Page 86 of Charmed

“I know,” Kaida huffed. “But there has to be something we can do.”

Ceara cleared her throat. “We hide it. I think that’s all we can do for now is keep it out of the Minister’s hands and stash the evil thing where he can’t ever get it again.”

“Aye.” Aunt Mara nodded. “She’s right. The best place would be here. The wards are strongest and it’ll always be close.”

Fiona didn’t think she’d ever sleep again knowing it was under her roof.

“You’re quiet, babe.” Riley leaned back on the couch, his arm around her, taking her with him. “I may regret this, but what are you thinking?”

She shook her head, staring at the witching blade, then the box. An hour ago, they’d put the parchment paper with the second section of the power of three spell to break the curse in the family grimoire below the one left for Kaida. And just like with her sister, a ring had been left by Celeste for Fiona. Kaida’s had been a sapphire, which Brady had used to propose. Fiona’s was a ruby, held in place by a gold band. Pretty in its simplicity. Stunning, really.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. She’d grown up steeped in magick, had always known this day, this time would come, but sometimes it felt like they’d been dropped in a fantasy novel or horror script, written and directed by a bunch of drama queens who got bored one Saturday night. “I guess I’m just overwhelmed.”

Understatement.

He kissed her temple, letting his lips linger. “I love you.”

She smiled, closing her eyes. Goddess, this man. “I love you, too.” So much, she couldn’t breathe sometimes. What a wonderful, horrible, intense ache it was, this love thing. “I’m fine.”

“Yes, you are.” He waggled his brows.

She laughed.

“And on that note, I’m gonna take a page from Brady’s book.” Riley leaned forward and picked up the ring, holding it out for her. “You already said yes, but—”

“That part, he remembers,” Brady drolled.

“Of course, I remember.” Riley’s gaze never left hers, sincere and earnest with a mischief chaser. “It was the most important thing she ever said to me.” He lifted her hand, kissed her knuckles. “Marry me, you gorgeous witch.”

What was she going to do with him? Taunting seemed a viable choice. “That wasn’t a question.”

“Because I already asked it.”

“It was more like a demand, and I don’t take orders.”

“Then take me.” His smile fell. His brows furrowed. But in his eyes was the contentment and happiness she wanted for him, and that he very much deserved. “Take me, as I am, instead.”

Stupid, sexy, man. Her sinuses stung. “Always.”

He grinned. Bam. Just like that and creating a power surge in its wake. He put Celeste’s ring on Fiona’s finger, and winked. “I think I just won an argument.”

“That wasn’t an argument, and no, you didn’t.”

Tristan grunted. “You two are the epitome of the opposites attract cliché. We’re happy for you.”

The others nodded.

Interesting how a year ago, their bloodlines were still at odds. The Meaths had known nothing about the existence of magick and the Galloways were still blaming them for their ancestors fearing it. Look at them now. A merged family. Wrongs righted. Forgiveness all around. It settled the riot in Fiona’s chest and reminded her of all the good which could come from bad.

Aunt Mara rose, staring at the table. After a beat, she picked up the witching blade, her gaze lost. “He killed my Hope with this vile thing. She was Celeste’s daughter, but I raised her from just a babe. She was the closest to a child I’d ever known. I brought so many of our kin into the world, but Hope had been my dear one. And then he brought her back again from that horrific place, just to slay her a second time.”

Kaida wiped an errant tear from her cheek. “He’ll pay for what he’s done.”

Damn right, he would. Fiona would make sure of it. “Absolutely.”

Riley grinned. “There she is. You’re sexy when riled.”

Brady rolled his eyes, but Aunt Mara didn’t seem to hear the conversation. She continued to stare at the weapon.

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