Page 53 of Changeling
Tallula begins. “Our magic is elemental. It comes from earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. Fae are the only creatures with control of all five.”
Five? This is the first I’ve heard ofspiritbeing an element.
As she speaks—and I concentrate on her words, I swear—a pebble of a thought arises and tumbles through my mind until it becomes a boulder.
Maybe I could break the curse?
I’m here to learn magic. To control my powers and hopefully get my wings back. Couldn’t I add learn-to-break-curses to my list? Remy will also be teaching me. Perhaps he’ll know how. And I’ve yet to visit the library in Bran Vigny. I could get lucky and findThe Key to Breaking Curses for Beginnerson the shelves.
But first, I’ll learn everything Tallula has to teach me, and I’ll keep my curse-breaking ambitions to myself. For now.
* * *
Alone in my bedchamber,exhausted from the day’s efforts but so grateful for the progress, I fluff my blankets and pillows into a circle around my body. My pack, which I have ignored until now, sits to one side, with parchment and quill to the other.
I intend to write to Dominus about my brief time here at Bran Vigny, though I doubt he wants to hear about Tallula or magic lessons. He may have come around to trusting me, but faeries in general aren’t exactly off his naughty list.Yet.So maybe I’ll just tell him about the castle.
Or maybe I’ll pen him paragraph after paragraph about how much I miss him. How I wish he were here. Or that I could return there. But I’d only look silly for that, since he doesn’t feel the same way.
Maybe it’s too soon to write. I don’t want to appear as desperate as I feel. Both Rizpah and Leonas asked me to visit, but Dominus…Dominus did not.
With a huff, I drag my bag closer. It’s time to finally unpack and organize my things. I’ve already eaten the snacks Rizpah sent, and found the present she’d snuck in: gloves to match my scarf. She’s too kind. The scarf hangs in a place of honor, decorating my bedpost. Most of what’s left are extra clothes, undergarments, a deck of cards I’d been gifted, and…
What’s this?
Tucked in the bottom of the sack, beneath my things, is an unfamiliar little satchel. A smooth black velvet pouch cinched tight with leather drawstrings.
My heart leaps in my chest. Another gift? Rizpah would have said something, so perhaps this is from Dominus? He’s the only one who had access to my bag. It must be from him.
A jolt of warmth seizes my spine from neck to rump.
I finger the pouch and find three pebble-sized hard objects and perhaps a chain. Rocks? Jewelry? Dominus is fond of jewelry, but I’ve never worn any myself.
I close my eyes and let my imagination paint a vivid picture in my mind. Dominus with his shining trinkets adorning him from horns to navel. Always a matching set. Always chosen to pair beautifully with whatever shimmering lace or silk he wore.
Longing threatens to overwhelm my senses. I never expected to be so thoroughly enraptured by another soul. I’d always thought I’d take over my father’s blacksmith shop someday, perhaps find a regular lover, settle together as we grew older, but I didn’t think it could be like this. So encompassing. Everything.
And then gone.
Like the shop. Like my family. My home. Now, I add Dominus to the long list of the lost.
Before I lose myself to tears, I untie the drawstring, tip the velvet upside down over my palm, and give it a shake.
Out fall three glimmering amber stones, one attached to a delicate gold chain, the other two with tiny golden rods affixed to the backs. Earrings? Nipple rings? Who can tell with Dominus?
I grin, turning them round in my palm. I love them. A trifecta of perfection, and though I have no piercings in which to place them, I wouldn’t mind getting a couple. I shiver at the thought of a needle near my nipples, but perhaps my ears? I could manage that. Sachi could probably be convinced to help.
After one more appreciative glance at the necklace, I fasten it around my neck. The stone lies cool and welcome against my sternum. I place the other two back into the pouch, tighten the strings, and clutch the soft velvet in my palm.
Is it silly to sleep with a little satchel?
Yes.
Am I going to do it anyway?
Also yes.
I curl up in my nest of covers, the satchel pressed to my chest. Why did Dominus choose this set for me? The pretty yellow brown of the amber is lovely, but I haven’t seen him wear anything like it. He favors moonstone, amethyst, and opal. What made him send a gift at all?
