Page 26 of Lunar Diamonds

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“What—”

A muffled pop, a puff of blue light, and suddenly I smelled violets.

“What have you done?” My eyes grew heavy, my limbs giving up. I tried to stay upright, opening my mouth to call out for help.

Sleeping potion? I heard the concoction smelled of violets. And they were bad, meaning Drake Parish was a shadow witch.

Stupid starry-eyed fool. Stick a hot guy before me and I became a dog around a juicy T-bone steak.

Okay. How to get out of this…

With one step, I collapsed, falling forward. Drake caught me, my face hitting his chest.

Smells so yummy…

I lost all feeling in my limbs, sliding down his body. He hefted me upright, my neck droopy. He scooped me up, maneuvering my head so it rested against his collarbone.

Help me…

Had anyone clocked this? I heard traffic, the noises of Glitter Fox. Nothing else.

Please help me…

Drake started walking, someone else joining us. My eyes were too weak, unconsciousness encroaching. But I thought I made out a woman with blonde hair.

Severe bob.

Help…

…me.

I blacked out.

Chapter 6

RILEY

Adiamond.

Pretty diamond full of moonlight.

“The moon’s in my hand.”

Muffled voices. Shouting. Stomping.

I clutched the diamond ring so tightly. My treasure. Mine. Mine. Mine.

Tears. Screaming. I hid under the dining table, protecting the moon. Too young to be listening to the collapse of my parents’ marriage.

Moon…

Moon…

Moon…

I came to in the back of a car full of moonlight, laid out on the back seat, staring at the fabric ceiling. My throat hurt, a sharp scratching following every swallow. Slowly, I sat up, my temples throbbing, my eyes full of grit.

Drake occupied the driver’s seat, the blonde woman in the other.

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