Page 97 of Magic Forsaken

Whatever Kira had done with my makeup made me look powerful and mysterious instead of uncertain. Smokey eyes, defined brows, and the lightest lip tint for balance. My hair was half up, creating a cascade of white curls that poured down my back like a waterfall. Sparkling ear cuffs added a hint of rebellious glamour, and around my neck was a glittering net of tiny silver chains.

“Do you hate it?” Kira’s voice was gentle. Promising that she wouldn’t be hurt no matter what I said.

“I don’t hate it,” I told her sincerely, turning to clasp her hands firmly. “Andthank you. It’s… well, it’s stunning. I’ve just never seen myself like this, and it’s going to take some getting used to. I don’t know if I can live up to what you’ve created.”

She stepped up beside me and hugged me from the side.Huggedme. I didn’t know if I would ever be quite comfortable with the way everyone around me showed affection so easily. So naturally.

“It’s okay to let your clothes give you confidence,” she said quietly. “Okay to recognize that this isn’t really you and choose to wear it like armor. But it’s also okay to say that you don’t want it, don’t need it, and would rather feel more like yourself.”

“I think I want to keep it, just this once.” I reached out and tentatively hugged her back, trying not to wrinkle the dress or smudge the makeup. “I may never have a chance to do this again,and I want this memory. So, thank you again. I don’t think I could possibly explain how grateful I am for your help. You did an incredible job, and I am seriously in awe.”

Kira beamed. “Callum is going to take one look at you and forget how to use words.”

All thought processes slithered to a halt as I stared at her in panic.

“I don’t… Why would you… What do you mean?” Surely I hadn’t let my hopeless attraction show on my face.

But Kira just winked. “I swear I won’t say anything to anyone else. But I decided the two of you would be the cutest coupleever.”

I flailed, literally and figuratively. “That’s not…”

“I know, I know, I shouldn’t meddle,” Kira said with a sigh. “But I’ve never seen him show much interest in a woman until he met you. And maybe I’m wrong, and he’s just trying to help you, but I think you might be exactly the kind of person he needs. Someone he can protect to satisfy his dragon instincts. And yet, also someone who won’t take any of his crap. Who will keep him from turning back into his grumpy, workaholic self. Challenge him. Tease him. Force him to soften where he needs to. And someone who will protect him just as fiercely.”

My heart cracked, and for a moment, every fiber of my being cried out,yes.I want this.

But I didn’t dare let myself dream that it might be possible. Kira was a hopeless romantic, seeing attraction where there was only kindness. Possibly even pity. And even if that were not the case, there were still too many unanswered questions. Too many insurmountable barriers.

He was the king of the shapeshifters. Powerful. Respected. Bound by their rules and their expectations.

I was not truly one of his people, and I could never allow myself to forget it.

“You like him.” Kira’s soft voice intruded on my thoughts, and I offered her a wan and weary smile.

“Yes? Maybe? I don’t know.”

She let out a squeal and pressed her knuckles to her lips, trying to conceal her delighted grin.

“But how I feel is beside the point,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Even if I thought he shared those feelings—which I’m not delusional enough to believe that he does—the reality is, I’m trying to build a life here, and he’s leaving after the Symposium. I have a family to provide for, and he has his court to think of. So I can’t let myself think about it. Can’t let myself consider it or even hope without more to go on.”

Kira smiled a little sadly, squeezed my hand, and stepped back. “Understood. I promise I won’t say anything to him.”

I nodded in acknowledgment and turned back to the mirror. “Is this it then? I’m ready?”

“You’re ready,” she confirmed. “Draven and I will drive you over, and then the rest is up to you.”

The rest was up to me.

I had a terrible sinking feeling that her statement might prove more true than she had any idea of.

TWENTY-ONE

My heart wasin my throat when I stepped out of the car in front of The Assemblage.

People were going to stare. The saboteur might be here even now, planning to disrupt the proceedings. And Callum had no idea that I was coming.

Plus, I’d almost forgotten the reality that the moment I entered the room dressed like this, I would be viewed either as Callum’s date or his undercover assassin. Maybe both.

It was a lot of pressure, and when I took my first steps toward the doors, I wobbled on the unfamiliar heels.

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