AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Arduous, overwhelming, and possibly dangerous. You’ll spend an exhausting few days absorbing your full powers. But then, you’ll be a witchling no more.”
I’m still having a tough time believing all this. I keep waiting for the laugh track…
“Don’t worry,” Bram adds. “You won’t be alone. Marrok will help you through it.”
Why would he think that? Marrok and I are having a… Well, it’s more than a fling on my part. But that doesn’t mean those feelings are a two-way street. He’s never had a relationship, never even wanted one. And the next thing on his to-do list is to die. So I’m not counting on him.
“Why don’t you come with me? I’ll introduce you around.” Bram escorts me across the room, Marrok in tow.
We pass groups of people, presumably magical. I try to smile, but when they all gape and stare, I focus straight ahead and ignore them.
Bram finally stops beside a couple. Scratch that. A gorgeous couple. The man is striking, with the bronzed skin of an outdoorsman, warm chocolate hair, and blue, blue eyes. The petite woman beside him has a head of golden ringlets that brush baby-smooth cheeks and accentuate her pouty, fuck-me mouth. The pair hold hands like totally smitten teenagers.
A bolt of envy pierces me.
Next to them stands a goddess. There’s no other way to describe her. The only thing average about the woman is her height. After that…she’s all sumptuous and golden, glowing and perfect. Her shining hair falls in pale waves to her waist. Her blue eyes dance with humor and intelligence. She’s also been blessed with dimples, grace that would make ballerinas cry, and a damn-near-perfect body. Even her sparkling sheath dress is Cosmo-ready. Is it any wonder that virtually every man in the room is giving her the visual twice-over?
Next to her, I feel like the old hag from Snow White, nose wart and all.
“Olivia, Marrok, these are my good friends Lucan MacTavish and his…wife, Anka.” Bram gestures to the couple.
Lucan smiles and extends his hand. Marrok shakes it as Anka greets me.
“Do I need to brew you a remembrance potion, dear brother?” the goddess chimes in.
Bram laughs. “As if anyone could forget you. This is my sister, Sabelle.”
“Oh! You’ve been manning my little gallery. I can’t thank you enough.”
I miss A Touch of Magic, but I’m so grateful Sabelle has been watching the place. If she even has half of Bram’s charm, I won’t be shocked to hear hordes of customers have been clamoring at the door.
“Little gallery? Not anymore. Word of Marrok’s carvings has spread. People are snapping them up.”
“Really? He’s incredibly talented.” I smile his way. “I knew his work would resonate with people.”
“Indeed! I might have set aside a few pieces I’d like for myself. They’re wonderful.”
Marrok shrugs his massive shoulders as if the compliments don’t matter. But I catch a little flash of pride on his face.
Sabelle nods. “Just today, I sold over thirty pieces.”
“Thirty?” My eyes threaten to pop from my head, and I grab Marrok’s sleeve. “I told you! I knew they would sell.” I whirl back to Sabelle. “Thank you so much. I’ve hated to impose.”
“It’s no imposition. I’m enjoying every minute I spend at A Touch of Magic.”
“You’ve been a godsend. Really. I promise I’ll be back in a day or two.”
Marrok’s grip tightens on me. “A week or two.”
I elbow him.
Sabelle laughs. Damn, even the sound of her mirth shimmers. “Don’t rush back on my account. It’s been so refreshing to spend time with people who appreciate art as much as I do.”
The temptation to spend more time with Marrok is too hard to resist. “I’m really not imposing?”
“Please. You’re saving me from spending all day under his thumb.” She points at Bram. “I should be paying you.”
“Very funny, little sister.”
