Page 79 of A Bolt of Magic

“Just a wind hawk,” she says quietly, but I can hear the tension in her voice. “They’re harmless.”

“Kakara be thanked,” I mutter.

Above us, the Regana Mountain range looms like a sleeping giant, holding secrets and dangers I’m only just beginning to understand. And somewhere in the next valley awaits a coven of witches who may well decide my fate before I ever get the chance to plead my case.

But for now, all that matters is the next step, the next handhold, and the woman beside me whose presence makes even this treacherous journey feel like something I can face. We could do almost anything together. With each step, I know that it’s going to be impossible to say goodbye. No, not impossible,nearlyimpossible.

McColl

The Star Caves appear through the mist just as the last of the light begins to fade from the sky, their entrance marked by ancient runes carved deep into the rock. Relief floods through me as I recognize the familiar symbols. We made it just in the nick of time.

“We’re here,” I breathe out, pointing toward the dark opening ahead. “We’ll be safe now.” I smile at Kian, and he gives me a smile back, brightening his face. It has my belly tightening, so I look back up ahead.

Then I walk into the cave ahead of Kian and hear an “Oooph!” behind me.

Kian is holding his face. His eyes are wide. When he takes his hand away, there is a trickle of blood from his nostrils.

“What’s wrong?” I ask but then realize in the same moment that I am an idiot. I slap a hand over my mouth for a few seconds. “I’m so sorry. I forgot all about the wards.” By thegoddess, how could I be so stupid? “They’re designed to keep danger out, to keep…others out. Especially the fae.” I wince. “I wasn’t thinking.”

“I understand; it’s not like you’ve ever come to the caves with a fae before. You’ve said it several times. The others pointed it out, too; we’re mortal enemies. Does this mean I have to sleep outside with one eye open?” He smirks.

I laugh. “Maybe.”

“McColl!” He gives me a look, one eyebrow quirked. He’s so handsome that, for a moment, I am tempted to leave him just where he is.

“I’m teasing you. Hold on,” I say, moving back toward him. “I can grant you access, but I will need to touch you in order to do it.”

“Touch away.” He puts his hands up as if he doesn’t mind if I touch him anywhere I want.

My cheeks heat as I approach him, placing my hands on his solid chest. He’s warm. He’s… No, not going there. Then I remove one hand from his chest, placing it on the barrier.

The spell is complex, woven by generations of my ancestors, but I understand its structure well enough. I studied it until my brain bled. Taking a deep breath, I begin to chant in the old tongue, weaving my own magic into the existing protections so that they allow Kian to enter not just the cave but all of the coven territory. It is a spell for Kian and for Kian alone.

The words flow from my lips like a river, each syllable precisely placed. I feel the magic respond. When the spell reaches its crescendo, I reach out and take Kian’s hand.

“Now,” I punch out, and together we step through.

The moment we cross the threshold, I feel the ward settle back into place behind us, sealing us safely inside. The cave stretches back into darkness, but I know every twist and turn by heart.

He touches his nose. “Healed me, too.” He lifts his brows. “Thanks.”

“Of course. I’m sorry I forgot about something so important. I guess I forgot to see you as my enemy.” I roll my eyes mockingly.

He laughs. “That’s a good thing,” he says, growing solemn.

We look each other in the eye. The moment suddenly grows uncomfortable.

“Welcome to the Star Caves,” I say to break the tension, pulling out a torch. “You’re probably the first fae to set foot in here.”

“I’m honored.”

I use my magic to light the torch. The flickering light reveals walls covered in more ancient runes, and high above us, crystals embedded in the ceiling catch the torchlight and throw it back like captured stars. It’s beautiful in a wild, untamed way that speaks of old magic and older secrets.

“Wow. It’s certainly something to behold,” Kian says, his voice filled with wonder.

We make our way deeper into the main chamber, where a natural chimney in the rock will provide ventilation for our fire. There is a big pile of wood already there. I set about making a fire while Kian explores the space with obvious fascination.

“The crystals…” he says, craning his neck to look up at the glittering ceiling. “They’re beautiful.”

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