for me. Sentimentality wasn’t my thing, but even I could admit that my brother’s continued existence was vital to my happiness.
I stood abruptly. “We have to be extra vigilant. Killian must be protected at all costs, even if that means forfeiting our own place in the tournament.”
“Agreed.”
“How do you feel about today?” I didn’t want to worry about Flynn too, but I wasn’t sure I could help myself. We couldn’t assume our superior magical abilities made us impervious to injury or disqualification. They didn’t.
He straightened his shoulders. “I’m ready.”
Peering at Flynn, I wondered when he’d transformed into the man who stood before me. He’d always appeared plenty confident, but I’d attributed that to his devil-may-care personality. Now, though, confidence radiated from his being. This wasn’t a facade—he was ready and willing to do whatever was necessary. And I respected the hell out of that.
Not that I would say it aloud.
So, instead, I replied, “I don’t suppose that has anything to do with your conspicuous departure from dinner last night?”
His lips twitched. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
I scoffed. “Since when?”
At that, he allowed his mouth to turn into a full-fledged grin, and it was like the Flynn I knew and loved was standing before me once again. “Okay, fine. I’d be happy to tell, but I don’t want to gloat.”
Because he and Killian had both been with Imogen...and I hadn’t.
Doubt seeped into my consciousness. It was simple enough to see how she felt about my brothers. Her love for them shone from her pretty green eyes whenever they entered the room.
That adoration was missing when she looked at me.
She’d let me kiss her and hold her, but that didn’t mean anything. I still needed to make up for how I’d treated her in the prison and when she first arrived back in Tuatha. Even then, I didn’t know if she’d ever want me like she wanted them.
And that stung.
But it was also a problem for another day. Because the entirety of my focus needed to be on making certain Killian, Flynn, and I made it through today’s trial in one piece. Anything else could wait for later.
Imogen
Flynn took my hand. “I had a different idea about your glamour today.”
“What? Tired of the blonde already?”
He smirked. “I’m more into a certain redhead, but that’s not it. I thought you might like to be invisible for the day.”
I widened my eyes. “You can do that?”
He slid his gaze down my body and back up. “There’s not much I can’t do, which you should know by now.”
My cheeks heated, which was silly. He’d been deep inside of me last night, more than once, and I still blushed like a schoolgirl. Just great.
“But, to answer your question, yes. It’s a more involved spell, though, which means you won’t be visible to anyone—including Ronan, Killian, and me.”
“Oh.” That was strange to think about, but I didn’t see a problem with it. “You want me to snoop around during the tournament?”
He grinned. “Exactly. With all of the excitement and crowds, someone might let something slip. And, if not, you get the benefit of going anywhere you want without being noticed.”
I smiled back at him. “Let’s do it.”
His expression slipped. “There is one more thing.”
My heartbeat sped. I didn’t like his tone of voice. Something was wrong. “What is it?”
“Ronan and I don’t think Killian should know about your lament.” He stroked a thumb under one eye and then the other. “And your eyes give you away. The invisibility spell will keep Killian from seeing you.”
My stomach clenched at the deception, but I got it. Killian was already struggling with enough self-doubt. The last thing he needed was to be plagued with the knowledge that someone in the kingdom would die.
I would be worried enough for the both of us.
We stood in his room, but noise from outside drifted through the walls to us. Voices were lifted in excitement as the competitors gathered for the first challenge. It was time to get this show on the road. I nodded at Flynn. I was ready.
The magic he used to turn me invisible felt different. Usually, his magic drifted over me, like a cool breeze or a shiver.
This magic burned. It started on the surface of my skin then burrowed deep, going through muscle and bone. Flynn’s eyes narrowed, beads of sweat breaking out along his forehead and then dripping down his temple. I almost told him to stop, to not waste his energy, but my role today could prove