Page 66 of Conquering the King of Storms

“Come on, Harper.” Dove reached a hand out for me expectantly.

My heart just about melted.

I looked at Sirus, though, wanting to make sure he was okay with me interrupting them.

His smile widened into a grin.

“It’s not family time without you,” she chided to me. “Besides, you’re a way better cuddler than Storm. You’re squishier.”

My face warmed.

“We do need our squishy Harper,” Storm agreed.

Now, his grin was entirely devious.

“Alright, alright.” I slid into bed on the other side of Dove, and snuggled up with her. Her little body curled up against mine, and Storm slid an arm under my head as we all cuddled.

A few blissful moments of peace passed. I thought she might’ve been going to sleep, though my eyes were closed.

“Which element will claim me?” Dove whispered to us.

Sirus tensed slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I know your magic is changing. I can feel it. It’s my fault, right?” Her voice sounded sad.

“It is changing, but those changes are no one’s fault, Dissiri,” Sirus finally said. “It’s a part of our world’s cycle. Eventually, little girls get bigger until they’re too big for their uncles’ magic to sustain them. And then, they get their own. It’s a beautiful part of life, nothing to feel bad about.”

His words made my chest swell.

“What if I’m not a wind fae, though?” she whispered.

“Does it bother Flame that Ivy isn’t a fire fae?” he asked her.

She considered it before answering. “No.”

“Do you know why?” His voice was still gentle.

She thought about it again. “Because she started human, and now it’s harder for her to get hurt?”

“He’s grateful for that, but that’s not why. Flame doesn’t care what element Ivy has because he loves her. What type of magic she possesses doesn’t change his love, in any way.”

Dove was quiet for a minute. “So you’ll love me even if I’m a fire fae?” Her voice was a little glum.

Sirus chuckled softly. “I’ll love you even if the elements turn you into a little monster.”

She giggled. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

He tickled her side lightly, and she laughed for a minute before he pulled his hand away. “Get some rest, little monster. You’ll need your energy for tomorrow.”

“You will too, Harper,” Dove told me, rolling toward me and draping an arm over my side so she could snuggle up closer. “Humans need way more sleep than fae.”

My lips curved up in a smile. “Soon enough, I won’t need so much sleep.”

“Thank goodness,” she whispered, tucking her head under my chin and closing her eyes. “You sleep way too much.”

My gaze collided with Sirus’s, and we exchanged grins.

His fingers slid into my hair, and we both remained silent as Dove fell asleep.

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