Page 58 of A Bolt of Magic

I look down at my sodden dress. My skin is blue around my fingernails, and my teeth are chattering. I need to dry off, and I know just the spell. I hold up my hands and close my eyes, concentrating on finding and pulling up my magic. It has come easily these last few days.

Just like when I needed to mask myself from the fae, it doesn’t happen. I feel tiny threads instead of a whole well. Forget a trickle; I get a few drops. A small amount of steam drifts off me, and my magic is gone. I’m still soaking wet. Almost no better than before.

I grunt in frustration. Then I try again, getting the same result. I say the spell anyway, but it doesn’t do much. I’m still dripping all over the ground.

“McColl?”

I look up to see Kyrie approaching with a large piece of linen and what looks like dry clothing. Her expression is kind, understanding in a way that makes my throat tight.

“I thought you might need these,” she says gently, holding out the bundle. “There’s a screen of bushes just over there where you can change in private.” She points.

I take the offered items, grateful beyond words. “Thank you,” I tell her as I pick up my discarded shoes from earlier.

“Think nothing of it.” Kyrie looks around, making sure we’re alone. I do the same. “The coast is clear. Take your time.”

I duck behind the thick stand of bushes and quickly strip out of the sodden dress. Then I look around and quickly pull off my undergarments, too. My fingers are clumsy with cold. I dry off using the piece of linen and then start to get dressed. The dry smock feels like heaven against my chilled skin, and the replacement dress – a simple brown wool that’s warmer than the pretty yellow one – settles around me like it was made for me.

When I emerge, Kyrie is waiting with a patient smile. She hands me another piece of linen to dry my hair, then gestures toward the cabin.

“Come on. I’ll fix you something to eat since you haven’t broken your fast yet.”

I give her a grateful smile. “I take it that you don’t think I’m an evil witch like the others,” I say as we start toward the cabin.

She laughs. “I’d like to think I’m a good judge of character, and I don’t get evil vibes from you, McColl. I don’t think you should be treated any differently just because you’re a witch. Then again,” she throws out a laugh, “I don’t know many witches, so maybe I’m wrong. But I don’t think so.” She touches the side of my arm.

“I’m not much of a witch,” I grumble, more to myself than to her. “If only Thesha knew that, she wouldn’t worry half as much.”

“Thesha isn’t bad, I swear. She’s just been through a lot and seen a lot. She’ll get to know you and will come around. The boys, too.”

I nod. “Thanks.”

We go inside, and the cabin is warm. Kyrie bustles around the kitchen area, setting out bread and cheese while I huddle near the fire, still working the dampness from my hair with the linen cloth.

“I…um…I saw what happened out there,” Kyrie says quietly as she cuts thick slices of soda bread. “I’m sorry…um… I swear, I didn’t mean to spy on the two of you, but I happened to look out the window at just the right time. I saw you two…kissing,” she whispers the last, her eyes darting to the door of the cabin like someone is listening outside it.

Heat floods my cheeks. “Oh, gods. I’m so embarrassed. It was a…a mistake.” The words don’t feel right, but I say them anyway. “I’m sorry you saw that.” I scrub a hand down my burning face.

“Don’t be embarrassed.” Kyrie’s voice is gentle. “These things happen, especially when two people have been through what you and Kian have experienced together. You’ve …bonded, for lack of a better word.”

I bury my face in my hands. “I guess you’re right. I’ve gotten to know him over the last few days and…” I bite my lip, not sure of what to say. It feels good to talk about it.

“You like him?” She lifts her brows.

I nod. “I do. I like him more than I should,” I admit, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. “It’s silly.” I flap my hand. “He was right to push me away. Our species don’t mix well. We’re natural enemies for a reason.” I chuckle softly, but it sounds forced, so I stop, biting my lower lip again.

Kyrie gives a small snort. “What about humans and fae? Our kind are forbidden to mix. It is against the law, and yet, here we are.”

“I guess.”

“It’s true. We shouldn’t work, but we do. I’ve never been happier since acknowledging my feelings for Damon, since we…got together. It’s not easy, but it’s right, you know. When two people love each other, they find a way.”

“It’s far too soon for love.” I laugh softly, shaking my head. “Besides, I don’t think Kian feels the same way about me as I do about him.”

To my surprise, Kyrie laughs – not mockingly, but with genuine amusement. “Oh, my dear sweet McColl, you couldn’t be more wrong about that.”

I cock my head and scrutinize her face for signs of a jest but see nothing but seriousness. “What do you mean? He pushed me away like I burned him.”

“Exactly. It’s because Kian likes you just as much, maybe more.” Kyrie sets a plate of food in front of me, her eyes twinkling. “It’s easy to see. Have you seen the way he looks at you? How his whole body went rigid when Thesha questioned your presence here?” She shakes her head. “Trust me, he likes you alright.”

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