Chapter 19
19
Anora
The Department Store
H azel stands beside me at the bar, her excitement practically glowing. Andrew is by the front entrance, flipping the sign to “closed” and locking the door. I haven’t seen Amir all day, and I’ve been trying not to let it bother me. Whatever he’s been doing, he hasn’t said.
Hazel’s blue eyes are so vibrant, almost otherworldly, and I can’t help but admire them every time I’m this close to her. She’s been through so much, lost so much, and yet she still carries this spark inside her. I hate that her innocence was stolen from her, but I’m glad she has Amir to protect her now.
She looks over at me with a bright smile, unable to hide her excitement. “I’ve never been on a shopping trip before,” she says, her voice bubbling with energy .
I smile back at her. “Me either. I’ve always been on a fixed budget. I’ve only ever shopped for essentials. Whatever little money I had after bills usually went to paint supplies.”
“Oh, yes! You’re a lovely artist,” she says, nodding like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “I saw your paintings last night while you were asleep. My uncle really loves you, you know.”
Her words hit me out of nowhere, and my heart skips a beat. My hands instinctively clutch my stomach as I process what she said, but before I can respond, Amir appears in front of us in the blink of an eye.
I gasp from the suddenness, but my breath catches for another reason entirely. He looks stunning, like always, but tonight there’s something regal about him. His sleeveless black shirt has intricate gold patterns on it, patterns I can’t make out. He’s paired it with matching pants and sandals, an effortless elegance that makes me feel like a mess next to him. His tattoos stand out even more now, swirls of an unfamiliar language that only add to his otherworldly aura.
His golden eyes lock onto mine, and I feel my knees threaten to give out. “You look lovely, Anora,” he says, his deep voice lingering softly on my name.
He always says my name like that, and it gets me every time. Hazel giggles at the way I stare at him, dumbfounded, practically in a trance.
The way Amir stands, with his head high and his hand always resting behind him, radiates power. He owns the room without even trying. As he takes a step toward me, one of his hands moves from behind his back. I don’t know why, but I instinctively bow my head. His presence is... overwhelming.
But before I can dwell on the feeling, his warm hand gently tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze .
“No, Anora,” he says firmly, shaking his head just a little. “You bow to no one. Not even me.”
I gasp, stunned by his words, and his lips curve into a breathtaking smile, flashing those perfect teeth.
“You are so beautiful,” the words slip out of my mouth before I can stop them, my voice barely above a whisper, and I feel like an idiot for being so obvious.
He chuckles softly, like the sound of pure confidence.
“Can we go now? I’m ready to shop,” Hazel complains, shifting impatiently beside me.
Amir glances at her and nods with a playful smile. He lets go of my chin and lifts his hand, palm up. A burst of magic, golden and shimmering with streaks of gray, streams out of his hand so effortlessly that it takes my breath away. The energy swirls in the air, forming a glowing circle, and suddenly, the surroundings shift.
We’re no longer in the nightclub—we’re standing in what looks like a department store. My jaw drops at the sight of it.
“Ugh,” I hear Andrew groan behind us. He approaches reluctantly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Can’t I just drive and meet you there instead?”
Hazel rolls her eyes, clearly over his whining. She wiggles her fingers, and green and blue tendrils of magic shoot out, swirling around Andrew in an instant.
“There,” she says with a smirk. “Now you’re shielded. It’ll feel like walking through a door, so stop complaining.”
Andrew still groans, rolling his eyes dramatically, but it’s clear he’s not going to argue further. I watch the exchange silently, putting a finger to my lips as I try to piece together what’s even happening.
Amir leans down, brushing his lips lightly against my cheek, distracting me completely .
“Most supernaturals hate teleportation,” he explains softly. “Vampires tolerate it, but it makes shifters sick for days. You’re technically a witch, so the portal won’t affect you at all.”
A shudder runs through me at the thought. “But you said my powers are bound,” I remind him hesitantly. “So technically, I’m human.”
“You’re a witch by blood, Anora,” he says, his tone patient, “bound powers or not.”
I don’t look entirely convinced, so he adds, “Trust me. I would never put you in danger. You are the reason I breathe,” he murmurs, holding his hand out to me again.
The words hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me stunned. Before I can make sense of them—or stop myself—I slip my hand into his.
I follow him toward the portal, my heart thudding nervously in my chest. I glance at him once more before stepping through, and the soft reassurance in his golden eyes gives me just enough courage to move forward.
The second I step into the bright lights of the department store, I feel Amir’s arm wrap protectively around me, pulling me against him. The warmth of his touch instantly steadies me.
“See?” His voice is soft and calm in my ear. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
I turn to face him, shaking my head wordlessly.
“Later, witches!” Andrew calls, already disappearing with vampire speed. “I’m off to build my wardrobe!”
I giggle at his sudden exit, but Hazel doesn’t give me time to process anything. She grabs my wrist and starts pulling me toward the clothing racks.
“Come on, Anora,” she says, beaming with excitement. “Let’s get you some clothes! ”
I glance back at Amir as Hazel drags me away. He stands where I left him, his golden eyes watching me intently, a small smile of approval on his face. Once he sees me settle into the moment, he starts slowly exploring the store, taking it all in.
I can’t believe this is real. An empty department store, just for us. It feels like a dream, like I’m a superstar or something. But even in this moment, surrounded by luxury, the one thing I can’t stop thinking about is Amir.
Hazel stands beside me in the women’s section, flipping through racks of dresses with the kind of energy I wish I had. She picks up a couple of cute summer dresses and holds one against her chest, swaying lightly.
“That dance with my uncle,” she begins, her voice soft, thoughtful. Then she spins slowly in place, like she’s reliving it. “I finally felt like a woman—not just this cursed thing everyone hates or the witch they fear. I was just Hazel. It meant everything to me, even if it was just a fleeting moment.”
I swallow hard and nod. “I wish I hadn’t interrupted. Or gotten jealous. That was stupid of me.”
Hazel looks at me sharply, shaking her head. “He’s my uncle, Anora. Nothing more. I know what he’s doing—he’s trying to help me heal, trying to help me forgive myself. He sneaks into my room at night, you know. Tucks me in before he snuck into your apartment to watch you sleep all night.”
I giggle at her words, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
“He’s wanted love for so long,” Hazel continues. “That’s all he wants—pure, unconditional love. How can you deny someone that when they ask so little of you? He’s nothing like my mother made him out to be. Nothing at all.” She pauses, her brows furrowing as she considers her next words. “I have so much misinformation about him to unpack. So much to relearn about my family. Real family that was kept from me.”
Her words hit me hard - the longing for family, for belonging, echoes something deep inside me. Maybe that’s why I feel so drawn to both of them. Amir and Hazel aren’t just powerful supernatural beings; they’re two souls who understand what it means to search for real connection, to yearn for something genuine in a world full of lies.
“What about your dad?” I ask softly.
She chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “She told me he died before I was born. But how would I even know if that was true? My mother lies about everything.”
Suddenly, Hazel’s eyes light up mischievously, and she grins at me.
“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at her.
“Let’s find you something nice to wear for my uncle,” she says with a wicked smile. “He’s made it his life’s mission to make me happy. Well, guess what? I want to make him happy—with you.”
“No! Hazel, you don’t have to—” I start, but she grabs my wrist and pulls me further into the women’s section. She stops in front of the intimates section, and I cringe in embarrassment.
“Oh, please, Anora. We’re both women. And for the first time in forever, I’m actually excited about finding my fated mate. If he’s out there.” Her voice softens, and I can see the hope in her eyes. It’s contagious—it makes me smile just thinking about the possibility for her.
“Andrew told me he could smell the fated scent on me,” she adds. “It means I’m not going to be alone forever.”
“That’s amazing, Hazel,” I say genuinely.
“I think that’s why my uncle’s helping me. Why he’s so patient. He doesn’t want me stepping into a relationship broken. He wants me to heal for my mate. I’m so thankful for him.”
I grab a nightgown off a nearby rack and hold it out to her. It’s a simple design—silky, black, and short. Thin straps, smooth fabric, and just enough elegance to make a statement.
Hazel looks shy all of a sudden, which makes me chuckle, and she quickly tucks the nightgown under the other clothes draped over her arm.
I keep browsing, finding a similar nightgown in blue. I lift it off the rack, holding it up to examine the material, when Amir appears beside me out of nowhere.
I squeal in embarrassment and try to put the nightgown back, but he catches my wrist, holding me still.
“Oh no,” he murmurs, his golden eyes smiling down at me. “Don’t put this one back, angel. This is my favorite color.”
I feel my cheeks heating as he takes the nightgown from my hand. In one quick motion, he snaps his fingers, and just like that, it’s gone—along with all the clothing Hazel and I were carrying.
“It’s already at home, waiting for you,” he says smoothly.
“I’m going to check out the perfumes!” Hazel calls, dashing off before I can respond.
I try to follow her, but Amir catches my arm, stopping me.
“Your natural scent suits you, Anora,” he says, his voice low and warm. “It’s bad enough you mask it with soaps and oils.”
His ears twitch slightly as he speaks, and it makes me giggle because the movement is so subtle .
“I think what you’re doing for Hazel is beautiful,” I say, my voice soft.
He shakes his head lightly, brushing off the compliment. “It’s my job, Anora. I’m the man in her family—it’s my responsibility to set the example. I don’t deserve praise for the bare minimum. And frankly... I’m not doing enough.”
I blink at him, stunned into silence. He truly believes that.
“I still have trouble processing that you’re real,” I murmur, my voice barely audible. “That this isn’t all just some dream.”
Before I can say another word, he wraps his arm around me and pulls me flush against his chest. His warmth seeps into me instantly, and I gasp as my hands press against him.
“I’d like a little alone time with you,” he says softly.
He snaps his fingers before I can respond, and suddenly, we’re on the rooftop of the department store. The cold night air chills me, and I shiver slightly.
“Are you cold?” he asks, concern flashing in his eyes. “I can take us back.”
I shake my head quickly. “No, I’m fine. We shouldn’t be here. We should be on Winter?—”
His mouth crashes against mine in a kiss so full of passion that my thoughts vanish. It’s overwhelming, consuming, and for a moment, stars flash behind my eyes. When he pulls back, I’m dazed, my mind completely blank.
“You are everything I hoped for and more,” he whispers, his golden eyes gazing directly into mine.
“Shut up and kiss me,” I manage to snap, and he laughs softly before leaning in again.
Before our lips touch, he steps back, and I freeze as massive wings stretch out behind him. Large, powerful dragon wings. Their color is a mix of gold and black, faintly illuminated.
I stare, mesmerized by how they shimmer and radiate power.
“Do my beasts frighten you, Anora?” he asks, his voice steady but curious.
I shake my head, stepping closer. I lift my hand and run my fingers along the edge of one wing. The texture is smooth but strong, warm under my touch.
“It’s my dragon,” he says simply. His voice softens as he lifts my chin with his hand. “He wants to take you home.”
I look up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. “I want your beasts just as much as I want you, Amir,” I whisper.
The words barely leave my lips before his mouth crashes onto mine again, his kiss leaving me breathless.
Without breaking the kiss, his wings flap, and I gasp as my feet leave the ground. He holds me tight against him, his arm securely around my waist.
“Don’t be afraid, angel,” he murmurs. “I’ll never let anything happen to you.”
The night air bites at my skin as we rise higher into the sky, the city unfolding beneath us. Buildings and houses shrink into an intricate maze of lights, the streets glowing faintly below. Everything looks magical from up here, like the whole world has been transformed into something surreal.
My heart pounds with a mixture of awe and exhilaration. This is what freedom feels like - soaring above the world with someone who makes me feel both completely safe and wildly alive. The city below seems small now, all my old worries and fears shrinking with it. Up here, I’m not just Anora the struggling artist anymore. I’m something more, something magical, something meant for this world of wonder and power.
We ascend higher, and suddenly we’re flying through the clouds. I can feel the cool mist surrounding us, sparkling faintly with specks of golden energy that dance around us as we move.
Amir’s warm, musky scent—sandalwood and something richer—fills my senses, calming me even as my heart races.
I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my head in his chest. “I know you’ll never hurt me. I trust you,” I whisper against his skin.
The words make him hold me closer, his wings flapping faster as we soar higher and higher into the night.
In no time, we’re back at Thirst Trap. Amir lowers us down gently in front of the entrance, his grip steady as my feet touch the cement sidewalk. His control is effortless, and as soon as I’m on solid ground, he lets go, but the warmth of his touch lingers.
“I like this better than teleportation,” I tease, my lips curling into a small smile.
He glances down at me, matching my smile with his own, and I watch as his wings slowly fold into his back, disappearing completely. It’s like they were never there—the seamless transition leaves me a little awestruck, even now.
“Thank you for taking me shopping and spending quality time with me,” I say softly, meaning every word.
Amir shakes his head, his golden eyes catching the soft glow of the streetlights. “Do not thank me for doing my duty, Anora. I should be worshipping you.”
I roll my eyes hard, letting out a laugh. “Amir, shut up and kiss me again.”
His laughter rumbles in his chest, low and warm, and before I know it, he’s leaning down, brushing his lips against mine. The kiss is soft at first, gentle, but even in its tenderness, it pulls me in completely. In this moment, nothing else exists—no worries, no fears.
Only him. Only Amir.
And maybe that’s the most magical thing of all - how natural this feels, how right. Yesterday, I was just a girl trying to survive in Detroit. Today, I’m flying through clouds with a warlock hybrid-vampire, shopping in empty department stores with witches, and somehow none of it feels strange. It feels like coming home, like finally finding where I belong. Like waking up to who I was always meant to be.