Page 40 of Shifting Desire
“You haven’t rested,” I accuse.
“I can rest now.”
I take his hand.“Come with me.”
We walk.Not far.Just around the corner to the rooftop of The Gin Room.It’s quiet, protected, bathed in moonlight and fae wards the local coven helped me reinforce.We sit together on the stone ledge.
The city hums below and I rest my head on his shoulder.
“I’m not the girl you met three years ago,” I say.
“No,” he agrees.“You’re stronger.”
“Not just that.I know who I am now.What I’m capable of.”
“You were always capable, little flame.”
“I didn’t believe it then.”
He looks down at me.“Do you believe it now?”
“Yes.”
He nods, eyes solemn.“Then it’s time.”
“Time for what?”
“To show them.”
I blink.“You mean the underworld?”
“The entire supernatural council.”He takes my hand again, brushes his thumb over the mark he left on my skin during the claiming.“They need to see what you are.Who you are.What it means to be mine.”
“And what if they don’t like it?”
He grins, all teeth.“Then I’ll burn their thrones and make you a crown of ash.”
I snort.“Romantic.”
“Ruthless is my love language.”
I laugh.And then I kiss him.Soft, slow, and certain.The bond hums and our magic twines.His hands wrap around my waist, pulling me close, grounding me as power rolls between us in waves.
I’m not afraid of it anymore.I am it.Fierce.Fae.Fire-forged.
“Let’s show them,” I whisper.
“Together?”
“Always.”
He kisses me like it’s a vow.
And I know.This isn’t the end of our story.It’s only the beginning.
