“What, teleport?”
I nodded. Witches had magic, but there were limits on even our power.
He grinned. “Jealous?”
A little.“No.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“I can teach you, you know.”
Opening my palms, I stared down at my hands. “How?”
He took one of my hands into his, tracing down my veins with his pointer finger. “Can’t you feel the magic running through your veins?”
I shivered at his touch, but Idid.Even with me holding my power at bay for so many years, keeping it shut behind walls, that thrumming energy lurking underneath never completely went away. It had never stopped overwhelming me, though I’d trained myself so well that I couldn’t see into someone’s future without focusing on it.
Though it had never stopped dreams of my own.
Closing my eyes, I focused only on the sensation of his hands on my skin.
“You just have to learn to tap into it.” He squeezed my wrist before letting go and stepping back. “I’ll teach you how.”
My eyes fluttered open. “You will?” I tried to hide the surprisefrom my voice.
“I told you I would,” Zain said, looking confused. “That’s part of the deal.”
Right. That I’d marry him, and he’d keep me safe.Fake.If I reminded myself of it enough, it would sink in.
“What am I to you?” I whispered, not knowing if I wanted the answer or not.
He blinked. “I don’t understand the question.”
“Are we… friends?” After the two weeks we’d spent together, I didn’t know what to do with the distance I felt all of a sudden. Sure, the heat hadn’t dissipated between us, and I stillwantedhim—always—but I didn’t know what to do with that. If this was just a physical relationship… Anxiety knitted at my stomach.
Zain frowned. “Friends? Luna, we’re?—”
But he didn’t get to finish the sentence, because a loud knock came from my door.
The demon by my side let out a strangled sound before he said, “Enter.”
A man—ademon, I reminded myself—with dark skin and red eyes popped his head in.
“Kairos,” Zain growled. “Did I not say I was not to be interrupted?”
“Sorry, my Prince.” The demon inclined his head. “There’s something you should know.”
He made another huff of annoyance before turning to me. “I’m sorry to leave like this, but I have to…”
“Go,” I assured him. “It’s fine.”
“Feel free to wash up if you’d like. Just shout for Novalie if you need anything.” He cupped my cheek. “I’m sorry, Luna. About all of this. I really am.”
“It’s not your fault,” I offered, shaking my head. “I’ll be fine.” Putting on a brave face, I did mybest to smile.
“And there’s one last thing,” he added, his voice stern. “Don’t leave without telling me.”
My spine went rigid.What?“No. We already talked about this. I won’t be kept prisoner here, Zain. I agreed to marry you, tothis, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be forced into some gilded cage.”
He furrowed his brows. Pressed his forehead to mine.Please. I don’t have anyone to protect you yet, Moonbeam.