Page 53 of A Roar for Magic

“Doesn’t matter who took it,” Neve said sharply as Clover started to push herself up. “You’re not touching any tracking spells until this corruption is purged.”

“But—”

“No buts.” Madame Zephyrine pressed glowing hands to the worst of the burns. “Hudson won’t risk using or moving the formula until he’s sure he wasn’t followed. We have time.”

Clover’s fingers found Rook’s, squeezing weakly. “Stay?”

“Try getting rid of me.” He pressed his lips to her knuckles. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“None of us are,” Romi declared, still unpacking supplies. “Though some of us managed to arrive without property damage.”

“The shop needed updating anyway,” Sabine added. “I’m thinking a more open floor plan. Less shelving to knock over during dramatic tiger moments.”

“I will end you both,” Rook growled.

“You can’t fire me; I’m your sister.”

“And I don’t actually work for you.” Romi arranged pastries on the bedside table. “I’m just here to document my cousin’s heroic battle and your subsequent destruction of innocent vegetation.”

Another pained laugh escaped Clover. “You can avenge the orchids later. After we catch Hudson.”

“See?” Sabine grinned. “This is why she’s perfect for you. Already planning revenge before she’s even healed.”

Before Rook could respond, Neve approached with her potion. “Ready?”

The moment the liquid touched Clover’s lips, she convulsed. Dark magic rose to the surface of her skin like poison being drawn from a wound. Each wave of corruption brought fresh pain, and Rook gathered her closer, letting his tiger energy wrap around her like a shield.

“Easy,” he murmured against her hair. “I’ve got you. Just breathe.”

“Hurts,” she gasped.

“I know, sweetheart.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “Focus on me. Only me.”

“Tell me—” She broke off as another tremor hit. “Tell me about the renovation plans.”

He blinked. “What?”

“For the shop.” Her fingers twisted in his shirt. “Since you have such strong opinions about the shelving.”

Even now, racked with pain and fighting dark magic, she tried to comfort him. His heart swelled impossibly fuller.

“Well,” he stroked her back as she shuddered, “the west wall definitely needs restructuring.”

“Because you remodeled it with your face?”

“That was Hudson’s face.”

“Of course, it was.” She burrowed closer as more corruption surfaced. “Keep talking.”

So he did. He spun ridiculous plans for shop improvements while she trembled in his arms. Romi and Sabine chimed in with increasingly outrageous suggestions, from self-sorting ingredients to enchanted display cases that complimented customers’ outfit choices.

Slowly, the darkness receded. Clover’s breathing eased, and her natural magic began to shine through again.

“The worst is over,” Madame Zephyrine announced, sitting back. “But she needs rest before attempting any serious magic.”

“I’ll monitor the tracking spell’s anchor points,” Neve added. “Make sure they stay stable until she’s strong enough to trace them.”

“And we’ll bring food,” Romi promised. “Real food, not just pastries. Though also pastries.”

---