Page 33 of Turret

Resting my hand against the stone once more only confirmed the tower was in earnest, and upon sensing my skepticism it promised to not only protect me but show me the way. Despite my rising apprehension towards the idea, I trusted the tower. If it was using some of the last of its magic reserves to impart its idea, the least I could do was heed it.

I took a wavering breath and opened the door, where I was greeted by Quinn not in his usual guarding position but frantically pacing. The moment I stepped into the corridor he swiveled to face me, his expression panicked.

“I’m so sorry, Gemma. I know I’m the reason you wanted to be alone, and I’m tortured by the thought I hurt you.” He wrung his hands.

My heart swelled at his devotion, softening the last of my annoyance with him. Though I hated him staying away, I knew he only did it because of how deeply he cared for me. As always, he only had the best in mind for me, even sacrificing his own wants for what he felt would best lead to my happiness.

Now I needed to persuade him that my greatest joy would only come from a future with him in it. “I understand your reasons, even though I don’t share your concerns.”

He sighed. “I’m afraid to believe you, because if I did…it would be impossible to do the right thing in letting you find happiness outside of myself.”

Despite his continued stubbornness, his words gave me hope that with the right persuasion he’d come to realize my sincerity…but would this outing be enough to convince him how much I needed to be with him, despite the affliction he was determined to make an impenetrable obstacle?

Though the tower’s magic was weakening, I sensed its eagerness to be of assistance. It was time to see just what sort of courtship it had in mind.

The invisible magic stirred to give me an impatient tug, urging me to follow its silent guidance. Quinn’s head tilted, as if he for the first time sensed it too. “Is that…”

“The tower,” I finished. “There’s somewhere it wants to take me. Will you accompany me?”

The question was unnecessary considering his devotion wouldn’t allow him to do anything else, but I was unprepared for the intensity filling his gaze as it met mine. “I’ll go with you wherever I’m able, Gemma. Always.”

My emotion swelled again. Perhaps all I felt for this dear man wouldn’t be in vain.

This thought guided each of my steps as I followed the tower’s silent directions. Its limited powers made its impressions against my thoughts weaker and more difficult to follow, but with Quinn also listening, together we were able to navigate according to its directions.

The tower’s magic led us through several corridors before taking us to an unfamiliar back staircase hidden behind an obscure door. Quinn’s eyebrows rose. “Do you want to continue?” he asked.

I had more than enough energy to press forward, something that wouldn’t have been true before my elixir, and I was grateful. At my nod he took the lantern from a nearby table and led the way, keeping close beside me, his presence steady and comforting as it always was. Despite having more strength than I used to, my legs burned with each step and I quickly grew tired, but the promise of what lay at the top of the staircase gave me the energy I needed to press forward.

With each step I felt Quinn watching me carefully. “Do you need to rest?”

“I’m fine. I haven’t been as tired ever since I started taking the elixir the tower led me too.”

“What elixir?”

I stilled. I hadn’t yet told him? I hastily remedied that in a rush of words, as if speaking them quickly could make up for my delay in speaking them at all.

Joy lit up his eyes. “You’re getting better?” Wonder filled his voice and he stepped forward to take my hands, holding them close…before remembering himself. With a blush he hastily released me, but his smile didn’t fade.

“I am. Not only do I have more energy, but my headaches and fevers are less frequent.”

“And you don’t cough nearly as much,” he added.

I studied his expression. Despite how pleased he looked, I also detected some hurt. He noticed me watching and offered me a smile that seemed both forced and sincere.

“I’m so happy for you, Gemma.” And while he sincerely looked it, after a moment he added, “I wish you’d told me sooner.”

“You insisted on distance,” I offered weakly by way of explanation.

He frowned. “I’d think you would realize your health is still a concern for a man stubbornly determined to remain only your guard.”

Remorse prickled my heart. “I’m sorry.”

He released a whooshing breath and smiled again, this one softer and more genuine. “You did what you thought was best, but it doesn’t matter now. It’s truly so unbelievable but amazing. I’m sincerely happy for you.” And with a lingering smile he started back up the stairs and I followed.

The staircase narrowed the further we ascended, and when we reached the landing I discovered we’d climbed to the top floor and now stood directly beneath the turret. The lantern’s light flickered around the room as Quinn lifted it. There were no windows, no doors, not even any furniture. But before we could decide whether or not to return downstairs, a door suddenly emerged from the stone.

Based on the vision the tower had shown me earlier, I knew this led to the turret’s roof. I pushed it open, but before I could get a good look beyond it, Quinn seized my wrist, stopping me. My heart jolted at his heated but welcome touch.

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