Page 70 of Simon

“Of course it’s magic.” She ran her hand through her hair. “Everything is about magic here. If there isn’t an explanation, it’s blamed on magic.”

My brow furrowed, and I stepped closer to her and kneeled just below the platform so I could look up at her.

Like a servant for a goddess.

“I’m sorry, it’s just… I grew up in a human world where people didn’t believe in magic. I didn’t even believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny. I knew they weren’t real because my father told me at a young age that magic wasn’t real. Coming here now, seeing that it is, just broke all of my belief system. It’s a blow.”

I tilted my head, reached up and placed a lock of hair behind her ear. I let my fingers linger on her neck, and she instinctively leaned into my touch.

She is breaking.

“I cannot imagine going from never believing in magic or gods. I see magic every day, so I’ve always believed. Even when I was an animal. Was it sad not to believe in the things you speak of? I have never heard of Santa, or a Tooth Fairy?” I questioned.

The corners of her lips twitched. “I know that they weren’t really real. They are entities that humans made up. It was to bring spirit into the holidays, to a world that didn’t believe in magic.”

“And now that you see it’s real? Do you believe it?” I don’t know why I needed to hear that she did. It was sitting right therein front of her face, but if shewasactually believing in the magic, she could believe in the gods, too. Believe that there is such a bond.

Lucy’s lower lip quivered, and at that moment, my heart pounded with fear. Reacting swiftly, I gathered her fragile form into my embrace, feeling the weight of her against my chest. As I held her close, her scent entered my nose, mingling with the aroma of her teardrops. I could hear her soft whimpers, accompanied by tears cascading down her flushed cheeks. With tender care, I cradled her delicate head in my hands, using my fingertips to wipe away the salty trails that marred her beautiful face.

“Please don’t cry, Lucy. It hurts me.”

She sniffed and shook her head.

“I thought you would like the tent. That is why I did not fight it. Let us stay elsewhere. I will take you where this won’t upset you.” I made to stand, but she grabbed my arm, halting me.

“No, no. Simon, I’m so sorry. You must think I’m crazy. I just—”

“Shh, shh, I do not. You are the smartest human I have ever met.”

Lucy giggled and tilted her head back. “How many humans have you met?”

I twisted my lips. “You are the third, but I still stand by what I said. You are also the smartest of all the realm. You know how things work, you read and write. You care for the Wood and do not destroy it. You keep nature how it is and do not destroy it to find out the inner workings.”

When I watched her while she studied the Wood—before I took her—she was always careful, delicate. The orcs took care of the forest, but the shifters did not give as much care. The Wood is thick with vegetation. They use their claws to clear away trees and limbs to make room for their traveling packs. Lucy wouldtake the path less traveled but not break nature. She was even more careful than I.

“You are the smartest I know. It may not mean much from me, since I do not speak with many, but you are the best.”

Lucy’s face turned a bright shade of red. “Thank you, but even with shifters, orcs and the like, I have a hard time believing in magic.”

I took her wrist and placed it on my heart. “The only magic you need to feel is my bond with you. I am not good with words, but my feelings for you are true.”

Lucy’s tears, I assumed of frustration, flowed again. “I’m scared you will find your real—”

“Enough,” I growled and tangled my fingers in her hair. “I may not know a lot of things, but I know we are meant to be. You feel it, you just deny it.”

“I don’t often feel powerful emotions such as this, and don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want my heart to break.”

“And it won’t, as long as you are with me.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “And I’ll have you know, I will not let you go—ever! “If this witch says we are not meant to be, I’ll tell her to fuck off, and I’ll take you anyway.”

Lucy blinked back in surprise. “You cussed, and you—you just said you would make me yours, permanently? Simon, a bond is sacred, you should—”

I pushed her down into the mattress and pinned her arms at her side. “Do not tell me what I will and will not do. You are my mate in every sense. I know it, so there is no reason to be upset over this.”

“I-it’s just—”

I pressed my lips to hers. It was the only way I could get her to see reason. She was mine, bond or not, but I knew there was a bond. It was infuriating that she didn’t see that—didn’t feel it.

I ran my hand up her leg, and she moaned and groaned when I removed it. “See, you crave me as much as I do you. Now, stop this nonsense of overthinking. Believe in the magic and the goddess’ will.”

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