And besides—what if Mel was right? What if this was her best shot at finally being with Andrew?
She didn’t want to fail her. So she reached for the thread.
But the moment her fingers closed around it, something dark and jagged surged up her arm, like nettles dragging across her skin. The thread bucked in her grip, twisting and coiling, too unpredictable to pin down.
This definitely wasn’t right. Love magic, her khala had said, was supposed to feel harmonious. But this? This was something unruly and chaotic. An off-key note played far too loud.
Her fingers faltered. She nearly let go.
But she tightened her grip.
Focus. Focus.
The heat surged sharper, searing through nerves. Something dark curled at the edges of her mind, tangling her thoughts into one wild jumble.
It didn’t feel like love. It felt like wanting. Like hunger.
And then—
She swore she heard Kian’s chuckle. Low and mocking. Close enough to brush her ear.
Her stomach lurched.
No.This wouldn’t be like before. She would maintain control. Shehadto.
Because the last time she didn’t—
She’d ruined lives. Classmates who went pale at the sight of her. Some who’d even transferred schools.Because of her.
Her khala’s voice echoed in her head, mournful:Magic has consequences,Riya.
Before she could stop it—before she could tame it—
The thread dissolved in her hand.
And the world snapped back into focus.
Riya staggered, hollow. Gasping.
“Did it”—Mel asked, her voice shaking—“Did it work? You wereglowingfor a second there. It was incredible! But then you made these weird faces, like...”
Riya barely heard her, distracted by how the air felt denser, charged with a weight that hadn’t been there before. It was too quiet, quieter than before. Even the usual rustling of tree branches felt muted. As if the world were holding its breath.
Her hand still tingled with the memory of the red thread slipping through her fingers.
Riya blinked, half in disbelief, half in dread.
Somehow, despite everything, she’d worked peri magic again.
Right now, though, it felt like the magic had workedher.
“I think...” She swallowed, her throat arid. “I think so.”
Mel jumped into her arms. “Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!” she squealed. “I knew you could do it! Ithink I even feel different! It must be the spell working, right? I feel so full of love that even Cupid would be jealous!!”
Riya gently peeled Mel off.
“Don’t thank me yet. Remember, nothing’s guaranteed. If all went as planned, all I’ve done is give you both a little... nudge. Enough to make your feelings a little louder, at least until the next full moon.” She squeezed her friend’s shoulder. “But the rest is up to you.”
