Page 89 of Crossing Between
"Zoey?" he finally managed, his voice rougher than usual.
"What do you think?" I did a slow turn, feeling a surge of confidence at his stunned expression.
Elias seemed to have forgotten how to breathe. His chest didn't move for several long seconds, andwhen he finally inhaled, it was a sharp, audible gasp. A flush crept up his neck, spreading to his cheeks.
"I..." he swallowed visibly. "You look...I mean, that's..." He shook his head, apparently unable to form a coherent sentence.
Quilith leaned close to me, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Idoso enjoy a man struck dumb by power."
Saddie laughed, a sound like tinkling crystal. "It seems the outfit passes the test. Shall I wrap everything up?"
I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from Elias, who still hadn't recovered his composure. There was something incredibly satisfying about rendering the normally eloquent kraken speechless.
While Saddie prepared our purchases, I reluctantly changed back into my original clothes, though I kept the lace gloves on. They felt right somehow, like they'd always been meant for me.
When I emerged, Elias had regained some of his dignity, though his eyes still followed me with an intensity that made my skin tingle.
"Ready?" Quilith accepted a package wrapped in shimmering paper from Saddie.
"How much do I owe you?" I reached for my wallet, but Saddie waved me off.
"Consider it an investment in the future," their words cryptic. "Besides, Quilith and I have an arrangement."
Quilith winked at me. "Centuries-old debts make for interesting payment plans."
We said our goodbyes, and as we stepped out of the boutique, I turned for one last look. To my amazement, the entrance was already fading, the ornate door morphing back into a plain wooden one, the elegant sign reverting to the faded "Tailor" lettering.
Within seconds, it was as if the magical boutique had never existedat all.
"That was..." I searched for the right word.
"Magical?" Quilith suggested with a smile.
"That," I agreed, feeling the weight of the packages in my arms. Each item inside was more than just clothing. It was armor, protection, tools for the battle ahead.
As we walked back toward where Quilith would open another portal, Elias fell into step beside me. His hand brushed against mine, sending that now-familiar spark of connection between us.
"You really did look incredible in that outfit." His eyes met mine. "Like a warrior queen."
I smiled up at him, feeling a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with magic and everything to do with the way he looked at me. "Good. Because I think that's exactly what I need to be."
Chapter 49: Zoey
The sun hung low on the horizon, painting the sky as I walked through the tall grass of the meadow. My bare feet brushed against wildflowers, each step sending their sweet fragrance into the air. This place held special meaning now, where Kenji and I shared our first real connection. Now it would become something even more significant. The search for the perfect location led us here.
Four crystalline markers glowed at the cardinal points of a wide circle, placed by Quilith earlier in the day. In the center stood a large basin of hammered copper, its surface etched with symbols I was only beginning to recognize. The fading light caught their edges, making them shimmer as if alive.
I adjusted my white robe, the only garment I wore. The silk whispered against my skin, cool and light. The others approached from different directions, each in similar robes but in colors that matched their essences—deep blue for Elias, burgundy for Varon, and burnt orange for Kenji. The sight of them made my heart race.
Quilith stood nearby, wearing flowing garmentsof iridescent fabric that caught the light. Their expression was solemn, but their eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Are you ready?" Their melodic voice carried easily on the evening breeze.
I nodded, pushing down the flutter of nervousness in my stomach. "Yes."
We gathered around the basin as the last sliver of sun disappeared below the horizon. The world held its breath in that moment between day and night. It was the perfect time to bind ourselves together.
Quilith raised their hands. "The time of transition is upon us. Let the ritual begin."
