Page 76 of A Witch and Her Dragon
“Who’swe? And what is it that you want?”
“Afraid I can’t tell you that either. I’ve probably said too much already.” Propping his hands on his hips, he shrugs. “Well, up to you if you want to eat. I’ll leave it here. Just holler if you need something. Someone’ll hear you.”
He gives me a jovial smile—the ass—then leaves, and almost as soon as the door clicks closed behind him, there’s the tell-tale thunk of a lock falling into place. His footstepsdrift away down what I assume is a hallway, and I’m left with only the flickering fire as company.
Immediately, I start fussing with my shackles again, trying to get them off. But no matter how I twist my wrists or scrunch my fingers up in an effort to slide them off, they won’t budge.
I quickly search the room, trying to find something,anything, that I can use to free myself. But the bedroom is bare. It feels like no one has been here in years, if the dust built up on the floors and in the corners is any indication.
Once more, I try to call my magic, but it remains trapped just beneath the surface, unable to manifest. It fills me with frustration, like an itch that can’t be scratched.
And suddenly, I realize that this must be what Raelan feels like every single day. His chain does the same thing these shackles do: holds his magic at bay, keeps him from manifesting his power, from being truly whole.
I feel I’ve greatly misunderstood him, have been inconsiderate of how infuriating and uncomfortable it is to be unable to bring forth the magic you were born with. It makes hot shame curl through my stomach, knowing our moments together made it so much more unbearable for him. And yet he persevered. For me.
I’ve been selfish and foolish. And now I’ve gotten my grandfather into who knows what kind of situation with my rash decision.
I should’ve known Headmistress Moonhart would never send a student to fetch me in the middle of the night.But Tristan was around me often enough to see how I interacted with Raelan—perhaps even to see how I feel about him. And he used that to his advantage, used my feelings as a weapon to manipulate me.
Perhaps the only good thing about this is that Raelan wasn’t hurt after all. Where is he now? Back at the castle? Does he know what’s happened to me?
Closing my eyes, I draw a deep breath in through my nose. And immediately, Raelan’s words from last night come back to me.
It means you’re my fated mated, Alina.
His mate. The one chosen by his blood, by destiny.
Something inside of me shifts, starting to simmer.
I’m tired of waiting and hoping and wishing. I want Raelan, and Iknowhe wants me. How many times did I have to see it in his eyes? How many times did I have to feel the heat in his touch?
He’s been holding himself back, afraid for his family, afraid of my grandfather, afraid for me.
But fear has no place in love. And I’m ready to be fearless.
I can be that for the both of us.
A new sense of determination rises up in me.
When I get out of this mess, I’m going to find Raelan, and I’m going to tell himexactlyhow I feel. I’m going to be the mate and partner that his dragon yearns for—that his dragon deserves. I’m going to rise to whatever challenges that requires.
And I’m not going to let fear control me.
I’m going to controlit.
And I’m going to make sure Raelan never has to feel powerless and trapped again.
It’s time to set him free.
Chapter 34
Raelan
WHEN THE CART DRAWS TO a halt, I know we’ve reached Old Serpent Road. It is here that the forces who’ve accompanied us will fall back, taking defensive positions within the forest to await the king’s return. From here onward, it will just be the two of us—like the Veiled Hand demanded.
I’m bound and locked in the back of the enclosed wagon. There are no windows, no moonlight. All is darkness.
And I am fighting with every breath to remain calm.
