Page 254 of The Wishing Game

"That is merely the beginning. If I have it my way, it will be until the end of my life."

"What?" I blurt out. "I understand that you have a crush on him, but surely... Why would you give up your entire life for someone you've never even been together with?" I ask, dreading the way my words sound—as harsh as her sister's.

Her eyes widen and she flushes a pretty pink.

I stare at her, my intuition telling me there's something more at play.

"Wyn... Did something more happen with Aethon? Something you didn't tell Thea?" I ask tentatively.

"I... It isn't like that," she murmurs, averting her gaze.

"I won't tell your sister if that's what you're worried about. Whatever you share with me will remain in confidence," I assure her.

Her lips tremble as she swallows audibly.

"It was just my foolishness." She shakes her head. "I do not think I can ever utter the words aloud."

"Did he..." I trail off, not knowing how to frame the question so that she does not take it the wrong way. It's just that he is so much older than her—far too old according to Thea. "Did you and Aethon..."

"No, no," she hurries to say. "Although it was not for my lack of trying. I..." She takes a deep breath. "While Thea and Cer were away, Aethon came to visit. It was then that he brought me the bracelet."

I nod, so far familiar with the events.

"He did kiss me on my forehead that day as I told Thea, but..." She briefly closes her eyes. "I am so embarrassed, Luce. Please vow to me you will not tell my sister."

"I vow I will not break your confidence," I assure her.

She still appears uncertain, her cheeks reddening as she tips her head up to gaze at the sky.

"He stayed the night at our house," she says in a small voice.

Already, alarm bells go off in my head, and I immediately think of the worst.

"Go on," I murmur.

"I snuck into his room at night. I know it was bad of me. I know it," she hurries to add. "But I thought if I gave him a little nudge...maybe he would finally see me as a woman and not a child. I..."

Her face is flaming hot at this point as she stutters through her explanation.

"I snuck into his bed," she quickly says, squeezing her eyes shut. "Naked."

"Oh, no... Wyn..."

"I kissed him. On the lips. But he woke up and he more or less threw me out." She sighs. "He told me to forget about the entire incident and gave me this sermon about how he would not tell my brother because he did not want to ruin my reputation but..."

At least Aethon had more sense than she did, all things considered. That earns the man my respect. But I don't let my thoughts show on my face—not when it is so painful for Wyn to recount those events. Poor girl, she didn't have anyone she could talk to, and considering how adamant Thea is about her having a stellar reputation and making a good match... I can see how alienating that could be regardless of how close the sisters are.

"He threw you out of his bedroom and you still think there's a chance for you?"

"Oh, Luce." She turns to me, her green eyes sparkling. "He kissed me back. Before he realized who I was, he kissed me back. And it was the most marvelous feeling in existence. And because of that one moment, I know I am ruined for anyone else who isnothim. I'd rather live my entire life alone, reminiscing about that special moment than be forced to mate someone else against my will."

Her words are effusive, her features filled with the purest love.

"But you heard Ze—Azerius," I correct myself. "The Supremes already found a mate for him."

She shakes her head, a dry laugh escaping her.

"They're going to try to force the mating, but that doesn't mean he will agree. He will not," she says vehemently.

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