Page 94 of Midnight Enchantment

The sun was rising when Raedan stepped out of the night club. His skin tingled as he transported himself to his lair. Falling back on the bed, he closed his eyes and summoned Liliana’s image.

He whispered her name as blessed darkness engulfed him, carrying him down, down, down, into blessed oblivion.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Quill glanced at the clock over the fireplace as he paced the floor of Ava’s parlor. “Maybe we should wake her up.”

“She had a bad night,” Ava said. “Let her rest.”

“I agree with Ava,” Callie said. “The sleep will do her more good than anything else.”

“What do you think happened to Raedan?” Quill asked.

Ava blew out a sigh. “I have no idea. We did everything right. At least I think we did. How can we know for sure? I doubt if that incantation has ever been used before.”

“Well, I can’t help being relieved he’s gone,” Quill admitted.

“Quill! That’s a terrible thing to say!” Callie exclaimed.

“Tell me you’re sorry he’s out of the picture.”

“Of course I am. But Lily loves … loved him. She’s not going to get over it any time soon. Perhaps never.”

Quill snorted. “It’s not like they were married. Hell, they’ve only known each other a short time.”

“Sometimes you know right away,” Callie reminded him.

“She’ll feel better when she gets home,” he muttered.

“Lily!” Ava exclaimed.

Lily glanced around the room, surprised to see her father pacing the floor, her mother sitting on one of the easy chairs, Ava and Mason sharing the sofa. “What’s going on?”

“We’ve come to take you home,” Quill said, putting his arm around her shoulders.

“Oh.”

“Ava told us about Raedan,” Callie said. “We’re so sorry.”

Lily blinked back the quick sting of tears in her eyes.

“We thought we’d leave as soon as you’re packed,” Quill said. “Is that all right with you?”

“Whatever you want,” she said listlessly.

Quill and Callie exchanged looks, disheartened by the lack of interest in her voice, the dispirited slump of her shoulders.

“Would you like me to help you pack?” Callie asked.

“No. I can do it.” Turning, Lily headed back to her room, her steps slow and heavy.

“It’s worse than I thought,” Callie said. “She’s lost the will to live.”

In her room, Lily sat on the edge of her bed. Her parents had come to take her home, as if that would make everything better. But wherever she went, her heart would always be with Raedan.

Rising, she pulled her suitcase from the closet and tossed it on the bed. Opening her dresser drawers, she tossed her things into the suitcase.Raedan, Raedan, where are you?

“Standing right behind you, love.”

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