Page 78 of Craving Carla

She shakes her head. “Fate gave me Anora, and I couldn’t handle it. I didn’t know what to do with her. So I took her to an orphanage in Detroit and left her there, knowing she’d have a better chance with the humans. I didn’t know it at the time, but I cast a spell on Anora to bind her powers.”

“So, your children can lift the veil they have on you,” I say, the pieces clicking into place. Interesting.

“The veil doesn’t bother me,” Carla says. “I didn’t really realize they were doing it until now. And since I’ve been on Wintermoon, I haven’t needed my powers. I’ve been more focused on fitting in with the community than embracing my identity as a witch.”

I pull her through the large front area until we reach a beautiful set of double doors. I choose not to comment further, careful with my words. She’s sensitive about my opinions of Wintermoon. If only I could get her to see that there’s more beyond this land than restricting herself to an enclosed area full of creatures that despise her for simply existing.

The double doors open immediately upon our arrival. I’m surprised there isn’t any security, but then again, if you’re King Amir, do you even need it?

Carla looks at me with a shrug and steps in before me. I follow close behind, and the doors shut immediately.

The interior takes me by surprise. While the outside resembles a cabin, inside is pure luxury. The foyer is vast, with polished marble floors that shine. As we stand admiring the space, I hear footsteps clicking against the floor. I grab Carla by the arm, pulling her behind me protectively.

“Amari, what are you doing?” she grumbles, trying to peek around me.

Then King Amir comes into view. He’s dressed in a simple black tunic and matching pants, with sandals on his feet—casual attire that does nothing to diminish his commanding presence.His hands are clasped behind his back, and he smiles when he sees us, his eyes bright, fangs flashing.

“Ah, Amari, what a surprise,” Amir says. Before I can blink, he teleports, appearing directly beside me. I bow my head immediately, centuries of training kicking in, but Amir places a hand on my shoulder.

“Oh no, that isn’t necessary from you anymore. You’re practically family now.” He looks around me to Carla, who’s clutching the back of my suit jacket. He bows his head to her, and after a moment, she returns the gesture.

“Congratulations, Carla. You’ve found your fated mate. Quite interesting given your circumstances.” Carla steps from behind me and stands at my side, taking my hand.

Amir turns, keeping his hands behind his back, leading the way out of the foyer. “Come, let’s catch up on old times. I haven’t seen you since before my slumber, and I’ve heard you’ve done some amazing things for yourself, Sire of the Medina Shadow Coven.”

I look down at Carla, who gulps nervously. I smile and kiss her forehead, then pull her to follow after Amir.

As we walk through the palace, I take in the architecture. It screams House of Zorah, the immaculate craftsmanship evident in every detail.

“I’ve been expecting you,” Amir says without looking back, “a lot sooner than now.”

“You seem a bit disappointed by our arrival,” I observe.

Amir stops at a set of double doors, turning to face us with his hands still behind his back. “The life of a king feels isolating at times. I don’t get to go out, have fun...” He flashes his fangs, and I frown at the implication.

The double doors open to reveal a large library, books lining the walls from floor to ceiling. A fireplace burns at one end,warming the space, with a long sofa and two end chairs arranged near it.

“This is more of a family gathering, so I’d prefer to keep this meeting informal. Please, join me.” Amir moves one hand from behind his back to gesture for us to enter.

I bring Carla’s hand to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her skin before leading her inside. A beautiful woman stands by the fireplace, holding a little boy in her arms. The doors slam shut behind us, and King Amir suddenly appears beside the woman, gently kissing her forehead before cooing at the baby.

“That’s my cousin Anora, the queen, and their son Solomon,” Carla whispers, leaning into me.

“That’s a very powerful child,” I say, sensing the energy emanating from the infant.

“Solomon is part bear shifter, part warlock,” Amir confirms. “It’s too early to detect his full power as he’s still too young.”

Anora passes Solomon to Amir and approaches us. I bow quickly while she acknowledges me with a nod before embracing Carla.

Anora is breathtaking, with rich golden-brown skin and wild curly hair that frames her face beautifully. Her brown eyes are warm, and she moves with the natural grace of someone comfortable in their power. She wears a simple blue dress that complements her coloring, making her look ethereal yet approachable.

“Carla, you have been a stranger. Why?” Anora asks, pulling back to look Carla over with a warm smile.

Carla hangs her head. “I didn’t want you to return Yara and Kofi.”

Anora gives a dark laugh. “Now why would I do that?”

Carla looks up, confused.

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