Page 54 of The Powerless Witch

I licked my lips again, running a hand through my hair as I tried to wrap my head around what she was saying. I understood but also…didn’t. How could she be so calm, so forgiving when witches had taken her own daughter? How could she put aside her hate and…

“I think you chose well,” she said quietly, raising her hand to her cheek and wiping a tear that had escaped there. “No matter the circumstances and the reason, choosing her for your mate was the right decision. I can see that. She is changing you even now. It gives me hope that maybe one day this endless cycle of violence will come to an end. You two can be the bridge.”

I could do nothing but stare when she turned to leave. Before she passed me, she stopped, raising a shaky hand and caressing my cheek.

“I think Elizabeth will rest in peace now, knowing you have found your path,” she whispered so quietly that even I had a hard time hearingher. “I’m proud of you, Isaac. Jonathan would have been too. We are all watching to see where you will take us from here, Alpha.” She inclined her head in respect, then started back the way we had come from, her cane clicking on the pavement with each slow step she took.

I stood frozen in the same spot, staring unseeingly at the street as the world blurred. Something burned my cheek, and I wiped it with my fingers, startled at the strange sensation. My face felt cold, but the drop was almost scorching, making my eyes sting. I stared at it with shock, wondering when was the last time I had cried.

Was it when my parents died? Or when I ran through the forest, chased by hunters, wondering if they would catch and kill me? Or when the Trents took me in and gave me a home?

No. It was when Elizabeth died. When she wished me a long life and a love that would heal my wounds and make me happy. When I thought I lost it all forever.

I flinched, wiping my eyes and looking around to make sure nobody had noticed. I wasn’t sure how long I had been standing there, but when I looked after her, Margaret was gone.

Taking a deep breath, I gazed at the sky just as the moon dipped behind the clouds again. I felt the strange urge to smile as the light disappeared, leaving only the glow from the street lamps to disperse the dark of the night.

“Thank you,” I whispered, then straightened my shoulders and walked back to the sanctum.

Chapter 24

Celeste

Fuck, it hurt.

I rolled onto my back, wiping the sweat from my brow while trying to quell the fire that was threatening to devour me from the inside out. It had been manageable until now, but after walking in on three Fae having their way over the couches in one of the reception rooms, all hell broke loose. I couldn’t get the memory of their bodies writhing in pleasure out of my mind, no matter what I tried. Reciting potion ingredients didn’t help, trying to name all the plants I could see from my room also didn’t cut it. Once my mind took control and started showing me memories of the way Roman or Isaac had worshiped my body, I knew that I was done fighting it.

Slipping my hand between my legs, I tried to breathe through my nose as I dipped my fingers inside myself, using the ball of my hand to rub against my clit—just like Roman did when he was in the mood to see me come hard and fast on his fingers.

My other hand kneaded my breast, squeezing the nipple while I imagined Isaac’s mouth on it, licking and sucking until I couldn’t take it anymore. I pictured them both at the same time, touching and kissing and taking everything I could give and then some.

It still wasn’t enough.

The fire inside of me burned through the vision of them, leaving me wet and aching and ready to scream in frustration.

Kicking the covers off, I rolled out of bed, dropping to the floor as my wobbly feet buckled. I dragged myself up and staggered to the door. I didn’t bother to put any clothes over the sheer nightdress I wore—I doubted anyone I met out in the hallways at this hour would be wearing anything, anyway.

Unlocking my door, I pushed one of the wings open and stomped into the adjoining room, relief flooding my chest when I found it empty. I paused, listening in for any noises that would alert me to someone coming near. It took me a moment, but I heard them—moans and giggles and wails of passion, barely contained by the ancient walls.

“Goddamn Fae,” I murmured, pushing myself off the door as wetness pooled between my legs, sliding down my thighs and making them rub together in a way that was both a relief and unbearable torture.

I hurried down the hall, not slowing down until I finally reached the door I was aiming for. Banging my fist against the wood, I listened for any more moaning coming from inside. The room was unusually quiet, which could only mean he was somewhere getting his dick devoured by an eager female—or a male. I had seen him with both.

I was just turning away, determined to find someone willing to be tied up so they couldn’t attack me when the door swung open. Malakai stepped out, giving me a curious look that turned to one of worry. Shockingly, he seemed neither drunk nor in the middle of another orgy.

“Celeste? Are you alright?” he frowned, taking a step toward me. I instinctively took one back, tension locking my body while he studied me from head to toe. His nostrils flared as if he was scenting me and a look of surprise—and what I hoped was understanding—flashed in his eyes.

“Are you alone?” I asked, glancing at the door behind him. He followed my gaze, then swiftly stepped aside, motioning for me to enter. I had visited his chambers once before, searching for him to get started with the healing process, only to find him with a petite Fae girl on his face and a male Fae riding his cock. Needless to say, I didn’t get any of thehealinghe was offering to them. I was ready to get it now.

He closed the door and walked past me, stopping some distance away before turning to face me. His expression looked serene again, but his smile was not nearlyas wide—or as genuine—as before. Despite my attempt to hold his gaze, my eyes lowered to his exposed neck, to the sliver of pale skin that showed on his chest, to the big hands and long legs hidden behind too much cloth. If he noticed my appraising look, he said nothing.

“I need help and you are the only one I can trust here,” I said quietly, hoping he would understand the pleading in my eyes.

He said nothing for a few long heartbeats, then raised his hand and flicked his fingers. A few branches shot into the room, sliding toward the door and baring it. I sucked in a startled breath, looking back at him in question.

“You are safe with me. Always,” he said gently, raising his hands to the front of his robe and slowly undoing the knots. I watched him strip with slowness and grace that made my mouth dry and my thighs rub together on their own. I felt like an idiot, lusting over a guy that I barely liked, but the Goddess knew that I had done much worse than that. And he had already promised me his help so...

The robe fell from his shoulders, revealing way more than I expected underneath. While he was neither muscular nor toned, his body was so beautifully proportioned that I found myself staring with admiration. And the long, already half-hard cock sure explained why he always had volunteers to share his bed.

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