Page 62 of Fated

“I’d love to go see Madam Pearl with you.” My lips curved into a smile. “I thought about exploring some of the shops today. I’d really like to find some clothes and a few other things.”

At dinner yesterday, we’d learned just how generous Madam Pearl had been leaving each of us with a small fortune to spend. “You don’t have to go with me,” I added, well aware that most guys balked at the idea of shopping.

“Of course, I’m going with you, Areya.” He patted the top of my head.

I blinked at him. “Did you just pet me?”

He said nothing, just turned and left the room with the tray, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. Once the door clicked shut behind him, I chuckled to myself.

***

As I took my shower and got ready, something about today was decidedly different; there was an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air. I was genuinely excited about what the day held, finding myself constantly smiling, replaying the morning in my head.

Ash had been in such a great mood, surprising me by bringing me breakfast, even recognizing my distaste for seafood without me saying a word. It was a small gesture, but it felt significant.

Every time I thought about whatever surprise he had planned for tonight, a tiny jolt of electricity shot through me, igniting a fluttering deep in my stomach.

By the time I finished getting dressed, the butterflies in my chest were practically beating their wings against my ribs, stirring up a flood of emotions and questions I wasn’t sure I wasready to answer—questions I wasn’t sure I could ignore for much longer.

***

I shuffled through the assortment of turquoise clothing and picked out a rather cute, short one-piece jumpsuit. After drying my hair, I clipped half of it back with a pearl clip found in the closet. As I stood in front of the mirror looking at my reflection, I desperately longed for makeup to brighten up my face, and maybe for something other than endless shades of blue to wear.

Hopefully, I’d have luck at the shops today.

Right before noon, I walked to Ash’s room and knocked but there was no answer.

I cracked open the door and peeked inside, but he wasn’t there, so I decided to head downstairs, thinking he might be waiting for me there.

At the bottom of the staircase, I heard the front door opening and closing. Footsteps approached and soon enough, Ash appeared, holding something.

I squinted and made out the wordsThe Sandy Beanon the front of a coffee cup. He walked over and handed it to me, the warm, rich aroma of coffee immediately filling my senses.

My eyes widened. “You went all the way out to Main Street to get me coffee?” I put my hand on my chest, genuinely touched by the gesture.

“You said your head was hurting,” he stated, pointing out the obvious.

“Still, you didn’t have to go out of your way—”

“It’s just coffee, Areya—take it.”

I snatched the cup from his hand. “Thank you!” I squealed.

With another smirk, he reached into his pocket to pull out several packets of cream and sugar.

I took them all, eagerly mixing my coffee while he watched with mild amusement. Once I’d finished, I tossed the trash away, and we knocked on the door to Madam Pearl’s sitting room.

She opened the door with her usual warm expression.

“I take it you both are joining me?”

Nodding, we followed her inside. She gestured for us to sit in the same chair as yesterday, then took her own seat behind the desk.

“Areya dear, I wanted to check in with you and let you know I’ll be out of the manor on business until tomorrow morning, but Lilly will be here if you need her. She’ll also have that tonic sent to your room today.”

I smiled appreciatively. She glanced back and forth between Ash and me, seemingly pleased with whatever she found. “Tonight is the night of your settling, a very exciting night for one of the divine.” Her words sparked a nervous excitement inside of me.

Tomorrow, I’d be considered a divine, and with that came magic.Real magic.

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