In a daring attempt, I lift my nail to it and wince as the heat scathes. Pulling back, I stare at my finger and use what magic I’ve already learned to heal the burn, except nothing happens, because I haven’t actually been burned.
“It’s mental,” Castor notes, breaking from his conversation with Frelsi. “You aren’t hurt. And it’s not hot.” He lifts his chin. “However, I do have an idea. If this is rough for you to overcome, perhaps I could tie you up in a pyre and light it around you? That way, you’ll be forced to adjust and your mind won’t be able to stop you because you’ll be stuck.”
I stare at him. “You’re…offering to burn me like a Salem witch?”
He tilts his head. “No, of course not. Witches aren’t real, and you won’t burn.”
I thinkwitches aren’t realis the most shocking news I’ve heard since we met.
Silence sweeps in between us, stealing long moments before Castor lowers his attention and pokes at his meal. “Now that I’m thinking about it more, mayhaps my suggestion is a touch harsh. For many, such an experience would align with torture, and you are still recovering.”
Yes, it would, and, yes, I am.
But I am also notmany. As far as I can tell thisisa solution. If I can’t run from the fear, I’ll be forced to embrace this step forward. I’ll adjust. I’ll get closer to my true self and the magic I hold. I’ll be able to move on to the next step.
I would, however, be lying if I say my motivation lies purely in logic, though.
Right now,I could tie you upis on repeat in my head, taunting and teasing with forbidden allure. The likes of which I shouldn’t be entertaining while my hormones are so off kilter.
Clearing my throat, I dwell on theproductiveaspect and nod oh-so-politely. “I think it’s an excellent solution. Tie me—” I cough. “I mean. Light me on fire. It sounds very…hot.”
Hot, definition three, but who’s keeping track?
Judging by the way Castor’s lips stretch, I think he might be.
“Truly?” he asks, seduction incarnate. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“If it becomes averybad idea, you’ll know and be able to save me, won’t you?” I stop looking at his sly expression and cut a strawberry from my fruit bowl in half. “You’ll be able to tell what my limit is thanks to our bond, right?”
He hums into his glass. “I can tell a great many things thanks to our bond, Mine. Including what you’re feeling right now. The aroma of your emotions hints at your thoughts, and I find myself quite enamored by it all at present.”
I flush.
“That’s not fair!” Frelsi complains. “I want a bond with Dani, too!”
Dropping all suggestion, Castor says, “When you’re older, you’ll have one with someone else, and understand this, hatchling,knowingthat such a delight lies in your future is a blessing you should never take for granted.”
Frelsi’s little face scrunches up. “I don’t get it.”
“One day you will.” Finishing his food and drink, Castor stands and retrieves the tie from his pocket. Using it to draw back his long sleeves, he pulls the knot tight with his teeth and smiles, fully aware how intently I’m watching him. Once situated, he says, “I’ll prepare the pyre by the woods between here and the Desolate Caverns. Finish eating, then come meet me with the scrap bucket in the kitchen. If any goblins try to give you trouble, tell them death awaits should they persist along their path, and that death will not be swift at my hand. We can feed the redcaps some snacks after the burning.”
I tilt my head. “Feed them scraps? Like they’re…ducks?”
Castor chuckles. “More like angry geese, but yes, that’s the concept.”
How fun.
“’Kay,” I say.
Frelsi lifts her hand high above her head, extra-knuckled fingers wiggling. “I would rather color than feed angry geese, please, King Castor, sir.”
Tender, Castor murmurs, “Understood, hatchling. I’ll take some supplies to Danielle’s cage for you to play with while we’re out.”
“Yay!” she cheers.
Yay, my heart echoes.
And I know, on some level, it’s the hormone roller coaster influencing my mood, but…right now, I could not be more content.
