me was interfering in whatever was happening, but there had to be some way around it. I couldn’t stay stuck to Ryland in the water all day.
The current pushed us closer together until my face pressed into his chest and I could hear the rapid thumping of his heart against my ear. I fit perfectly against him while his palms lay flat against my hips. If he wasn’t being so stubborn about the whole thing, I’d probably attempt to make a move on him, but I wasn’t pathetic and didn’t need him if he didn’t want me.
Correction, I didn’t need him to like me. I did apparently need him to help me get out of the mess I’d found myself in. Then, we could never speak again if that’s what made him happy.
The tearing pain in my chest said it wasn’t going to be so easy to walk away from my soulmate, even if he was a jerk, but others had said it was possible. So, I’d survive it and do my best not to let myself be completely shattered by a stranger in the process.
With those thoughts, I’d officially decided that magic sucked.
“What are you two doing?” Jordan screeched from above us as she came racing toward the water with Stryx and an older lady right behind her.
Focusing on the newcomer I wasn’t familiar with, I watched in fascination as she moved her hands in circular motions and then thrust them at Ryland and me. When the magic came closer, instead of hitting us, it dove into the water and the pressure keeping us locked together finally gave.
Ryland scrambled away first, and I followed immediately after. When I was back on the grass, Stryx landed on my shoulder. “Dry yourself off.”
Peeking over at Ryland, I realized he was completely dry; the only evidence we’d taken a swim was the disheveled appearance of his hair.
Not wanting to be shown up, I connected with my inner fae, but ended up on my ass instead as Stryx flew away to avoid being crunched on the ground underneath me.
Jordan snickered, but the newcomer shushed her. “Kaliah, my name is Lorelle. Let me help you.” She reached a hand to me, which I gladly took and stood up. “As you’ve learned, your power is too strong for your body, and you’re unable to handle the full amount gifted to you. In time, this will not be the case, but I have something to help you in the interim.”
She backed away before reaching into a bag that was draped over her shoulder. When her hand came back out, it was holding a crown. A real freaking crown with purple gems made from something very shiny and silver—white gold, chrome, platinum? I had no idea, but there was no way I was wearing it. Nothing screamed “look at me!” more than a crown, and I had zero desire to have that kind of attention on me.
“Don’t look at the crown like that. It’s not going to bite you,” Lorelle chastised.
“But do I have to wear that thing? Or can I just keep it in my pocket or something?” I asked.
She shoved the crown at me. “You should be proud of your heritage, not ashamed of it. This crown will help you control your erratic magic, and possibly save your life. As soon as you accept who you are, the easier this will be for everyone.”
Then, the crazy old lady disappeared.
“Who the hell was she?” I asked, fidgeting with the crown that warmed in my hands.
Stryx landed back on my shoulder. “That’s Lorelle. She’s the second most powerful person currently in Arvayta.”
“Who’s the first?” I asked.
His beak snapped at me as if I should have known the answer already. “Me. Now, put the crown on and get dry, then let’s break for the afternoon before coming back this evening.”
Grinding my teeth, I reluctantly put on the crown and heard Jordan snickering to Ryland, who I assumed was waiting to call me Princess again, but surprisingly, kept all opinions to himself.
When the crown was placed on my tangled mess of hair, it was almost as if it melded to me. I shook my head, but it didn’t budge. Then, I tapped into my abilities and was thankful when I stayed upright the second time around.
As my magic spread throughout my body, I thought about what I wanted it to do. Within a few seconds, I was completely dry, including my hair, which was softer and fuller than it