I led her to one of the balconies along the side. Once we got there, I explained everything about Juniper’s business plan. Championing its AI features and hyping up how much I thought it will work. Though Veronica’s dad was one of the best lawyers in the city, Veronica stepped outside of the firm to become an excellent investment broker. She’d made millions investing in businesses she saw potential in, and I knew she would be interested in June’s.
“That does sound interesting, if it performs the way you say. When we get back, I would love to see more. If they can prove the concept, I would be comfortable talking investment.”
“Awesome, I knew you’d want it.”
“I’m not guaranteeing anything,” she said in her business way, but then her tone shifted. “But I am happy that you found someone, and someone way cooler than you.”
“Yeah, no kidding. Want to see the next piece to her set?” I asked.
“You’re already building her set? You are serious,” she said. “Lemme see.”
I pulled out the necklace to show her. She took the case, examining it before handing it back. “God, where can I find a man with this level of taste.”
I laughed, slipping it back into my pocket. “I’m not sure, this one is taken, though.”
She sighed. “How unfortunate, but really, I am happy for you.”
“Thanks. Me too.” She gave me another hug and I hugged her back.
Everything was going to work out, I knew it.
Juniper
I’m not seeingwhat I think I am.
I repeated it as I watched Ellery chase down one of the most stunning women I’d ever seen. As I watched him take her outside. As I watched them embrace.
Though I kept saying it, my eyes were seeing something completely different. Something I felt like I couldn’t deny. As I looked at her further, I realized she was the woman from the photo posted right before mine. It was obvious she was one of his previous engagements, and why wouldn’t she be?
She had lush black hair, beautiful porcelain skin, and the body to match it all. Not to mention she seemed competent. At least the other women I met seemed like they wouldn’t match his wit, but she gave such a powerful impression that I knew she would.
My eyes watered as I left the balcony and went to the bar. I ordered a water with shaking hands, trying to calm myself.
“Did you see Veronica and Ellery?” some older woman at the bar asked. She was talking to her companion, and I was sure had no idea I was there.
“Of course, it’s about time those two worked it out. I always knew they were meant for each other,” the other one said.
“And we’ve all seen the scandals of them, it was a matter of time before they were told they needed to settle down together.”
The room spun. I all but ran away from them. I needed to get outside and get some air. I pushed through the crowd, trying to get some space. Not only were my emotions all over, but I could feel my magic trying to break free as well. My emotions hadn’t affected my magic since I was a child, I’d learned to control that quickly, but right now it just felt so overwhelming.
“Hey, are you okay?” Rachel asked as she caught up to me. I hadn’t even noticed she was following me. “I was at the bar, I heard them. There’s nothing to worry about. El and Veronica—”
“I’m fine,” I said quickly. “I just need some air.”
I knew I snapped at her, and I didn’t mean to, I just couldn’t focus on another thing right now.
“O-okay,” she said, letting me go. I would apologize later, but I couldn’t think of that right now. I had to get out of here.
There was the entrance, I was so close. I made it out and quickly spotted Tiffany and Arthur standing next to one of the ice sculptures. It was of Boreas, which seemed like a strange choice without any knowledge of the mythology, but he was the god of the north wind and winter. It was a perfect choice, and it looked amazing. Just like the others, it had to stand at least eight feet tall. She looked like she was crying. As much as I wanted to comfort her, I couldn’t do anything right now except escape.
Then, as if it were happening in slow motion I saw it. The statue was leaning. Not only was it leaning, but it wasfalling.And the way it was falling would drop it right on top of them.
“Watch out,” I shouted, but it was no use.
Arthur looked up, but there was no way to move them in time. He still spun them, ready to take the brunt of the fall, but I couldn’t just let it happen.
I quickly spoke a spell—hoping it was the right one, the same one I used to catch things. My magic surged inside me, prepared to spring free.
