Page 75 of Unraveled
Ash is casually leaning against the wall, and his brown gaze drags over me as if memorizing every inch of my body. Time slows and I burn. I want to memorize every inch of him too.
“There you are. I thought I was going to have to come and get you two.” Finley steps forward, signaling a couple of maids I hadn’t even noticed to bring us our coats.
Mine is a little dirty on the bottom edge, and the black fabric stands out against my red dress. I shrug it on, careful not to damage the curls I spent most of the afternoon perfecting.
Ash steps forward and offers Nera his arm. He wears a black outfit with a wine-colored vest that almost matches my dress to perfection. He styled his hair back, though an errant strand has escaped the constraints of hair product and curls over his forehead.
“Nerala,” he says with a smile. “I hope this is what you wanted.”
“It is. Thank you.”
Their faces draw close, like they are sharing a mischievous plan, and they’re both smiling. Like there isn’t a curse weighing them down. My heart aches for them.
It takes all my willpower to look away and back at Finley. I curl my hand around the crook of his elbow, and the cool air of the evening envelops us as we leave his manor.
“Now, Mia, best not to get too close to me. I’d rather not get my ass beaten when Ash decides he’s had enough of me touching you. The fae can be... intense when it comes to relationships.”
“That’s ridiculous. Plus, it’s not like that between us?—”
“Is it not? You could’ve fooled me with that kiss. Or should I remind you that the dare showed us what you truly desire?” Finley keeps his voice down and gently pulls away from me until there’s at least a foot between us.
Blood warms my face, but I focus on the positives: One, Ash is far enough from us, there’s very little chance he can hear our conversation. Two, while mortifying, I like talking to Finley when he seems so free.
We cross through the front gates and join the people walking under the gas lamps, dressed in their finest clothing.
“When they said chivalry was dead, Finley, they were talking about you,” I tease, but keep my hand loose around his arm. I wasn’t lying. There’s a chill in the air that burns my cheeks.
“Chivalry is for those who don’t have to fight a two-hundred-and-some-pound fae who’s bonded with an ancient spirit. I already tried to win that fight and came out soulless.”
“True,” I say. “What a pair we make. Two fools who lost part of our souls for trying to stop Ash when he was wreaking havoc.”
“Yes, it’s a lesson in being humble, that’s for sure,” he whispers near my ear, his face a bit strained as he stares aroundus, as if expecting someone to jump out of the alleyways. “How’s the ring working for you? Is it still hostile?”
“Yes.” In response to my words, I feel a distinct zap of energy bursting through me. The cool silver ring eases it immediately, but the pressure in my stomach remains. “Thank you for allowing me to use it. How does it feel for you to not have it?”
“I hate every second. But it’s reminding me what a privilege having power to wield is. How do humans live their lives without it? Using matches to light a fireplace is archaic.”
“Fire spells are my favorite to cast,” I admit.
“I don’t like how dependent I’ve grown on magic to do everything, but I miss having it.”
“I miss it too.” My fingers twitch ever so slightly. Using my magic with Finley’s ring is tricky, and most of the time, it suppresses my power, stubbornly refusing to let it out.
“You miss it? Haven’t you been able to use magic with my amulet?”
“It doesn’t allow me a full flow of power when I try, and then when I need peace, it allows too much, so I can’t sleep for fear I might explode.”
“What an ungrateful piece of tin.” My head snaps toward the sound of Ash’s voice. He and Nera waited for us. “Perhaps put it inside a dark drawer for an hour or two to see if it learns manners.”
Nera drops Ash’s arm and strolls to the other side of Finley, taking hold of his free arm. “I was asking Ash where the best celebrations will be tonight. How much has the town changed in the last five years?”
“You know I live with the two of you, right?” Finley says. Unlike with me, he leans toward Nera, as if her closeness is something he’s used to. Then he pulls out an invitation from his jacket pocket. “We got this invitation to the Vanderbilts’ dance.”
Nera’s brows shoot up, and her smirk turns mischievous. “Really? Is your niece going to the dances now?”
Ash groans, shaking his head as he continues forward, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. Feeling like a third wheel, I rush after him, but hear Finley say, “They usually send it to everyone on the street. I thought you might like to go.”
Once I’m by his side, Ash clears his throat and glances my way. “Are you actually feeling like you might explode?”
