Page 54 of A Clash of Stars

I laughed. “Thank you so much for the flattery. This is as casual as I’ll get today.”

Chapter 14

We began our journey into the city. Our slow strides brought us through the streets, and I couldn’t help but take in the scenery.

The lush forest that surrounded us encapsulated the city between the Magique Terre Mountains and the Sea de Glaises. The salty air filled my lungs with happiness and relaxation. The city buildings were white clay buildings with painted murals of the mountains, sea, and flowers on the sides.

It was the most breathtaking place I had ever been to. I noticed that Madok walked closer to me with his hand inches from mine. The tingle between them and the familiarity zapped through me like electricity. I looked up to Madok, who towered over me in height and size. He was smiling at me hesitantly, looking like he was searching for the right words to say.

“How was dinner with your parents?” he asked timidly while running his free hand through his loose curls.

I chuckled, “It was great. I got a lot of answers, but unfortunately, not a lot of clarity.”

The pungent smell of sweetness immediately struck me. I might have started a full sprint to find where that smell was coming from when my eyes met the black and white sign hanging outside the white brick building.

Café des Etoiles.

“We have to go to that café, Madok. I can’t walk away from sweets. You know this about me,” I urged him.

My hips would agree with this statement, but I was utterly content with my body. Madok had always ensured I knew I was beautiful even though I didn’t need to hear it.

Before we entered the bakery, he swung me around to face him, and naturally, he leaned in and kissed me ever so gently. My hands pressed into his chest and gently pushed him away.

“Ah, you know that I can’t do that, Madok. We’ve already talked about it,” I sighed.

His eyes were full of shame and sadness. It broke my heart to see him this way. He nodded his head in understanding before we entered the cafe. As he pulled me into the building, I noticed her.

A stunning blonde, her hair pulled back in braids with flowers entwined throughout. She looked up at me with her icy blue eyes, and I pulled my senses out to her. I felt no malice, only excitement.

“Welcome in! What can I get started for you two?” She spoke with a strange accent, similar to Jeremiah’s.

I looked back at Madok and felt a stiffness I hadn’t seen before. A veil covered his emotions, and I wondered what that could mean.

I answered her, “Yes, I would love something, anything chocolate.”

She glanced at Madok and then back to me. “I have fresh chocolate pastries. Would you like one of those?”

I nodded to her as she left the counter to prepare the food. I looked at Madok and asked, “Are you all right, Mads? You are like a stone statue right now?”

He finally looked out of his trance, “Yeah, sorry. I don’t know what happened to me.”

As quickly as she left, she returned, “Here is your pastry on the house.”

I smiled at her, grabbing the bag from her dainty hands, “Thank you. My name is Clara, and this is Madok.”

She nodded and replied, “I’m Bethany, daughter of Jeremiah. I know exactly who you are.”

I nearly choked on my own air, and I realized that Madok didn’t know the same information that I knew she was the freaking granddaughter of Athiana! I toned down my energy before I spoke, “It is lovely to meet you, Bethany. Thank you again for the pastry.”

I began to leave when I noticed Madok’s gaze still locked in on her. I grabbed his hand to turn and leave. I felt anger floating through him, mixed with uncertainty, as we walked out the door. Almost immediately, the old Madok reappeared.

“What the abyss was that, Madok?” I swore at him.

He didn’t look at me when he replied, “I just was hit with a vision when we were in there, and I was trying to process it without it being obvious that I was using my power.”

I halted my steps and made him turn towards me. “What was the vision of, Madok? I know it has something to do with me. Spill it.”

His eyes saddened as he looked into my eyes, “I can’t, Clara. You know the rules about my power. I can’t interfere with fate, especially yours.”

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