Page 85 of Pure Magic
“Safe travels. You will always be welcome in Windsor. Should you have need of me, you may ask it at any time.” I release her and my throat tightens as she walks to the carriage waiting nearby.
Lynda and Isaac wave from the bench.
I return the wave and dash away an errant tear. Finishing my trip around the stones, I press a hand to one and let the deep magic flow through me. The ancients who cut these stones and dragged them to this place knew it would be a circle of power, but could they have known it would host a battle for good?
Adam’s hand covers mine. “I doubt they saw the future, but perhaps they knew we would need this place to gather and show evil that love will always prevail.”
I lean on the stone, and Adam presses a hand on the rough surface on either side of my head. He presses his lips to mine. A low hum rumbles deep in his chest. “Will I ever feel unruffled by kissing you?”
“I certainly hope not.” I let my hands rest on his waist. “If I were the only one on fire every time we touch, it would be a sad day.”
With only the Windsor coven left at the circle, I lean forward and kiss him. His tongue slides against mine, and I wish there were privacy and a hot bath handy.
Grinding the hard ridge of his shaft against me, he growls. “Your thoughts will drive me insane, Beth.”
Breathing hard, I slip under his arm and put some distance between us before I’m tempted to hike up my skirt and let him take me against the stones of the sacred circle. “Were you looking for me for some other reason than mutual frustration?”
He shakes his head, and with one hand still on the stone, takes several long breaths. Finally turning to face me with his desire under control, he smiles. “Kaden has woken. He’s sitting up and holding conversation.”
I throw my arms around him. “That’s great news.”
“He’s asked to speak to you and me together.” He takes my hand, and we walk together to Kaden’s tent.
The weather is warmer, and the rain has finally stopped, though the clouds linger. The tent flap is tied back to allow fresh air inside. I duck inside and sit beside the bed.
Kaden is still too pale, but his eyes are full of life. “Thank you for coming, high priestess.”
“I’m happy to see you looking so much better.” Relief floods me. He’s never made a good impression and has often been frightening. However, his death would have hurt Adam, so I’m pleased he will live.
“You are too kind.” He sighs and stares at his hands, lying against the brown blanket covering him to the chest. “I don’t deserve your kindness, nor do I deserve the healing I’ve been given.”
“Adam is our family, and you are his. We helped you for his sake, though we’d not have let you suffer, regardless.” I don’t mention that if not for Adam’s love, he’d likely have been killed by Ariana.
He shifts on the cot. When his eyes meet mine, they are full of remorse. “I loved my sister, and when this began, I didn’t know how ruined she was. By the time I did know, I didn’t see a way to leave her. I’d used up any love my brother might have had for me.”
Adam is silent but, in my mind, I hear his sorrow.
“It would seem that was never the case. He saved you when he might have left you to Ariana’s whims.” There’s no point being cagey.
His eyes shift to Adam standing near the exit. Gratitude and so much more shine in Kaden’s eyes. “I’m grateful, and I know everyone is waiting for me to be healthy enough to travel. I overheard two witches talking early this morning.” He fiddles with a frayed bit of blanket.
“You don’t wish to return to Windsor with us? You are not a hostage, Kaden. You may go where you please.” We aren’t jailers, and the idea worries me.
“It’s not that. You are all too kind.” His hesitation is accompanied by shifting his eyes from his brother, to the blanket, and back to me. “I’m not fit to live with witches in the light.” He holds up a hand so Adam doesn’t dispute the fact.
I send Adam a silent word asking for his patience and trust. “Go on.”
“The last eight years of my life have been a dark fall from grace. While I see the path was wrong and dangerous, I feel that darkness pushing at me from the inside. I should not be allowed to live with those in the light at this time.” He hangs his head.
Everything arrogant and proud that Kaden was when he first came to Windsor is gone. He’s contrite and remorseful. He’s honest, which is maybe more of a surprise.
“What do you want to do?” I lay my hand on his arm and let calm flow through me.
His shoulders straighten, but his expression relaxes. “I don’t know if they will take me, but perhaps the Order can help me find the path of light again.”
The Sacred Order of high witches have a long memory. They may not wish to take on such a burden after he helped Ariana escape years ago. They may deny him entry or demand he be bound.
“I don’t know what they will say, but I will write to them if that is what you wish. It’s possible they will ease your path, for I think you made choices during the battle that show you have chosen light.”
