Chapter 26
I didn’t expect this much headache on my first day back.
I took whatever Jordan said with a pinch of salt. In a way, he’s right. You can’t trust anyone here, and that’s exactly why my opinion of him hasn’t changed.
It would make a lot of sense if he’s working with the rebellion. He hates Kieran for taking his eye, for humiliating him. And now he’s trying to cozy up to me, hoping I’ll let my guard down long enough for him to stick a knife in my back.
Because why would he want to befriend someone who’s clearly involved with the person responsible for taking his eye?
I’m not taking any chances.
With Kieran off doing some business with Atticus and Gideon this morning, I spend my time in the library, browsing books about spellwork and witchcraft.
If I’m going to have magic for a day, I need to make the most of it.
I don’t exactly know how Fae magic works, but I hope witchcraft is close enough to count. I find a comfortable seat next to the window and start flipping through the pages of one of the books.
Gods—is there any spell in here that doesn’t require ingredients like raven’s bone, shapeshifter’s hair, or animal blood?
How am I supposed to find any of that?
Maybe witchcraft isn’t the way to go after all.
“You should enchant your weapons,” a voice whispers behind me. I almost jump.
Laia.
“I’m just saying … you’ve got magic for a day, but your weapons will stay enchanted,” she says, stepping closer, nodding towards the pile of books. “Isn’t that what you’re looking at?”
“Yes.” I arch a brow. “But why do you want to help?”
“I’ve been meaning to apologise.” She sighs, sinking into the chair beside me. “I was the one who left that dress for you the night you got stabbed. I feel … somewhat responsible.”
I shake my head. “It’s not your fault.”
“I know.” She swallows, eyes dropping to her hands. “But I was in such a hurry that day. Aurora was running me ragged. I didn’t even check the pile properly. I just grabbed what was there—I swear, I didn’t know.”
“It’s fine,” I mutter, not sure what to say. It isn’t really fine because I almost died—but I don’t blame her. “Is that why you’re helping me?”
She shrugs. “Don’t know what you’re talking about. I just came here to get some books for Aurora.”
I grin.
“In that case, thank you for stopping by,” I say, closing the book as Laia stands. “I’ll keep your advice in mind.”
Laia nods. A small, fleeting smile blooms on her lips as she walks away.
I dump the useless books on the librarian’s desk—well, Daisy’s desk—just to annoy her and start looking for ones about enchantments instead. I swear Daisy wants to scream at me, and she probably would if this wasn’t her working hours.
Oh, well. She was a bitch to me first.
When I return to my seat, Kieran is already there, waiting for me.
I stalk closer, my heart lifting—then sinking at the same time. I want to run into his arms and kiss him like we’re the only ones in the world.
But it’s a library full of Fae, and I’m not sure how to act around him in public.
“Hey, gorgeous,” he says, reaching out a hand. I glance around to make sure no one’s watching before slipping mine into his.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I’ve got eyes and ears everywhere,” Kieran says, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. He leans in to kiss my cheek, but I pull back.
“I didn’t think we were doing this in public.”
He huffs a laugh. “Pretty sure said public suspects we’ve been fucking for a month.”
I tilt my head, blushing like a virgin. Every time I think about the things Kieran and I do in bed—Gods.
“And now you owe me a ring,” I murmur.
A magical ring, but a ring regardless.
“Ah, yes.” Kieran nods. “I assume you picked magic, then? Is that why you’re studying enchantments?” He flicks his fingers on the book’s cover.
“Yes.”
“You know, I could just help you with that,” he says, crossing his arms. “I know a thing or two about magic.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine. Teach me, then.”
“First, let me get you a ring.”
I smirk. “Preferably one with a big rock.”
“Of course.” He chuckles, offering a hand to help me with the books. “But let’s go somewhere private for that part.”
That’s the first time he’s actually warned me before vanishing us. I squeeze my eyes shut—then suddenly we’re standing on a wooden bridge, surrounded by crystalline blue water, a giant moon hanging overhead despite the daylight.
The River of Vows.
I spot the gazebo in the distance, the same one where we drank after Tessa’s funeral. The first time I really gave in to the temptation that’s called Kieran and blamed grief and alcohol for it.
The same spot beloved for Fae weddings.
“Kieran.” I tilt my head, joking. “If you were going to propose, at least you should have made sure I was wearing something nice—”
Kieran snaps his fingers—and there I am, in a white gown, soft, lacy, glowing at the hem. A bouquet in one hand. Meanwhile, Kieran is now dressed wickedly sharp in a black suit.
“Kieran.” I burst out laughing.
“What?” He chuckles. “I made sure you look exquisite.”
“We’re not actually getting married.” I look at the gorgeous flowers in my hand—white, orange, and red, like the colours of autumn.
I will think about him every time autumn comes around.
Even if I don’t remember him, something in my chest will remind me how beautiful this season has been.
“Not legally,” Kieran whispers, lifting my hand to his lips. “Doesn’t mean we can’t make it a special occasion.”
I blink, heart skipping a beat as Kieran reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring—a beautiful pear-shaped obsidian stone with a shimmer of starlight caught inside, like the night sky frozen in glass.
Gods, it’s so beautiful I can’t take my eyes off it.
“Now, if I put this on you, you’ll have magic for twenty-four hours,” Kieran says, lacing his finger with mine. “It’s enchanted until then, but I wouldn’t mind if you never take it off again.”
I can’t stop smiling.
It’s ridiculous, really—how quickly this male undoes me with just a few words and a ring that looks like it holds thousands of stars.
“You’ve never even told me how you feel, and now you’re already giving me a ring?” I mutter, glancing up at those storm-lit eyes. “Don’t do this just because you think I might be gone in a few days.”
Kieran exhales. His jaw tightens—then he leans in, forehead brushing mine. His other hand cups my face gently, delicate like he’s afraid I might disappear right before his eyes.
“Let’s not talk about that, Cass,” he whispers. “I can’t think about it. I pray to the stars nothing will happen to you … but if they resent me so deeply that they have to take you away from me, at least let me have this.”
My breath catches, sharp pain striking through me like lightning.
It has been an emotional week, and seeing Kieran’s vulnerable side is worse than being physically stabbed in the rib.
I reach up, brushing his lips with mine, softly at first—but he kisses me back, hard, deep.
It steals my breath away. Kieran pulls me closer, his hand sliding to the small of my back like he needs me to anchor him.
I tangle my fingers in his hair and let the kiss unravel me, piece by piece, inch by inch, until all I can feel is this moment with him.
When we finally break apart, I’m breathless.
“If we’re doing this,” I muse, leaning on his chest and glancing up at him, “where’s your ring?”
Kieran grins. A hint of excitement and happiness in his eyes. “You can use your magic to give me one later.”
“Are you telling me I have twenty-four hours to learn how to do that?”
“Yes.” He laughs. So beautiful.
“You got me the most gorgeous ring ever, and I’m afraid you’re about to get some cheap-ass metal made of crap in return.”
Kieran’s shoulders shake with laughter. “I’ll treasure your crap metal forever.”
I narrow my eyes. “You say that now, but wait until it turns your finger green.”
“Even so.” He smirks. “Now, can I finally give you the ring?”
“Fine.” I bite my lip, placing my hand in his like I’ve done countless times. I hope to Gods my hand doesn’t shake, because Kieran has no idea how dangerously I’m about to have a heart attack right now.
I think this might be the most romantic thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.
He slides it onto my left ring finger with such deliberate care. The obsidian sparkles as it settles against my skin. It fits perfectly, like it’s made only for me. The moment it locks into place, a quiet hum ripples through my bones.
Cold floods my chest, spreading gradually like frost and starlight through my veins. It feels … strange, overwhelming, but beautiful and terrifying at the same time.
Magic.
It’s different.
I’m different.
Alive.
Like I can do anything.
“Is this what you feel all the time?” I murmur, staring at my hand like something’s supposed to be there, but it isn’t. My power is invisible, yet, fully charged. Electrified.
“Not when I use it daily,” he replies. “But for you, it probably feels like you’re on drugs.” Then Kieran glances up, hand still holding mine. “Especially with that.”
The full moon hangs above us, luminous and impossibly close.
Gods, I picked the perfect day for this.
“Go on.” Kieran arches a brow. “Let’s get high.”