Page 44 of Fated for Flames

I rolled my eyes and focused on my lunch.

A familiar voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Hey, Eve.”

I looked up to find Theo sliding into the seat across from me. His easy smile instantly made me feel better.

“Hey,” I said with a smile.

We chatted aimlessly for a while, but I didn’t linger long after finishing my lunch, eager to visit Lucien and Rafe.

29

Evelyn

As I approached Lucien and Rafe’s home, I marveled at the quaint charm of the two-story cottage. Nestled in the back of the campus, it stood out among its smaller neighbors with its lush garden and beautifully carved wooden door.

Walking in, I found myself in a cozy living room filled with comfortable furniture, books strewn everywhere, and an array of snacks spread out on a coffee table. A glance at the open kitchen revealed more treats cooling on a rack. My eyebrows shot up.

“I hadn’t pegged you for the domestic type, Lucien,” I teased, sinking into the soft embrace of a plush sofa.

Lucien narrowed his eyes at me from where he was meticulously arranging cookies on a plate. “Don’t get used to it, Evelyn. This is Rafe’s doing. He insisted on us being good hosts,” he grumbled.

Rafe chuckled while he brewed coffee that smelled divine. “Luce might not want to admit it, but he’s an excellent cook and baker.”

We spent the next few hours going through our usual routine: Rafe trying to unlock my magic, Lucien keeping an eye on my power levels. But like always, we were met with stubborn resistance from my magic.

Feeling dejected, I slumped back onto the couch and stared at the ceiling.

“Well, the good news is,” I began, warming up to my revelation, “I’ve been granted access to a private collection. Did you know there’s this massive mansion tucked away at the very back?”

I gestured vaguely, probably in the completely wrong direction. “And here’s the kicker”—I lowered my voice, leaning in for dramatic effect—“it’s owned by a vampire! Yes, an actual vampire, fangs and everything,” I announced triumphantly, expecting an explosion of surprise or at least a few gasps.

Lucien’s reaction, however, was unexpectedly muted. “Alister rarely grants access to anyone,” he simply stated.

“Wait, you know Alister?” I asked, my bubble of excitement slightly deflated by their lack of surprise.

Tough crowd.

He nodded but remained cryptically silent.

Trying to maintain an air of nonchalance, I continued, “Well, I was there yesterday, and the place is just brimming with books. There’s an enormous collection of…books.”

I mentally groaned at my inability to describe how stunning the library and the house were.

Rafe chimed in, “There’s got to be something in that library that can aid with your predicament.”

With a nod of assent, Lucien set the plan in motion. “Next Saturday, when you’re there, scour the shelves for anything thatcould help. Look for volumes on binding and unbinding magic, delve into texts about ancient rituals, or even obscure lore. Any small detail could give us the lead we need.”

I nodded, taking down his suggestions.

“Now,” he started, and I knew where this was going. “Are you ready to share with us what your suspicions are and who gave you the elixir in the first place?” he asked, brows raised.

“Nope,” I said, popping theplike a child.

“How about your magic? We know your life force is being drained, somehow linked to your magic. Could we maybe check if you’re okay? Ensure long-term exposure to the substance in that dark elixir has not corrupted your magic?” he suggested.

I mentally groaned. While I appreciated having people who cared enough to ask, how could I explain that it wasn’t the elixir but my resurrection, my journey back in time by a year, and a mysterious voice telling me I couldn’t use my magic or I’d die…again! I’d be shipped straight to the asylum.

“My magic is all good, but I do have some questions,” I began, trying to steer the conversation away from my magic, as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I could feel their gazes, two pairs of eyes—one turquoise, the other green—brimming with curiosity.

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