Page 47 of Curses and Casualties
“Of course,” I say, even though I don’t buy her reasoning for a second. She’s normally so full of energy. But right now, it’s like her aura’s flickering like a broken lightbulb. Even Luna seems unsettled. But Scarlett’s halfway down the hall before I can press her.
Then Ethan follows, muttering about checking the perimeter, leaving Ryan and me alone by the fire. Blue flames castdancing shadows, and I notice protective sigils carved into the mantelpiece too.
“She’s not fine.”
“No,” Ryan agrees, settling beside me.
“What really happened back there? Why did Magnus react like that? He seemed... enraged by her. Like her existence was an affront.”
Ryan’s arms tighten around me, and I can feel him hesitating. “I think Magnus is Scarlett’s mate.”
“And that’s how he reacted to her? What an ass.” I twist to look at him. “Is it because his wolf is bound? Is that why he was so nasty.”
“I think that’s just how Magnus is. But even with his wolf bound, the connection is still there. He can’t ignore it.” He pauses. “Even if he chooses to reject it.”
“He can reject a mate bond?”
“Magnus wants to become human. A mate bond would anchor him to this world permanently. As for Scarlett...” He sighs. “She doesn’t want to accept what’s happening. To her, after what the Alpha did, this probably feels like dying.”
I think about Scarlett’s confusion, how she kept touching her chest. “Should we talk to her? She’s trying to convince herself it was just the dampening field.”
Ryan is quiet, the only sound the crackling fire and wind through trees. Through our bond, I feel his internal struggle. “Not yet. She’s holding it together with duct tape and sarcasm. Adding ‘surprise, you have a mate who wants nothing to do with you’ might break her. Besides, it’s not our bond to force. If she decides to acknowledge it herself, we’ll handle it then.”
I swallow hard. “It feels wrong. She deserves better than this.”
“She always acted like she didn’t believe in mates. Like it was fairy tale bullshit. But now...” Ryan runs his hand over his stubbled jaw. “It’s different when it’s your fairy tale breaking.”
“So how do we help her?”
“For now, we keep her close and safe. And get you ready for what’s coming.” He brushes hair behind my ear, and for a moment the future seems simple.
Soon,Luna murmurs, stronger than ever.Soon we dance together under moon’s light.
I lean into Ryan’s warmth, processing everything. Magnus orchestrating our bond while rejecting his own, Scarlett unknowingly experiencing her first mate pull—it’s almost too much. But underneath it all, Luna thrums through my veins like a second heartbeat. She’s no longer distant. She’s right there, waiting.
“Do you think we could ask the witch to help her? If Evanora’s powerful enough, she could remove the Alpha’s mark. Maybe even help Scarlett sever the bond to Magnus?”
Ryan’s thumb circles on my thigh. “Maybe. Though witches like her always want payment. And messing with mate bonds... that’s dangerous magic. The kind that backfires.”
We sit quietly, drifting toward sleep when Ryan speaks again. “How are you holding up?”
“Honestly? No idea.” I turn to face him, studying his scars in the firelight. “Everything’s happening so fast. Luna was so difficult to hold onto before. But now...” I place my hand over my heart. “She’s constant. Like she’s knocking on a door that’s getting thinner.”
“The curse is weakening. Just like Magnus said. The closer to the supermoon, the stronger you’ll become.”
“What if I’m not ready? What if I can’t control her? What if I lose myself?”
Ryan silences me with a kiss. Through our bond, I feel his absolute faith. “You’re the strongest person I know. You survived the Soulcave, absorbed an ancient wolf spirit, faced down the Elders and Magnus. You’re ready.”
I want to believe him. But doubt lingers like a cold knot.
You will not lose yourself,Luna says.We become more, not less.
“Come on.” He stands, pulling me up. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”
The kitchen is stocked with regular food and things I don’t recognize—color-shifting preserved flowers, bottles of shimmering liquid, packages wrapped in whispering leaves.
“Spell supplies. Don’t eat those. Amara mentioned some are toxic to non-witches.”
