Page 79 of Fated

“I think I saw my mom last night. I mean, it was a dream, but it was still her. She spoke to me. She spoke to me about you …”

He froze.

“She said we’d crossed paths for a reason.”

He visibly relaxed and smiled, as if what I’d just told him was not news to him at all. He knew it already. His words confirmed it. “Of course we did, Areya.”

I returned his smile, contemplating something. “Ash, I’ll dowhatever you want today, but after, we get to try and break the curse.” I expected him to come up with a reason why we needed to wait, but to my surprise, he merely nodded.

“Deal,” he said.

“Really?” I jerked upright. “You will really let me try?”

“If that’s what you want to do,” he said.

“Yes, it is.”

Ash released me, setting me down beside him on the bed before he stood up. “Get ready and then meet me in the cafeteria so you can eat before we go.”

I shifted to the side of the bed, but upon standing, a wave of dizziness hit me, making my body sway. Before I could stumble, strong hands gripped my waist, steadying me.

“Whoa,” I muttered, adjusting to my new center of gravity.

I took a step and then another, and Ash didn’t let go until he was sure I wouldn’t topple over.

It only took me a moment to adjust, and then I almost glided the rest of the way to the bathroom. My movements were lighter, more graceful, my footsteps near silent like Ash’s.

In the shower, I searched inside myself for my newly bestowed magic. It didn’t take long to find the glowing river of power, held in by the gate. No, more like a dam. As I toyed with the idea of lifting the dam just a bit, vivid images of blowing up the bathroom quickly changed my mind. After my shower, I took my time applying makeup, my thoughts drifting to Ash’s surprise, and every time, my stomach fluttered with excited anticipation.

This was my first birthday without Mom. The thought sent a pang of sadness through me, but I forced myself to focus on the present. If Mom had been here, she would only have wished to see me happy. And Ash, he made me happy, more than happy.

Pulling half of my hair back into a loose braid, I left wispy strands to frame my face before slipping into the pretty coral sundress Ash had picked out for me the day before.

The color did suit me, the neckline flattering my figure.

I completed the look with the seashell sandals, then I spritzed on the light perfume, now a little strong with my newly heightened sense of smell.

Catching my reflection in the mirror, I paused. My features seemed—enhanced.

My skin glowed, radiant in a way it had never been before. For maybe the first time in my life, I didn’t just feel comfortable in my own skin—no, I felt beautiful, confident even.

As I imagined Ash’s eyes on me, the butterflies returned, dancing in my stomach.

Chapter 20

Making my way to the cafeteria, my steps were light and swift, as if gravity had lost its hold on me. The ease with which my body moved felt almost surreal, akin to gliding down the stairs rather than walking; it was the kind of sweet, exciting sensation every child knew when they imagined they could fly, their mind filled with wonder that an adult would have long forgotten.

Though I hadn’t been to this part of the manor before, the signs guided me clearly until I found myself on the basement level, standing in front of two double doors.

With a slight push, I stepped into the large open room in which the polished tile floors gleamed under warm overhead lights.

Long rows of tables stretched across the space, neatly aligned, their surfaces reflecting the soft light. At the far end, a buffet bar stood, piled high with food, the enticing aromas of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and sweet pastries wafting through the air. The room was mostly empty, save for a few servants and teachers quietly enjoying their dinner.

Scanning the room, I soon spotted Ash, almost not recognizing him for a moment. He looked different, relaxed. Breaking away from his usual black attire, he wore khaki cargo shorts, a white tee, and—were those sandals? Yes, Ash was actually wearing sandals.

He stood at the far end of a table, arms casually crossed as he chatted with Madam Pearl and Lilly, who were seated, eating their dinner.

There was something about the way he moved, the way he smiled as he spoke. It was effortless, almost unguarded. He had said something that made Lilly cover her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Madam Pearl chuckled. It was as if, with each passing day, the darkness once clinging to him like a shadow was slowly peeling away, revealing the real Ash underneath.

---