way home.
Chapter 23
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regretfully, I am still…me.
Castor
“Mine.” Breathless, nerves pricking, I rush through the still halls of my palace to greet the sensation of my soulmate as she steps through the trod into my garden. The second she’s within scent, my heart clenches.
