Page 67 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

Julietta was already trying to pull the covers over herself, hiding her body.

“Absolutely not,” he said, gently pulling the sheets away. She hid her head, looking down, but he brought his hand under her chin and raised her face up to meet his. “I’ve never, ever wanted a woman as bad as I want you. I want every single part of you. Don’t deny me what I need. I promise, you’re safe with me. Every second we spend together, I'll cherish you. Treasure you. Love you.”

The last sentence caught in his throat, and his words suddenly strengthened Julietta’s resolve.

“I love you too,” she whispered, pulling his face against hers for a kiss. “But…what am I to do?”

“Just be Julietta,” he said, shifting her to her back. “I’ll take care of the rest.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

The next few days were a flurry of activity. Selenia spent time in the yard, training with Sion. She doubted they'd need hand-to-hand combat skills on their voyage, but Sion seemed determined to ensure she was prepared for anything. Initially he had been reluctant to come with, but then he'd told her he'd rather be there to protect her than fret about her safety from afar.

Everyone was apprehensive, and Selenia had never seen her friends and family so short-tempered. Phillippe was especially on edge, and Selenia had gathered that his falling out with Esmeralda hadn’t been resolved. She didn't know Esmeralda well enough to press for details, but she hoped Renya might have some insight into what went awry and how to fix it.

Selenia packed her small satchel, listening to Julietta prattle on about her mate. It was hard to believe that shy, sweet Julietta had been officially claimed and mated before she had. She knew Sion wanted to wait, which she'd grown accustomed to, but she couldn't help feeling a speck of jealousy at Julietta's happiness.

“Are you going to have a big wedding?” Selenia asked, folding linens carefully before placing them in her bag.

“No. We don't want a wedding. I don't want to make a fuss. Triston doesn't either. He just wants things to stay as easy and frustration-free as possible.”

Selenia smiled. “I still can't believe you ended up with him.”

“Me either. He was the last person I ever imagined myself with. But, when fate calls—”

“—you answer,” Selenia finished. Julietta smiled, and Selenia couldn't help but feel affection for her friend and be happy in her joy, even if she wished things were moving quicker between her and Sion.

“So...you sealed the bond? Was it as amazing as they say? I swear Renya didn't walk right for days after.”

“Selenia!” Julietta mock scolded, but then laughed. “It was...intense.”

“I can't imagine Triston being anything but intense.”

“He is...but he's sweet and tender, too.”

Selenia scrunched up her nose. “I'll just take your word for it.”

There was a deep silence, and then Julietta looked at Selenia, fear visible in her eyes.

“What's wrong, Julietta?”

She straightened her dress absentmindedly. “Are you...nervous about heading into the sacred mountains? I must admit, I'm fearful.”

Selenia gulped. “I am. I don't know what this journey will entail, but I know it's the right thing to do. I can feel it. It's like my magic is pulling me towards whatever we'll find there.”

“My magic doesn't do anything like that.”

Selenia bit her lip, sitting down on the bed. Julietta joined her. “I think it's because I don't use my powers. They manifest in other ways.”

“Well, if Cressida is to be believed, we'll need every trace of power we possess to bring back magic for everyone.”

Selenia nodded, picking at a bead on her nightdress. She had worn one of her prettier nightgowns, hopeful that Sion would stop by this evening. Especially since they would soon be leaving the protective cave of Triston's home and heading into open ocean waters. Just the thought of water surrounding them nearly gave her a panic attack. She'd never been away from land before, and she was nervous about spending any amount of time at sea.

The water doorway parted suddenly, and Sion's figure emerged. The second he saw Julietta, he stopped, frantically mumbling apologies.

“Don't worry, Sion,” Julietta said, a small glow in her cheeks. “I was just leaving anyway.” Julietta gave Selenia an exaggerated wink before approaching the waterfall. It parted for her easily, then resumed its cascading cycle.

Sion looked guilty.

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