They don’t have to know.
I close my fist, putting out the light, and sink deeper into the water, my heart pounding. I know I’m not supposed to let my power come back. They suppressed it to keep me safe and because of some mission they have. They want me to trust them, but my magic is part of me. Losing it for good would be like losing a limb or erasing part of my soul.
Even if I trust them andlovethem in ways I don’t fully understand, I don’t want to give up my gift forever. I don’t see why I should. I don’t want to use it to hurt anyone. If anything, they’ve shown me how powerful it can be whenused for good.
***
When I dress and join them in the dining area, the air smells like fire-roasted meat. Ronyn’s shirt hangs loose on me, the sleeves too long and the collar wide enough to show a bit of skin. I don’t bother fixing it. Ilikehow their eyes follow me when I wear their clothes.
Ronyn stands on the back deck, turning thick steaks over the open flame with his claws, moving with easy skill. His red wings are folded back, his body glowing faintly with heat. He looks more beast than man, and my pulse jumps with a mix of primal excitement and affection. Kelan sets the table carefully, his face focused, but when he glances up and notices me, he gives me a sweet smile.
Darial is behind the bar, mixing golden liquid in tall glasses.
“Did you rest?” he asks.
“Yes. It was nice.” I did find the bath relaxing, but guilt still prickles at my magical exploration.
Darial hands me a glass and taps his own to mine. “To warm blood and hot nights.”
“To our queen,” Ronyn says from outside.
“To finally being complete,” Kelan says, melting my heart, as guilt surges at what I’m keeping from them.
The sharp clink of crystal rings out. I take a sip and let out a pleased sound. The drink tastes of spice and citrus, warming my stomach.
Dinner is unbelievably good: grilled meat, flame-roasted vegetables, and thick slices of dark bread covered in honeyed butter.
Our conversation drifts easily from favorite meals—theirs are mostly meat, while mine is all about mac andcheese—until I set my fork onto my plate and lean back, watching them.
“I want to know more,” I say softly. “About your pasts. About the goddess, magic, and mates. It’s like I’ve been sleepwalking and now I’m in this cabin in the sky with three magical creatures and no idea how I fit into all this.”
Kelan is silent for a beat too long.
“She deserves the truth,” Ronyn mutters.
Kelan nods. He places his hands flat against the wooden tabletop before he speaks. “Long ago, the goddess gave us a task. We were to hide ourselves from the world and maintain balance and control over magic. We were given the power to contain magic that's out of control.”
“But why does magic exist if the goddess doesn’t want it to?” I ask.
Darial continues, his voice softer. “Magic has always been a part of the world, but its role has flipped from good to bad depending on who wielded it and who controlled it. At its best, it can heal and protect. At its worst, it can wound and destroy.
“Magic unchecked can lead to chaos. It unravels everything. Inspires wars, creates plagues, and consumes entire civilizations,” Ronyn adds.
They speak in a way that’s ancient and distant, and I struggle to see how it connects to me and my magic.
“So, you snuff it out because it could be used badly?”
It doesn’t seem fair or right to me. Think of the good I could do with my healing magic, or the difference I could make if I could use all my power. I need time to learn to use it safely, but I know I’m a good person. I’d never use it for selfish reasons. I’m sure it was given to me for a reason.
“Humans are afraid of what they cannot control,”Ronyn muses. “Throughout history, they have captured and burned those they consider evil.”
“And other darker powers seek to control magic,” Kelan says.
“Like Gregory?” Even saying his name sends a shudder of fear through me.
“And the beasts that chased you through the forest,” Darial reminds me softly.
Kelan tenses, as though the conversation is making him uncomfortable. “We’ve caged power for the best of everyone. It’s our role in the world.”
