As his image filled her mind, Elsa’s houseplants began to grow with quiet, unnatural speed. Muriel tamped down those thoughts before things got out of hand. Her magic had been on the erratic side lately, manifesting with her emotional state. The stronger the emotion, the stronger the manifestation.
She definitely had emotions where Brandon Emrys was concerned.
Which was yet another reason why she should stay far away from Mythic and the man who occupied so many of her thoughts these days.
Brandon, the blue-eyed mage she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about. The one who looked at Muriel as if she were the most fascinating creature in existence. It was as flattering as it was unsettling.
Whether his interest was in her or her elemental abilities was unclear. He had plenty of his own magic simmering just below the surface.
That was the problem.
She didn’t trust him—or mages in general. Her father had been one, and he’d abandoned them before Muriel was even born, leaving her mother alone and broken-hearted.
Muriel didn’t want to make the same mistake her mother had. She wasn’t going to fall for a handsome face and pretty words, no matter how many emotions the man elicited.
“Complicated how?” Elsa prompted.
Muriel sipped her tea, thinking how best to answer that. She didn’t want to lie to the woman who had been like a second mother to her. “Like you, my life is here.”
Her life might not seem like much to others, but she was content. She was safe. There were worse things than loneliness.
“Honey, you live alone and keep to yourself withnothing but your plants to occupy your days. Your mother's been gone two years now.” Elsa's voice was gentle but firm. “You’re young and beautiful with a soul to match. You have your whole life ahead of you. You should start living it.”
When Muriel said nothing, Elsa patted her hand. “Just promise me you’ll think about it. Go to Mythic. See what happens. If it’s not your cup of tea, at least you will have given it a try.”
Three days later,Muriel returned to her cottage after yet another day in the woods, gathering roots and mushrooms and considering her options. The protection wards she’d placed around the property welcomed her with a ripple of familiar energy.
She’d been thinking a lot about what Elsa had said. If she stayed in Shenandoah, nothing would ever change. Was that how she wanted to spend the rest of her life? Alone and on the fringe?
On the other hand, moving to Mythic was a big step and required a level of courage she didn’t think she had.
Her grass was plenty green right where she was.
When she checked the mailbox on the edge of her property, she was pleasantly surprised to find a package awaiting her. Wrapped in plain brown paper and secured with twine, it had the shape and heft of a book. Curious, she looked at the sender’s information, and her heart began to beat faster.
The Glas Tann, Mythic.
Brandon’s magical bookstore.
The fiery trumpet honeysuckle climbing along the post grew thicker, filling the air with its sweet scent. With a mix of anticipation and trepidation, she grabbed her basket with one hand and cradled the package with the other. Yes, Brandon’s interest unnerved her, but when was the last time someone had sent her a gift?
Her feet glided over the stones to her door. Stepping inside, she breathed in the comforting scents of dried lavender and rosemary, scents of patchouli and vetiver, hints of cedar, and mountain sage. Just to prove she could—and to extend the anticipation a little longer—she brewed a cup of herbal tea before allowing herself to sit on the couch with her package.
Brimming with curiosity, she peeled back the simple brown wrapping, gasping when she read the title—Liber Terrae: Ancient Wisdom of the Earth.
She held the tome with reverence, taking in the worn leather cover and yellowed parchment pages.
Opening the cover with shaking hands, she saw a card tucked inside, the note written in bold, masculine script:Came upon this and thought of you. Brandon.
That was it. Simple. Genuine. A little swoon worthy. And quite possibly the best present she’d ever received.
Flowering plants bloomed with the surge of energy she couldn’t contain. Vines sprouted new leaves, cascading like waterfalls from shelves.
She couldn’t keep it, of course. But maybe shecouldlook through it before she sent it back. To not even skim through it seemed like a poor way to repay Brandon’s thoughtfulness, even if it was way too much.
Muriel curled her feet beneath her, snuggled back against the multitude of throw pillows in rich, earthy shades, and settled in. Then she turned to the first page and began to read.
Hours later,Muriel jolted awake, heart pounding, her senses on high alert.