Page 14 of Hostile Holiday

Hunter cupped her neck and eased her back. He poured the vial over her head, which tingled and made her toes wiggle in her shoes. “Oh. That feels nice.”

He nodded and helped her sit up. “It has set your hair to its natural colour. You had been suppressed under that muddy brown.”

“Oh. Nice. What colour is it now?”

He slid his hand through her hair and pulled a lock over her shoulder. “Here it is.”

She looked down and barked a laugh. “Is this golden white?”

“There is a rainbow tint in it as well, but yes, it is white.”

“Neat. It will take some getting used to.”

“And your eyes are white gold.”

Orla blinked. “What?”

“Your eyes have turned pale gold.”

“Damn. Now I need to update my driver’s license.”

Hunter chuckled. “That’s it?”

“What?”

“Women consider their hair their crowning glory.” He stroked it, and little sparkles came out of it. “I can see the point.”

“I am thinking of shaving it once I know I am free of my family.”

Hunter leaned back and cocked his head. “You are?”

“It is annoying, and I wasn’t allowed to cut it because I had to look like I was a respectable member of the family, even if I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere.”

“You wear it up?”

“Braided usually, but I don’t braid wet hair. So, I had to wait for it to dry.” Orla still hadn’t absorbed what was going on, but suddenly, the thousands of spells she knew started to jump up and down in her mind. She decided to start off simple and beckoned to one of the grimoires. The book lofted itself over to her and settled in her hands. “Wow. I have always wanted to do that.”

Hunter blinked. “You have control over your magic, just like that?”

“I have always been good with instruction manuals, but I think I need to get some practice in before you send me home.”

He tilted his head. “You think I will send you home?”

“Yes. They told me at the arena. I was there to change, and I have changed, so if I could have a day here to practice before I go back, that would be good.”

He leaned back and crossed his arms. “You can stay until you are completely confident. When you are sure, I will bring you back to the moment we met.”

“Your tail wagged when we met.”

He made a soft huffing sound and cupped her cheek. “I know. I had no idea you were looking.”

“I always wanted a sturdy pet. Gren killed my kitten when I was six. I haven’t dared to be near anything furry since.”

“He killed...” He stared at her. “You are looking at me as a pet?”

“Well, I look at all quadrupeds as pets, but I never make a move. I know Gren would do something if I did.”

“So, you are allowed no comfort. What about relationships?”

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