“You have enough in you for that?” he asks.
“I think so.”
I release another cluster of magical energy, a wash of heat from my sacral center. My illusion begins to alter into something decidedly not from my time as a youngling in the woods.
The house falls away, and the trees follow. My grandwitch spins and the light that created her becomes a version of me. I am reaching for someone. The pipe smoke, river, and sunlight from the first illusion morph into Argos, leaning forward to take me into his arms.
“Wait,” he whispers. “Is that me? Shirtless?”
I can’t help but laugh a little. “This is a dream I had.”
My pulse rate ramps up. I don’t love telling him that I’ve had him on my mind at night, but I do feel safe with him. Despite our being rivals, I truly believe he wouldn’t use my vulnerable moment here to hurt me. I trust him.
“I hope it doesn’t bother you,” I say, raising my chin.
“Definitely not. I adore the fact that you dreamt of this. It’s an honor.”
I look at him then, just a glance. The illusion’s light flickers gold and blue over his sharp cheekbones and square jaw. His luminous brown eyes will never fade from my memory.
“You amaze me, Tully.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.”
I pour the last of my magical energy into the illusion and the dream version of Argos sweeps a hand down dream Tully until his hand cups her arse.
Argos hums approval.
Our illusion doubles deepen their kiss. Argos’s horns dip to one side as he grips my jaw and drags his parted lips over mine. I can almost feel their movements. My breath catches as dream Argos slips the shoulder of my dress down.
The scent of ash increases suddenly and it’s nearly unbearable. I’m shaking and it’s not from arousal now. The magic of the mirror is running low.
“Almost complete,” I say, my words trembling from my efforts.
The stones are hot in my hands. I’ll have burns after this. If I survive.
The real Argos sets a hand on my back and I take a deep breath. Magic prickles along my arms and forehead and the stones grow even hotter. I grit my teeth, and then all at once, the room goes dark.
Chapter 24
Argos
Tully stirs beside me, and I ease my hold on her so she can turn onto her other side. Her eyes crack open. The light from my window turns her green eyes to a brilliant spring grass shade. I take a curl of her long hair between my fingers and savor the silky feel. Her eyes float closed again and she’s sleeping once more.
A warmth spins across my chest. I glance down at my loose sleeping tunic, and I freeze.
Black drops like rainwater swirl together to form a symbolic heart. More dark lines combine to create the look of magic sparking all around the symbol.
I take a shaky breath and my grip on Tully’s hip tightens.
It’s a mate’s mark. My head spins for a second. I’m shocked, but… I’m thrilled. Nervous as all hells, but hopeful? Is there really a chance for us to be mates? If one formed on her as well, she would have told me, wouldn’t she? Or maybe it shaped itself while she was sleeping and she has yet to discover it. I wince, thinking of her possible reactions. Tully isn’t one to be tied down. I know that. I love it about her. Could she ever commit to me? I will enjoy her no matter what, taking whatever she’ll give, but to think of having her as my mate is paradise.
She wakes and turns her face to mine. “We are constantly blacking out, you and me. We need a new trick.”
I laugh and press a kiss onto her head.
“So what happened?” she asks. “The mirror is dead, right?”
“You were magnificent,” I say quietly. “Complete success.”
