“She’s in Boston—and we have enough to deal with right now. It’s fine.”
It’s not fine, but I’m not going to push. Rowan needs to tackle this when he’s ready, and he’s already been through a lot today.
I’m halfway out the door when I remember Ansel’s visit. I hesitate, wanting to put it off, but knowing I shouldn’t.
Unable to meet Rowan’s eyes, I say, “By the way, Ansel thinks he's figured out a way to separate our magic.”
“By the way?”
I shrug, still not looking at him.
“How?” he demands.
“He traded Russell for some shadow pixie magic. It repelled mine in the sample you left him.” I glance his way, nervous about what I’m going to find on his face.
He stares into space, thinking sorcerer thoughts. “That could work.”
“Apparently, itdidwork.”
“How much did it cost him?”
“I owe Russell a dust pendant.”
“Are you serious?” he says, not as happy now. “He gave Russell an IOU for your magic?”
I shrug. “It’s been a week. We could probably draw it today. He likely wants clean magic, though, so maybe we should figure out the bond first.”
Rowan crosses the space and pulls me back into the room, closing the door to give us privacy. “Are you nervous about the draw, or about breaking the bond?”
I lift my eyes to his, ready to beg. “I don’t want to do this.”
He looks torn, like he doesn’t want to do it either. “Kit…we have to.”
“I like being bonded to you,” I whisper. “I like being yours.”
“You’ll still be mine—actually mine. As long as that’s what you want.”
“I just don’t want to lose this, and I’m afraid it’s going to change everything.”
He rubs my shoulder. “If it does, it wasn’t real to begin with.”
No.
I don’t like that.
“When should we do it?” I ask.
“Let’s deal with the gnome business first. Then we’ll try to sever the bond.”
One thing at a time.
“I’m going to get back to work now,” I say softly. “I’ll see you soon?”
He nods, looking solemn and sad.
“Kit, wait,” he says before I walk out the door, stopping me a second time. When I turn, he kisses me, lingering softly. “It’s going to be okay—I promise.”
I murmur my agreement, but the truth is, I’m not sure I believe him.
