Page 15 of Make Me
“I’m the world’s first—and likely only—true matchmaker,” she confesses, her voice turning almost reverent. “I went to that same witch long ago. I asked for the power to find the perfect mate in exchange for my ability to heal.”
She exhales slowly, and there’s a new heaviness to her. A sorrow just barely concealed behind polish and poise.
“She granted it, of course. Eagerly. But I made the mistake many of us do with magic like hers.” A hollow smile curves her lips. “I forgot to be specific.”
Her expression darkens, haunted now. “I can find the perfect mate. For everyone other than myself. When I cross paths with someone whose soul hasn’t yet met itsmatch, Iknow. Instinctively. I can feel the thread. I know who they’re meant for and whether both halves are ready to meet or not.”
This makes me swallow thickly. “I’m sorry, Vaelora. I didn’t know. But maybe there’s something to be done. A loophole, of sorts.”
Her eyes shine with gratitude. “I used to hope for that, but I think I’m right where I was always meant to be.” She gestures to the mansion around us. “I’ve found comforts in my own ways and when I get to do things like this party? I know I’m exactly who I’m supposed to be.” Her smile is radiant now. “Between me and you, dozens of mates will be claimed today. Futures all changed for the better. So, don’t pity me, Kasha. I have the greatest job in all the worlds. I get to bring people their joy. Theircompletion.How could I ever regret that?”
I could think of several reasons, actually. But gods, good on her for choosing to be a better person than me. For turning tragedy into purpose. No wonder I tried to hate her. She’s everything I haven’t allowed myself to believe I’m capable of being.
“I’m sorry,” I say, quietly. “For treating you like shit when you never deserved it.”
She doesn’t correct me. She just watches.
“I’ll go see Natalia. She’ll know of a way to remove the block,” I add, voice steadier now.
And if I’m really going to start being honest, I already know I want Talon, even though I know nothing about him, even though I can’t feel the bond. Just the possibility of that future…
The moment I saw the promise in his eyes earlier wasall I needed to send me over the edge. I might not have wanted to admit it, but he probably could’ve broken me down without Vaelora telling me this truth.
I’ve gotten just that desperate.
But I don’t care any longer. Not in the slightest.
Her smirk returns, faint but amused. “You might want to find your mate first. He’s currently trying to tear through my spell to get to you. It’s causing a bit of a scene.” She takes a single step back. “I’ll be seeing you, Kasha.”
“Yes,” I say, meaning it. “You will.”
And just like that, she disappears into the shadows, leaving only the echo of her steps behind.
A heartbeat later, the wooden door I slipped through earlier shatters inward, sending splinters of energy and wood into the air as Talon crashes through it like a storm unchained. His eyes are wild, glowing faintly. Chest heaving and jaw clenched.
“Are you okay?” he growls, voice low and laced with barely restrained panic.
I can’t speak, but I nod.
And for the first time in much too long, I allow myself to feel it.
Hope.
Chapter 5
TALON
Ididn’t mean to break the door. But when the magic around it flared—when her voice went silent and her scent vanished like smoke in the wind—I stopped caring about protocol or consequences.
Now, with shards of wood scattered around me, my chest heaves as I finally get eyes on her again.
Kasha.
She’s here. She’s alive. But she’s not okay.
Something’s fractured beneath her surface, and I need to know what caused it.Whocaused it.
“Did someone try to hurt you?” I rasp, my voice frayed, raw from the panic I can’t quite shake.
