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“Growing up, I used to be so jealous of the witchlings with homes. So much so that I convinced myself that if I worked hard enough, one day I could afford my very own.” She laughed; the sound was more melancholic than joyful. “But I was wrong to think it was something you could buy, and I’m sorry for taking so long to realize it.” She paused, swallowingthe lump of fear in her throat. “The way my heart trembles when I’m near you, and the way you look at me, but actually seeme, makes it clear. You brought light into my life that not even the stars could muster. My home is with you, and forever will be. I love you, Soren.I love you so much.”
Then, Thessa kissed the serpent.
Quinnley gasped—from either the sight of Thessa’s lips on the serpent’s mouth, or the glistening veil of night Soren created while shifting back. Thessa sprang to her feet to meet him as Quinnley backed away, muttering something about fairytales.
From the corner of her eye, she watched Leora drape her arm across Emiel’s chest, holding him back as Soren uncurled.
Quinnley was a powerful witch, was all Thessa could think about while staring at Soren’s nude and unscarred body. Everything was perfect, with the exception of one missing serpent tattoo.
Soren followed her gaze, brushing a palm over his clear skin in recognition. What she’d thought was a tattoo was an imprint.
Echidna wasgone.
Despite this, and everything he’d been through, Soren stepped closer, scanning her. He whispered, “Are you hurt?”
Thessa’s heart crumpled. She shook her head—the weight of it suddenly so heavy. “Not physically.” Her words broke as they came out.
Soren’s strong hand cupped her face, lifting her watery gaze to meet his. His eyes glazed over like black pearls before crashing his lips into hers. Their tears mingled on her cheeks as he swept her off her feet.
Pulled in tight, she felt every emotion in his embrace—grief and anger, hope and longing, desire and need. Butsomething lingered above the rest; it was so strong her insides melted.
Atop her lips, Soren said, “I love you too, Thessa. So very much,” before shielding them both with his magic.
54
ONE YEAR LATER
Thessa beat the metal thin enough before shaping it. With so much to rebuild, she’d found her real purpose in Andera, but today was for a special project.
She paused, admiring the freshly planted lavender on her windowsill, thinking about how much Professor Shovak would love it here—her very own workshop tucked into the forest of Wilcrest.
Back to work, she hammered the metal along the edge of her anvil, curving it, until the two delicate ends met.
Next, she sifted through her unorganized bucket of tools for some sandpaper. “There you are,” she purred, before plucking it out. Humming to herself, she smoothed out the ring—which was less time consuming than a dagger.
“Knock, knock,” Soren blurted before barging through the door.
She spun around, wide-eyed. “Usually one knocks with their fist, not their mouth,” she reminded him. A casualsweep of her hands behind her back, and she slipped the ring onto her thumb.
He sauntered toward her with a wicked smile. “Are apologies in order?
She lifted her chin in innocence. “I would think that’s only appropriate.”
Hoisting her atop the workbench, he nudged himself between her legs. “How would you like me to express my regret?”
She tugged at the fabric along his waistline before meeting his eyes with fervent intensity. “Undressing will do.”
Soren obliged, and just the sight of him nude had her lips parting.
“Onlyyouwould forge in a dress,” he noted.
She smiled, lifting her arms up. After he helped pull it off, he unlaced her boots and yanked those off too.
Settling his body against hers, he turned her soot-stained cheek and whispered something naughty in her ear. Her body buzzed for him, especially as he dragged his sharp teeth down her neck and pulled her undergarment to the side.
That day he’d shifted from serpent to Soren, he’d practically taken her in front of their friends. Later that night, there’d been nothing to stop him. Without the need to hide their magic or love any longer, he’d laid down all his walls and gave her everything.
Soren pressed the tip of his length against her center before asking, “Is this what you want?”