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Logan stirred at the other end of the connection.

Not words. A flicker of concern. The sense of him turning toward me despite the distance, ready to come if I called.

My magic surged toward him.

Delia coughed loudly and knocked a brass candle snuffer from the table. It struck the floor, bounced once, and released a swarm of tiny blue moths.

My mother turned.

“Sorry,” Delia said as the moths landed in her hair. “Apparently someone enchanted the ceremonial equipment without labeling it. Very irresponsible.”

The distraction lasted only seconds, but it was enough. I forced the bond back beneath my shields and let my magic settle into the shape my mother expected.

When Jacqueline faced me again, the basin glowed a calm, obedient gold.

“You felt him tonight,” she said.

I kept my breathing even. “The bond exists whether I acknowledge it or not.”

“A bond is an invitation, Carolina. Not a command.” Her magic tightened around my wrists. “You are not required to ruin your life simply because fate developed a taste for cruelty.”

“Is that what you think it is?”

“I think Logan Richards is beneath you. I think his presence destabilizes your judgment and contaminates your magic.”

Anger flashed hot enough to turn the water to steam. I swallowed it before the basin could betray me.

“My magic is not contaminated.”

“Then prove it.” Jacqueline released the spell. The water went clear. “At the coven’s Halloween reception, you will stand beside me. You will perform your duties as heir. And you will not sneak off to that bar to find the vampire.”

“And if he approaches me somewhere else?”

“Make him regret it.”

She said it without heat. That was what made the threat land so hard. My mother did not need anger to destroy someone. She only needed a reason she considered sufficient.

Jacqueline turned toward Delia, who was still plucking enchanted moths from her hair. “See that she remembers what she owes this family.”

“Constantly,” Delia said.

My mother swept from the room.

We waited until her footsteps faded. Then Delia closed the door, sealed it with two locking charms, and faced me.

“Tell me everything.”

“You saw what she just did.”

“Yes. She shoved her magic into your private business and called it parenting. That is why you’re going to tell me everything before I start guessing, because my guesses will involve considerably more nudity.”

I sat on the edge of the pedestal. My hands shook now that I no longer needed to hide it.

“He knows she cursed him,” I said. “The curse buried pieces of that day, and every memory that returns hurts him all over again.”

Delia leaned beside me, close enough that our shoulders touched. “And you’re trying to break it.”

“We found an old text. A true mate bond can challenge an anchored curse, but fate isn’t enough. It has to be chosen. Mutual.”