Page 124 of Kiss of Magic

“Sometimes. It’s like losing an arm. Things I could do with a snap of the fingers now take ten times longer.”

“Hm.” The kobold came closer and stared into Dani’s eyes. Her gaze was unnervingly direct.

“What are you looking at?”

Magda turned away.

“Nothing. Probably nothing. Your near-immortality is gone, for sure. But magic is a tricksy thing. Sometimes it can find a way back, if there’s a strong enough reason. Now, I’m going to leave you two in peace. I’ll be back in the morning.”

She picked up a battered old carpet bag from the porch. Dani immediately tried to stop her.

“Wait! Don’t leave because of us.”

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, girl. I have plenty of friends in town.”

“But this is your home. Ethan and I can find somewhere else to stay tonight.”

“Are you kidding?” Magda gave her a toothy grin. “It’s barbecue night. They’ve got reindeer. Reindeer steaks are my favourite.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I am. Sleep well.” She cackled. “If sleeping’s what you’re planning on.”

Dani coloured as Magda walked off into the trees chortling to herself. The village was a good mile away through thick snow but Dani saw the kobold wasn’t sinking into it. In fact, she was barely leaving any footprints at all.

Magic, she thought enviously. It made everything easier.

She went inside the hut and found Blake lying fully clothed on a pile of furs and blankets. The fire crackled and the scent of pine drifted pleasantly. But the only concession to rest Blake had made was to remove his shoes and coat.

Dani smiled. Typical hunter. Always ready to move fast.

Quietly, she stripped off her clothes and climbed in next to Blake. He shifted sleepily and she stroked his cheek.

“Ethan, wake up,” she whispered. “Ethan, I have something to tell you.”

“Hey, Blue.” His eyes opened and he focused on her. She always adored the way he looked at her when he woke, as if he was seeing her for the very first time. “You’re back. You okay?”

“Yes. Sorry to wake you. I just had something really important to tell you and then you can go back to sleep.”

“What’s up, beautiful?”

She took a breath.

“I love you.”

Blake wondered if he was dreaming.

“Come again?”

“I love you, Ethan. I should have said it before now. I should have said it a thousand times. I was so hung up on my own guilt that I couldn’t but now I…”

She didn’t get any further. With an inarticulate sound, Blake pulled her into his arms and kissed her, his mouth moving over hers as if he would never have his fill.

At one point he pulled back, cupping her face between his hands and glaring at her fiercely.

“Again,” he commanded. “Say it again.”

“I love you,” she said breathlessly.

---