Page 41 of Magical Moonbeam
Stonewick’s shadow.
And even though I still wasn’t sure what would be waiting when we crossed that Veil… at least now, we wouldn’t be walking in blind.
Twobble finally sank into a chair beside Skonk, glaring sideways at him.
“Don’t get used to being useful.”
Skonk grinned. “Too late.”
Chapter Ten
The last of everyone finally thinned, Ember floated off to scheme traps with alarming enthusiasm. Bella muttered about needing stronger tea to deal with Skonk-related nonsense, and Stella paused at the threshold just long enough to shoot me a knowing look over her shoulder.
Twobble gave Skonk one last warning glare before escorting him toward the east wing like a grumpy prison warden. Skonk waved like a pageant winner being dragged offstage.
And then, it was quiet again.
Keegan hadn’t moved from his spot by the hearth, arms crossed, leaning just slightly against the doorframe. The flicker of firelight cast golden shadows along his jaw, and the moment the others were gone, his eyes found mine and softened.
“That was… something,” I said, folding my arms, mostly to keep from fidgeting.
“I’ve seen shifter battles with less bloodthirst than that goblin scuffle,” he replied, lips twitching in amusement. “Honestly, I always thought one Twobble was enough.”
I chuckled, but my heart was doing far more dramatic things than it should have.
“I thought I was losing my marbles,” I confessed.
His smile lingered, and he didn’t move away.
In fact, he took a step closer.
The room felt warmer, and I wasn’t sure who breathed first, but my thoughts, which had been buzzing with Ward logistics and goblin hijinks, slowed to a crawl as my gaze slid to his mouth.
Just once.
Stupid traitorous thoughts.
Because all I could think about was that kiss.
The one under the tree.
The one that made me feel like the ground might give out, and I wouldn’t even care.
And stars help me, I wanted another one.
But I was also old enough, and just recently wise enough, to know that this moment wasn’t the time for tangled feelings or stolen kisses. Not when Shadowick loomed or when Gideon’s voice still haunted my dreams and Skonk had just inserted himself into our lives like a glittery curse.
And leaky dreams? I still needed to find out how Skonk intercepted my outing in Shadowick.
Still…
Keegan stepped even closer.
Close enough that I could see the stubble along his jawline and near enough that his voice dropped low, soft, teasing.
“You’re thinking about it,” he said.
My throat went dry. “Thinking about what?”
