least two crystal rings on each of my fingers, all of which serving as specific amulets of power– some to receive and some to give out. Several crystals hung from chains around my neck, but not the one I really wanted. Bentley needed the Book of Shadows and I felt naked without it, and a little panicked. The sooner I got this done the sooner I could have my book back.
With that in mind I pushed my shoulders back, held my head high, and marched out of our room – I’d gone up to collect myself for a moment. I could have materialized or portaled but my nerves were shot, so I took the stairs like any other normal person. When I got to the bottom and rounded the corner, the fire in the fireplace roared, orange flames shot up tall and flickered.
The door to the basement flew open and that fresh rain scent I loved so much slammed into my face.
Tennessee.
A wave of his power washed over me like a summer breeze, making my hair sway. I grinned and stopped to wait for him. His tan hand gripped the edge of the door and his silver rings glistened in the candlelit room. He stepped in and my breath caught in my throat. I prayed I never got used to this feeling, even if it wreaked havoc on my system.
He looked glorious as ever in his ceremonial white sheath that made his tan skin look like honey. His jet-black fell in wild waves all the way down to his shoulders now and it looked like he might have brushed it – or at least ran his fingers through it to remove knots. That was a huge step for him. The crown on his head filled my heart with happiness. It just looked so natural on him, and I prayed mine would too.
“Hey, I just was checking Riah real quick for her.” His mismatched eyes met mine and then he frowned. “Are you okay?”
I nodded but words wouldn’t come.
My thoughts went to Saffie.
There was something going on between her and Riah. They were definitely romantically involved but it felt…stronger than that. If I hadn’t known any better I would have assumed they were soulmates. I’d grown rather familiar to the aura of soulmates. Except there was no glyph on either of them. I knew it worked differently for other species. I knew for fae it happened at first kiss…so either these two had not kissed yet or there was some other reason I could not see a glyph.
But now was not the time to ask.
Tenn cleared his throat. “Babe?”
I groaned and tackled my soulmate.
His arms wrapped around me instantly. “Talk to me.”
“I’ve wanted this since y’all explained how The Coven worked…” I peeked up at him without pulling away. “Why am I so terrified now that I’m getting it?”
He smiled and cupped my face in his hands. “Because you’re a good person who cares more than anyone realizes. Because this wild, tough, crazy exterior hides a sensitive, compassionate person who wants to save the world.”
I pouted. “I hate that you see me so well.”
He grinned. “No you don’t.”
“I know I don’t.”
He chuckled then pressed his lips to mine. For a moment, all of my fear vanished. It was just him. Us. Everything was right in the world. I felt strong and invincible.
And then he pulled away, stepping back until his arms dropped to his sides and cold air swept between us. He winked. “Take a deep breath. Maybe swear a few times. Then join us outside so we can crown you.”
“Okay.”
I watched him turn and race out the back door, moving at a speed only he could reach.
Take a deep breath.
I took three.
Maybe swear a little.
I swore a lot.
Then join us outside.
Right. It’s time. I want this.
I can do this.
The nerves I felt needed to die a slow painful death, but not at my expense. I hated feeling unsure of myself. Once this was done there’d be no turning back, so I needed to get it over with so I could go back to feeling like myself.
With that, I took another deep breath then materialized outside at the base of the dirt pathway that led straight to the Holy Ground. Up ahead, my Coven-mates were in a circle, ready and waiting to crown me. But between me and them was a sea of white and for a moment, it caught me off guard. With all my stressing over Saffie I’d somehow