I don’t move.
But the councilfeelsme.
Even through silence and stillness.
Eliorin shifts in his seat. “And you’re confident this site can integrate with existing magical education systems?”
Clara turns her head, gaze steady. “Not just confident. We’ve already begun. The curriculum’s live.”
Juna leans forward. “And the Grove’s consent?”
This time, every head turns to me.
I don’t speak.
I don’t nod.
But vines slip through the cracks in the chamber walls—slow, deliberate. One wraps around the leg of my chair, its leaves warm and humming.
That’s my answer.
The Grove speaks without words.
Juna nods, smile creasing the corners of her eyes. “Noted.”
They move on.
Budget considerations. Trail expansion requests. One proposal about a Leyfield walking tour gets swatted down with a collective groan.
And I just sit there.
Quiet.
Watching.
Listening.
Rooted.
When the meeting ends, Clara doesn’t say anything right away. She just slips her hand into mine as we exit through the back corridor.
“You didn’t have to come,” she says.
I squeeze her fingers gently. “I wanted to.”
She looks up at me, eyes soft, and whispers, “You changed the whole room just by being there.”
I lower my head until my forehead touches hers.
“No,” I murmur. “Youdid.”
CHAPTER 25
CLARA
The moon hangs low, casting a silvery glow over the Grove. The air is heavy with the scent of blooming flowers and the promise of something new. Thorn and I stand in the heart of the sacred circle, our bodies close, our breath mingling. His eyes, deep and luminous, lock onto mine, and the world falls away. There’s only the two of us, and the ancient magic that binds us to this place.
He doesn’t speak, words are unnecessary. His fingers trace the curve of my cheek, gentle yet urgent. I lean into his touch, feeling the warmth of his skin, the rough texture of his fingertips. His lips find mine, soft at first, then with growing intensity. I respond with a longing I didn’t know I possessed, my arms wrapping around his neck to pull him closer.
