The wicked witch snickered at her familiar. As usual, she looked every inch the badass witch queen. Her tattoos of spiky thorns and poisoned flowers were on display in a clingy sleeveless top and peeked through the tears in her ripped jeans.
Rex grabbed her hand and pulled her towards us with a smoky chuckle. “Don’t worry, little mouse, if your mangy mutt perishes, I’ll get you a new one.”
Zoella rolled her eyes while Alpha growled in the king’s direction.
I snorted, climbing to my feet and dusting the grass off my leathers. “It’s a good thing they’re only play-fighting, then, isn’t it.”
Killian stood, brushing off some grass I’d missed from my thigh. He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin between my horns.
Rex’s eyes narrowed as he closed in on us, tugging his queen along for the ride. The pair stopped before us, and I felt Killian tense at my back, but he didn’t loosen his hold one bit.
The king cleared his throat, glaring over my head with a toss of his pointy horns. “You’re sure you want this idiot?”
Zoella smacked his arm harder this time, grinning maniacally at me. “We’re so happy for you both.”
Rex rolled his bright-red eyes, the slitted pupil almost disappearing completely before he fixed his intent stare on Killian. “You’re my best friend, Kill. But I will literally disembowel you if you hurt her.”
I snorted. “Relax,Uncle. I’m grown up enough to make my own mistakes.”
“Ouch,” Killian drawled but hugged me tighter despite my teasing.
Rex chuckled. “Well, this is for sleeping with my little sister anyway.”
His fist snapped out.
Killian released me as the punch caught him with a loud crack, knocking him back a step.
I gasped and bared my fangs up at my idiot brother. “Rex!”
Killian only laughed, working his jaw. Mischief twinkled in his stormy eyes. “Oh, we did a lot more than sleep,” he purred.
Rex visibly bristled.
Zoella doubled over with laughter, waggling her lilac brows at me. “This is going to be so much fun. Double date tomorrow night?”
I sighed at them all and, without thinking, reached up to touch the faint bruising already darkening Killian’s cheek.
Nothing happened.
My magic was gone. I’d not felt a spark since I’d given it all to save Killian, but I still didn’t regret it. At times like this, I missed it though.
“Sorry,” I whispered, awkwardly dropping my hand.
“Don’t be,” Killian said, voice fierce. “You’ve given me everything, and I can never repay your courage and kindness.”
Soft fur brushed the back of my hand. Cookie rubbed her side against me, and something flickered in my chest as her blood-red eyes met mine.
I held perfectly still. My fingertips warmed, the faintest thrum of power running through me.
“Eve, look.” Killian’s voice filled with awe.
I stared down at my hand, marvelling at the red-tinged glow. Before I could freak out, I pressed my palm to Killian’s cheek once more. Energy flowed through me and into the demon I loved, soothing and pure.
His eyes met mine, flaring wide. “Your magic…”
“It’s coming back,” I breathed.
Relief crashed into me. I’d thought it was gone forever.