she would have an opportunity to put her new power to use as she took over the city. The tree would belong to her. It wanted to belong to her. She heard it in her blood.
“You look like you’re enjoying yourself.”
She turned to see Ian had joined her. “It’s beautiful outside, isn’t it?”
He nodded. “It is.” He swatted at something. “I could do without the bugs.”
She frowned at him. “The hum of the insects is like music to me.”
One of his brows quirked up. “Have you been into the wine? I’m not sure that’s a great idea before we attempt this spell.”
“No.” She inhaled and let his accusation slide over her. “I am completely sober.” She smiled as she realized how she must look. “I might be a little drunk on power. We are about to own this city, after all.”
He laughed. “That’s true.” He took her hand, pulled her close and began to sway side to side with her in his arms.
“What are you doing?”
“Dancing. Can’t you tell?” He kissed her jaw. “You said the insect noise was like music, so…”
She smiled. “You’re the right man for me.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He moved them around the pond in a slow, waltzing circle. “Zara’s awake and taking a ritual cleansing bath. We’re about an hour from showtime.”
“I’m ready. I couldn’t be more ready.”
“Good.”
She canted her head and looked at him. He would do whatever she wanted him to. No matter what that was. The growing sense of power within her blossomed. “Do you love me?”
“You know I do.” He spun her out and back in again. “Have I given you any reason to think otherwise?”
“No. I just wanted to hear it.” She stroked her fingers down his cheek. “I could have killed Augustine today.”
“Why didn’t you?”
She smiled as sweetly as she knew how. “Because after we cast this spell, I want you to do it.” The lightning tree leaves fluttered against her chest. “And I want you to get rid of that busybody housekeeper of his, too.”
Ian bowed low. “Your wish is my command, my Lady. So mote it be.”
Augustine shut the Thrun’s engine off, but instead of getting out, he turned toward Harlow. “Dulcinea’s in the house. We can’t discuss Giselle taking a piece of the lightning tree in front of her.”
Harlow nodded. “I know, but keeping something this big a secret isn’t going to be easy. At what point do we share everything? Giselle having that piece of the lightning tree could be crucial.”
“Or it could mean nothing. She probably doesn’t even know what she has.”
Harlow looked out the window. Pink and orange streaked the sky as the sun set. “She’s a witch. How hard could it be to figure out?”
He sighed. “It’s not my place to tell Dulcinea about the lightning tree.”
She glanced at him, frowning. “Are you saying it’s mine? Because to me, it feels like Lally’s decision. She’s the most involved.” She shook her head. “I say we talk to her first, see what she wants to do.”
“Okay, that’s our plan then.” He reached over and rested his hand on her arm, the fabric of her long-sleeve tunic preventing anything other than his warmth from getting through. “I know I’ve already said it but I am so glad you’re you again.”
“Me, too. More than I can tell you.”
“Whatever happens with the witches, with Senator Pellimento, with any of this, nothing pulls us apart again. As much as we can help it.”
“Agreed.” Her heart did a strange, fluttery thing and she knew she was about as deep in as a woman could get. She loved him. Without a shadow of a doubt. “Let’s go figure out how to rescue Cy and the others, huh?”
“You got it.”
They walked to the house hand in hand, separating as they entered the kitchen.
Dulcinea greeted them. “Hey, Lally’s resting, so don’t make too much noise.”
“Thank you for taking care of her.” Harlow smiled. She was completely over whatever tension remained between her and the changeling. So what if she’d slept with Augustine years ago when they were kids. So what if she’d flaunted her faeness when Harlow had first arrived. She was a kind, generous, powerful woman who never refused to help, no matter what the situation, and for that, Harlow was grateful. “That was very kind of you. I really appreciate everything you’ve done. Not just for Lally but for me, too.”
Dulcinea’s bicolored eyes widened a bit. “Um, sure.”
Augustine stood at Harlow’s side, a curious look on his face.
Harlow shook